Heritage Audio Herchild 660 Mono Tube Compressor

Heritage Audio
$10,499.00
(No reviews yet)
Shipping:
Free Shipping
Current Stock:
Adding to cart… The item has been added

Heritage Audio Herchild 660 Mono Tube Compressor

Dual-channel Tube Limiter/Compressor with Class A Circuitry, M-S processing, AMI Input Transformers, CineMag Output Transformers, and Sidechain Filter
 
Please allow 10-14 days delivery
 
At last....
 
After decades of being so rare, hard to come by and almost considered mystical and near impossible to acquire, most people just assumed they would never be able to actually use this legend, but don't worry, the HERCHILD Model 670 is finally here and within reach of everyone.

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 22 tubes and 9 transformers you can be sure the HERCHILD Model 670 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…

Heritage Audio has been able to successfully follow the original design and trace the necessary components to provide a modern day alternative. It's taken us years, but we've finally produced something so special that it's 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, w've been able to add a few things to make it more practical in modern day studios.  First off w've given direct access to the continuously variable slope control (DC Threshold). 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, i's just about impossible to fathom a compressor without this feature as it´s 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.   The HERCHILD Model 670 is a two channel unit so you have the option to use them independently or linked together.  There are actually 4 modes of operation:  Individual, Link(Stereo), LAT/VERT(MID/SIDE) & LAT/VERT Link.  Using the LAT/VERT mode provides a whole new world of options to your mix.

So finally, after so many years of this being unobtainable to mere mortals, the HERCHILD Model 670 is here and within reach of everyone.  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. 

Smart, program-dependent soft-knee compression

The buttery-smooth sound of the vocals on Beatles’ records is largely thanks to the original Model 660, the mono version of the famous compressor, of which EMI Studios (Abbey Road) owned several. (If you prefer a stereo unit that can also handle mid-side processing, note that Heritage Audio also makes the Herchild Model 670.) This sound is the result of a number of factors, including — as featured in the Herchild 660 — 11 tubes and five transformers. An inherent sonic attribute of this type of “variable-mu” dynamics control is the gentle, soft knee of the compression curve, with reasonably fast attack and fairly long release times. It’s also program dependent, so gain reduction starts at a very low ratio on small peaks and gradually increases to brickwall territory on very loud input signals. While on the Fairchild, the DC Threshold is adjusted via an internal trim pot, the Herchild 660 and 670 bring the powerful DC Threshold control out to the front panel for immediate access. This allows for adjustment over a wide range, from a seamless transition between compression and hard limiting to a harder, more pronounced knee. Another valuable feature is a sidechain filter that allows you to minimize the influence of low frequencies on compression action.

Heritage Audio: legendary performance and epic value

Founded in 2011 by engineer/producer Peter Rodriguez, Heritage Audio immediately set about designing and manufacturing equipment inspired by legendary vintage British console modules. The company leverages the same handwired, transformer-coupled Class A circuitry, with functionality aimed at today’s studio workflows. In 2021, the company turned its attention across the Atlantic with the acclaimed MotorCity EQ, and now the Herchild 660 and 670. Designed to stringent tolerances and meticulously crafted in the company’s factory in Spain, Heritage Audio gear delivers clean, problem-free audio with generous headroom and the vintage-flavored sonics we all crave. 

Heritage Audio Herchild 660 Mono Tube Compressor

Features:

  • The sound of a legend, now available to everyone
  • Classic tube-based compression
  • Class A circuitry with 11 tubes and 5 transformers
  • AMI input transformers; CineMag output transformers
  • Sidechain filter accommodates modern studio applications
  • Front-panel access to the continuously variable slope
  • Clean, intelligent design and robust build for many years of use
This product is custom ordered so please allow 4 weeks for delivery.

STL Pro Audio is the authorised Heritage Audio dealer in New Zealand.