XY-FAT
Key Features
- Unified stereo processing adds compression, tonal shaping, and soft saturation without separate routing.
- Fattness control raises compression depth, output level, and saturation intensity from one macro-style slider.
- Colour control adjusts the plugin's peak EQ behavior and saturation threshold for brighter or warmer emphasis.
- Input gain and soft clipping let users push material harder for harmonic density and controlled edge.
- AutoGain helps maintain a more consistent output level while changing the processing amount.
- Built-in limiter and threshold controls provide a safety stage for keeping boosted signals under control.
- Bypass switching supports fast A/B comparison when judging subtle thickening or heavier enhancement.
Description
XY-FAT is a streamlined stereo fattener from 23DSP for adding weight, warmth, and harmonic push without building a multi-plugin chain. It runs the full stereo signal through high-pass filtering, envelope-followed compression, peak EQ tone shaping, and soft saturation, then keeps the workflow focused around a small set of controls.
The main Fattness control increases compression depth, output drive, and the amount of soft clipping, while Colour shifts the tonal emphasis and saturation threshold. Input gain, AutoGain, limiter, limiter threshold, and bypass controls make it practical for quick A/B checks on drums, synths, vocals, and buses.
This is the simpler companion to XY-FAT Pro, which adds separate Mid/Side processing for more detailed stereo sculpting. The standard XY-FAT version is better suited to fast broad-stroke enhancement when a source needs more body, presence, and glue with minimal setup.
The plugin is still labeled as open beta, so producers should test it before relying on it in critical sessions. The official page also warns that Apple Gatekeeper restrictions can affect macOS and Logic Pro compatibility, with a terminal command provided for clearing quarantine on the AU component.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is XY-FAT different from XY-FAT Pro?
XY-FAT processes the full stereo signal with linked controls for fast enhancement. XY-FAT Pro adds separate Mid/Side processing and independent parameter control for users who need more detailed stereo sculpting.
Is XY-FAT mainly a saturator or a compressor?
It combines both roles. The processing chain uses envelope-followed compression, tonal EQ shaping, and soft saturation, so it works as a broad fattener rather than a single-purpose compressor or distortion plugin.
Why does the download stay external?
23DSP distributes XY-FAT through Gumroad as a 0 EUR pay-what-you-want product. Because Gumroad handles delivery through checkout and email, users should download it from the official Gumroad page.
What should Mac users know before installing it?
The official page says the beta can be affected by Apple Gatekeeper restrictions and may not work across all OSX versions and Logic Pro setups. It provides a terminal xattr command for clearing quarantine on the AU component.
