Heritage Audio Herchild 660 Single Channel Tube Compressor User Manual
- June 4, 2024
- Heritage Audio
Table of Contents
Heritage Audio Herchild 660 Single Channel Tube Compressor
DESCRIPTION
The HERCHILD Model 660 is our newest release and one of the products we are proudest of. A tube-based audio compressor with a striking resemblance to one of the most famous compressors of all time, the Fairchild 660.After years of research, development and new designs we are finally ready to release this beast to the public. While making sure to capture all the lush sound and mystique of the original we were able to improve on several aspects and offer a more reliable, more durable, modern version that will last you for decades to come.
The HERCHILD Model 660 contains nothing less that 11 valves and 5 transformers to achieve that indistinguishable, classic, triumphant sound that we all know and love. The original intention of the his historical compressor was to be used in the cutting of lacquer masters for vinyl albums, but it soon became an industry standard for getting that all enveloping sound that takes us to another level. The Fairchild 660 is found on almost all of the classic releases in the 60´s and 70´s, defining the sound of a generation…or two.
The granddaddy of all tube-based compressors had a relatively limited amount produced, somewhere between 500 and 1,000 units.Therefore, some 60 years later there are only a small amount that remain today. There are even fewer that are totally usable as years have gone by since it´s late 1950´s introduction so many units aren´t exactly as they once were. Maintenance is obligatory on a high-end piece like this and unfortunately, too many of them have simply been neglected and aren´t up to their optimal specifications. This means an alternative is needed.And this is where the HERCHILD Model 660 comes in, to once again offer that magic that only this compressor design can. Our HERCHILD Model 660 offers a couple of new and ever-so-helpful features. The user now has immediate access to the all-important DC THRESHOLD.
This control basically combines adjustments to the progressively developing
curved RATIO and the KNEE simultaneously through 4 different settings varying
from a gentle slope to a more pronounced and aggressive slope.This control
really does put sound manipulation right at your fingertips as opposed to the
original´s out of reach and inconvenient screw adjuster. The other main
addition is something no modern-day studio can be without, a side chain
filter.With the SC FILTER on the HERCHILD Model 660 you have 4 different
frequencies to choose from: 50, 100, 200 and 350Hz.Using this feature you now
have lots more control over just how much compression will be applied as you
can make it less sensitive to the lower frequencies, therefore, allowing more
compression where you need it and for the track to stay powerful.
GETTING STARTED
- METER ADJUSTMENT SCREW: This is not meant to be user adjustable. We recommend not adjusting this and to contact an official repair service.
- RED JEWEL INDICATOR LIGHT: Simply indicates that the equipment is ´On´.
- POWER SWITCH: Turns the unit on or off.
- ZERO ADJUSTMENT SCREW: Use this screw to set the meters to 0dB on the VU meter when there is no compression happening. It is normal for this setting to drift for the first 30 minutes of operation.
- BALANCE ADJUSTMENT SCREW: Use this screw to balance the circuit for optimum performance based on the particular set of tubes installed.
- VU METER: Indicates GAIN REDUCTION.
- METERING: Knob to choose the readout of the VU meter, either for adjusting the balance of the valves or the gain reduction being applied.
- INPUT GAIN CONTROL: This knob is used to control the amount of input gain applied. This is actually an attenuator that reduces the the input by up to -20dB.
- AC THRESHOLD: The threshold knob determines when the compression begins. It’s used to decide when and how much gain reduction takes place. When in the fully counter-clockwise position, the HERCHILD Model 660 will not compress at all. As the threshold control is turned clockwise, the amount of compression will progressively increase.
- DC THRESHOLD: Here you decide what kind of curve will be applied to the compression. It is similar to a knee and ratio effect combined. So at the most counter-clockwise position the HERCHILD Model 660 responds like a limiter with immediate and aggressive action happening as soon as the AC THRESHOLD is passed. While as you turn it clockwise more of gradual, progressive effect occurs until you have a very slight compression happening at all times.
- TIME CONST: Here you have 6 options for the attack and release timings giving you combinations for fast and slow timings. (Please see the TIME CONSTANT Section for exact timings.)
- SC FILTER: This is a side chain filter applied only to the control signal to decide if and where the HERCHILD Model 660 will be less sensitive to certain frequencies. There are 5 choices available: 50, 100, 200, 350Hz and OFF.
REAR
- LINE INPUT: Female Gold Plated XLR Connector.
- LINE OUTPUT: Male Gold Plated XLR Connector.
- VALVES: (11) User changeable valves with easy access.
- POWER INPUT: IEC standard power input connector.
- VOLTAGE SELECTOR: Here you can select the correct voltage input according to the country you are in.
APPLICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
- Input Impedance: 2K Ω
- Output Impedance: 600 Ω
- Output Level: +4 or +8 VU (+30dBu clipping point)
- Frequency Response: 40Hz to 15kHz +/- 1db
- Self Noise: Less than -82dBu
- Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1% at any level up to +18dBu output (no limiting)
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 482mm x 134mm (3 Rack units) x 200mm
- Weight: 7.365 Kg
SIGNAL FLOW
TROUBLE SHOOTING
WARRANTY STATEMENT
LIMITED 2 YEAR WARRANTY
Heritage Audio HERCHILD Model 660 is warranted by Heritage Audio SL to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 2 years to the
original purchaser. In the event of such defects, the product will be repaired
without charge or, at our option, replaced with a new one if delivered to
Heritage Audio prepaid, together with a copy of the sales slip or other proof
of purchase date. The warranty excludes problems due to normal wear, abuse,
shipping damage or failure to use the product in accordance with the
specifications. Heritage Audio shall not be liable for damages based upon
inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss of time, interrupted operation
or commercial loss or any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or
otherwise. This warranty is not transferable. Heritage Audio and the Heritage
Audio “H” logos are registered Trademarks owned and/or licensed by Heritage
Audio.
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