The Fairchild compressor, with its classic design and timeless charm, has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of modern music. Since its introduction in the 1950s, it has become a coveted piece of audio equipment, celebrated for its smooth, musical compression and rich harmonic saturation.
The Fairchild compressor, with its classic design and timeless charm, has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of modern music. Since its introduction in the 1950s, it has become a coveted piece of audio equipment, celebrated for its smooth, musical compression and rich harmonic saturation.
The FAIRCHILD model 660 is a single channel compressor/limiter that has been used on many classic recordings throughout history. The world excepted standard for level control, the 660 is considered one of the most sought-after compressor / limiters ever made. Its ability to inject warmth and coloration to any signal, make it a must for any producer or audio engineer. Due to the popularity of the 670, only 1000 were ever built and very few original 660 are still in working condition. Designed and built by Rein Narma and recording legend Les Paul, the FAIRCHILD 660 is back. Built to original specifications, utilizing the same tubes and custom wound transformers, point to point soldering and turret style construction. Unlike other clones, the FAIRCHILD660 is made as close to the original as possible today.
INPUT AND OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 600Ω
RANGE OF INPUT LEVEL: 0 dBm to +16 dBm
OUTPUT LEVEL: +4 or +8 dBVU (+27 Bm clipping point)
GAIN: +7dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 40Hz to 15kHz +/- 1dB
NOISE LEVEL: 70dB below +4dBm
LIMITING NOISES: Below audibility
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION:
Less than 1% at any level up to +18 dBm output (no limiting)
Less than 1% at dBm limiting +12dBm output
TIME CONSTANT ATTACK AND RELEASE TIMES:
(Note: Positions 5 and 6 release times are automatic function of program material)
Position 1 – .2ms/ 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 consistently high program levels
COMPRESSION RATIO: A function of the amount of limiting as well as setting of the two threshold controls which can be set to operate at ratios from 1:2 to 1:30
POWER REQUIREMENTS: 120 or 240 volts, 60 cycles AC, 3 amps.
INSTALLED TUBES: 8x 6386, 2x 12AX7, 4x 6973, 2x 12BH7, 1x E80F or (1xEF806), 1x 5651, 1x EL34, 1x GZ34
