| "...No matter where we swapped out our spikes and cones with Fat Padz, better tonal balance was achieved, with tighter midbass and more accurate imaging. Again, I found the Fat Padz to work very well under minimonitors, doing a much better job than anything I have tried with my Quad 12L's." (read full review) -Jeff Dorgay, Tone Audio |
Introduction
Fat Padz are stand-alone, vibration-absorbing devices which provide effective, "problem-free" resonance control and vibration damping with active and passive components. Compared to conventional cone-type isolation devices, Fat Padz are more tonally neutral, and more effective at reducing distortion, since they have the ability to dissipate energy as well as reduce the amount of new energy that can be introduced into the component from its support surface. They are more convenient and somewhat safer to use than cones, since they are physically more stable and cannot topple over.Description
The Fat Pad is a mini Symposium platform- only 2" by 3" (5 x 7.6 cm), and 7/8" thick (2.2 cm) with tops and bottoms that are layers of precision laser-cut, polished stainless steel. Their interior consists of 3 constrained layers, including a 3/4" (1.9 cm) thick foam center section banded with textured vinyl edgebanding. The foam section is the same thickness as the Super Plus Platform. A Fat Pad can be considered an "expanded" Point Pod, since it is identical save for its thicker, banded foam center.
Application and Function
Fat Padz are convenient in situations where a full platform isn't practical. Their 7/8" (2.2 cm) height is enough to bypass most existing equipment feet, and should be used to directly support the metal chassis of active components. By coupling directly to the equipment chassis, Fat Padz damp excess mechanical energy from the component's structure, dissipating it as heat. By providing a non-resonant, non-compliant mechanical ground connection which simultaneously dissipates energy as heat (an important distinction to make over ordinary footer devices), Fat Padz reduce background noise induced in the electrical pathways of electronic and electro-acoustical devices.Fat Padz also provide isolation from vibration originating in the support surface, such as a floor or rack shelf. They are very effective with loudspeakers, and can improve overall loudspeaker distortion levels by reducing intermodulation distortion caused by the reflection of mechanical energy to the drivers from the speaker cabinet.
Ideal For Stacked Components!
Fat Padz are ideal for stacked components; when convenience or room do not allow other deployments, Fat Padz are perfect as isolation and damping solutions for components which would otherwise simply sit on top of one another with their built-in feet. By placing Fat Padz in between the components, one will simultaneously damp both components AND isolate each one from another, improving results.Placement and Set Up
Place Fat Padz as you would other "footer" devices. We recommend three, placed under the component so that the stainless steel top contacts the underside of the chassis, bypassing the rubber feet. If you're treating a small component, two may be sufficient. If possible, "butt" the edges of the top plate against any protruding screws, bolts, etc., as this will improve results. Please click on the link provided immediately below for a separate page on Fat Padz Setup Tips.Click on this line for Fat Padz Set Up Tips
Want more isolation and damping power in a taller Pad? Check out Symposium Ultra Padz.
