Fairchild Model 660
The FAIRCHILD model 660 is a single channel compressor/limiter that has been used on many classic recordings throughout history. The world’s accepted 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 FAIRCHILD 660 is made as close to the original as possible today.
Key Features:
- Mono operation
- Six selectable time constants
- Threshold, compression, and makeup gain controls
- VU metering
- Hand-wired point-to-point construction
- Custom-designed transformers
- Tube-driven amplification
Applications:
- Vocals
- Drums
- Bass
- Guitars
- Strings
- Piano
- Brass
- Orchestral instruments
- Mix bus/mastering
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
INPUT AND OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 600 Ω
RANGE OF INPUT LEVEL: -4dBm to +16dBm
OUTPUT LEVEL: +4 or +8dBVU (+27dBm clipping point)
GAIN: 16dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 40 cycles to 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 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) .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 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 2:1 to 30:1
POWER REQUIREMENTS: 120 or 240 volts, 60 cycles AC, 3 amps.
CONTROLS:
a) Input Gain control: Step attenuator: 1 dB per step.
b) Threshold Control: continuously variable.
c) Time Constant Switch: 6 positions to provide fixed and variable time constants for any type of program material.
d) Metering Switch: 3 positions so as to measure plate current of each control tube, or as a limiting indicator.
e) Mode Switch: A-B positions: Independent limiter.
f) On-off switch
Installed Tubes: 4x 6386, 1x 12AX7, 1x GZ34, 1x 12BH7, 1x 6BL7, 2x 6V6GT, 1x E80F or (1x EF806), 1x 5651