Fairchild Model 660

• Mono operation
• Six selectable time constants
• Threshold, compression and makeup gain controls
• Measurement with VU meter
• Construction with hand-welded point-to-point welding
• Custom designed transformers
• Tube amplification: 4x 6386, 1x 12AX7, 1x GZ34, 1x 12BH7, 1x 6BL7, 2x 6V6GT, 1x E80F or (1x EF806), 1x 5651

Fairchild Model 660

Superior quality mono compressor/limiter. For warm, rich sounds. Faithful replica with point-to-point welding of the original model.

The Fairchild Model 660 is a single channel compressor/limiter which has historically contributed, with its use in many songs which have now become classics in the history of the recording industry, to the evolution of analogue recording. The globally recognized standard for gain control, the Fairchild Model 660 is considered one of the most sought after compressor/limiters ever produced.
Its ability to infuse warmth and color into any signal makes it an essential element for any producer or audio engineer looking for a full, full-bodied sound. Due to the popularity of its big brother the Fairchild Model 670, only 1000 were made and today there are very few original Fairchild Model 660s still in working condition. Designed and built by recording legend Rein Narma and Les Paul, the Fairchild 660 is now back in this new incarnation faithful to the original version. Built to original specifications, it uses the same custom wound valves and transformers, with point-to-point soldering and turret-style construction.

Unlike other replicas, the Fairchild 660 is made with the intent to truly be as faithful to the original as possible.

The Fairchild Model 660 can be used with a wide range of applications, giving the sound a particular richness and expressiveness. It is ideal for working with voice recordings, thanks to its ability to optimize expressive nuances. It also performs excellently with drums, bass and guitars, giving each of these instruments a fuller, more vibrant sound. String instruments, piano and brass benefit from the 660's ability to bring out their natural tones while full orchestra instruments and the mix/mastering bus benefit from its ability to balance and unify multiple sound sources.

Specifications

• INPUT AND OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 600 Ω
• INPUT LEVEL RANGE: -4dBm to +16dBm
• OUTPUT LEVEL: +4 or +8dBVU (clipping point +27dBm)
• GAIN: 16dB
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 40 cycles at 15 kc +/- 1dB
• NOISE LEVEL: 70dB below +4dBm
• LIMITING NOISES: Below audibility
• INTERMODULATION DISTORTION: Less than 1% at any level up to +18 dBm output (no limitation)
• ATTACK AND RELEASE TIME:
  • Position 1) .2 ms / .3 sec
  • Position 2) .2 ms / .8 sec
  • Position 3).4 ms / 2 sec
  • Position 4).4 ms / 5 sec
  • Position 5) .4 ms / .2 sec individual peaks, 10 sec multiple peaks
  • Position 6) .2 ms / .3 sec individual peaks, 10 sec multiple peaks, 25 sec

  (NB. Release times in positions 5 and 6 behave automatically depending on the input signal)

• COMPRESSION RATIO: from 2:1 to 30:1
• POWER REQUIREMENTS: 120 or 240 volts, 60 Hz AC, 3 Amps.

CONTROLS:

• Input Gain Control: Step Attenuator: 1 dB per step.
• Treshold control: continuously variable.
• Time Constant Switch: 6 positions to provide fixed and variable time constants for any type of programmatic material.
• Metering Switch: 3 positions so you can measure the plate current of each control valve, or as a limiting indicator.
• Mode switch: AB positions: independent limiter.
• On-off switch