For years the industry has referred to this tube-based beast as something special, unique and even magic-like. The original Fairchild has indeed been an essential part of the sound to so many hits during several decades. It certainly has earned its title as the ´grandaddy´ of all compressors. Being based around 11 valves and 5 transformers you can be sure the HERCHILD Model 660 will imprint its signature sound all over your tracks providing that familiar tone that we’ve all come to love. Although it was originally designed to be used for cutting lacquer masters for vinyl albums it didn’t take long for engineers to realize that it could do much more. It soon became an essential studio tool for many innovative artists, engineers and producers and could be found in most professional studios.

As there were only about 500 units originally produced there just simply aren’t enough to go around for everybody. Add to that the original requires quite a lot of special maintenance and after nearly 60 years there just simply aren’t many still in good shape. So that’s where Heritage Audio comes in…

We’ve been able to successfully follow the original design and trace the necessary components to provide a modern day alternative. Its taken us years, but we feel we’ve finally produced something so special that its capable of letting the old grandaddy take a long deserved rest, and make room for the new blood to take over.

While staying true to the original in terms of response and sound, we’ve been able to add a few things to make it more practical in modern day studios. First off we’ve given direct access to the continuously variable slope control. This is something that makes the compressor so much more flexible and was only available on the original via an inconvenient screw adjustment hidden from immediate access. Then there’s the SC FILTER. Nowadays, its just about impossible to fathom a compressor without this feature as its become so important in everyday use. Here we’ve provided 4 different frequencies to choose from to precisely tailor your compression needs. We’ve also faithfully reproduced the exact attack and release times in the Time Constant section so you can confidently recreate the feel of its ancestor.

So finally, after so many years of this being unobtainable to mere mortals, the HERCHILD Model 660 is here. Enjoy the sound that has blessed thousands and thousands of hits throughout the years. Feel the warmth as it hugs your tracks and makes them stand out proudly from all the rest.