Heritage Audio Herchild Next Gen 670N Stereo Tube Compressor/Limiter

Heritage Audio Herchild Next Gen 670N Stereo Tube Compressor/Limiter

2-channel Tube Compressor/Limiter with Class A Circuitry, M-S Processing, and Sidechain Filter

For over six decades, recording, mastering, and broadcast engineers alike have coveted the grandaddy of compressors, the iconic Fairchild. This reverence is due to its inimitably smooth, creamy, and natural-sounding dynamics control, heard on countless classic recordings of the ’60s, ’70s, and beyond. Less than 1,000 were ever built, and today they are exceedingly rare, and even more so if you’re seeking one in good working condition. If you can find a suitable stereo Model 670, it will command a hefty price commensurate with its 66-pound curb weight. Fortunately, Heritage Audio addressed this quandary several years ago with the Herchild Model 670, a formidable re-creation that delivered the sought-after sonics and program-dependent behavioral characteristics of this classic tube compressor, along with modern precision, premium components, and robust build quality — at a fraction of the price (and weight) of a functioning vintage unit. Now, Heritage Audio genius strikes again with the Herchild Next Gen 670N.

What’s new in the Next Gen

The Herchild Next Gen 670N delivers the same outstanding performance as its esteemed predecessor — but amps up the functionality exponentially with new features tailored for modern production, such as independent bypass, sidechain filtering, and a redesigned, sonically transparent output makeup gain stage for each channel based on Heritage Audio’s acclaimed transformer-coupled HA-880 op-amp. The six Attack and Release times have been thoughtfully revamped to accommodate today’s production requirements. The progressive DC threshold, which combines ratio and knee control, has also been tweaked to provide a more useful transition between hard limiting and transparent compression. These innovative enhancements make the Herchild Model 670N considerably more flexible than the original Herchild 670.

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. An inherent sonic attribute of this type of “vari-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 trimpot, the Herchild Model 670N brings 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.

Discover the power of mid-side processing

Like its vintage inspiration, the Heritage Audio Herchild 670N works differently from most other compressors. Dating back to the early 1950s, the original design addressed the need for effective level control in vinyl disc mastering. The stereo long-playing record was becoming established and existed alongside monaural LPs. Being that stereo disc grooves stored twice the amount of information as those of a mono LP, dynamic shaping of the program material was essential (as was stereo/mono compatibility). The 670, placed in front of a cutting lathe, gave the mastering engineer precise control over the depth and the width of the grooves in order to maintain sufficient program length and level for an LP to be competitive with other commercial releases. Like the original, the Herchild 670N features LAT VERT and LAT VERT LINK modes. If you’ve discovered the advantages of mixing and mastering with mid-side (M-S) processing, LAT VERT gives you mid-side functionality for mixes with increased width, depth, and focus. LAT VERT LINK does the same, but with the two channels linked.

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. Then, in short order, along came the Herchild 670 and 660, the Grandchild 670/500, and now the Herchild Next Gen 670N. 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 Next Gen 670N Features:

• A meticulous re-creation of an iconic stereo tube compressor/limiter
• Legendary vari-mu dynamics control, now available to everyone
• Class A circuitry powered by mil-spec NOS tubes and custom-made transformers
• Advanced sidechain filter accommodates modern studio applications
• Stepped controls for every parameter
• 6 Attack and Release times adapted to today’s production needs
• Front-panel access to the continuously variable slope
• LAT/VERT mode facilitates mid-side processing
• Clean, intelligent design and robust build for many years of use
• Independent bypass for each channel
• Stereo and Dual-mono operability
• Output makeup gain
• Robust 5U rackmount chassis
• Handcrafted in Madrid, Spain

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