DESCRIPTION
The HERCHILD Model 660 is our newest release and one of the products we are proudest of. A tube-based audio
compressor with a striking resemblance to one of the most famous compressors of all time, the Fairchild 660.After years of
research, development and new designs we are finally ready to release this beast to the public. While making sure to
capture all the lush sound and mystique of the original we were able to improve on several aspects and offer a more
reliable, more durable, modern version that will last you for decades to come.
The HERCHILD Model 660 contains nothing less that 11 valves and 5 transformers to achieve that indistinguishable,
classic, triumphant sound that we all know and love. The original intention of the his historical compressor was to be used
in the cutting of lacquer masters for vinyl albums, but it soon became an industry standard for getting that all enveloping
sound that takes us to another level.
The Fairchild 660 is found on almost all of the classic releases in the 60´s and 70´s, defining the sound of a generation…or
two.
The grandaddy of all tube-based compressors had a relatively limited amount produced, somewhere between 500 and
1,000 units.Therefore, some 60 years later there are only a small amount that remain today. There are even fewer that are
totally usable as years have gone by since it´s late 1950´s introduction so many units aren´t exactly as they once
were.Maintenance is obligatory on a high-end piece like this and unfortunately, too many of them have simply been
neglected and aren´t up to their optimal specifications. This means an alternative is needed.And this is where the
HERCHILD Model 660 comes in, to once again offer that magic that only this compressor design can.
Our HERCHILD Model 660 offers a couple of new and ever so helpful features. The user now has immediate access to the
all important DC THRESHOLD.This control basically combines adjustments to the progressively developing curved RATIO
and the KNEE simultaneously through 4 different settings varying from a gentle slope to a more pronounced and
aggressive slope.This control really does put
sound manipulation right at your finger tips as opposed to the original´s out of
reach and inconvenient screw adjuster. The other main addition is something no modern day studio can be without, a side
chain filter.With the SC FILTER on the HERCHILD Model 660 you have 4 different frequencies to choose from: 50, 100,
200 and 350Hz.Using this feature you now have lots more control over just how much compression will be applied as you
can make it less sensitive to the lower frequencies therefore allowing more compression where you need it and for the track
to stay powerful.
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