
( Brand: Heritage Audio ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: HA660 ), ( Part Type: Tube Compressor )
The Heritage Audio HERCHILD 660 is a high-end tube-based compressor that embodies the classic sound and character of the legendary compressors of the past, yet offers modern conveniences and reliability. This compressor is meticulously designed and handcrafted in Europe with the finest components to deliver a warm, musical compression that is highly sought after in professional recording studios.
The HERCHILD 660 features a vintage-style, twin-triode tube design, which provides the distinctive sound and harmonic distortion that is inherent in tube compressors. The unit boasts a fully discrete Class A circuit, ensuring a pure and transparent signal path. The compressor's input and output transformers are custom-designed and wound in-house to provide superior signal handling and an authentic, vintage tone.
The HERCHILD 660 offers a variety of compression characteristics to suit different sources and mixing styles. It features selectable ratio settings of 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, and 10:1, allowing users to control the degree of compression applied to the signal. The threshold control ranges from -20dB to 10dB, enabling users to easily set the level at which compression begins.
The compressor also includes a side-chain high-pass filter, which can be set to 50Hz or 100Hz, allowing users to eliminate low-frequency artifacts and focus compression on the mid and high frequencies. Additionally, the HERCHILD 660 offers variable attack and release times, which can be adjusted from 1ms to 1s and 20ms to 1s, respectively. These controls provide users with the ability to fine-tune the compressor to achieve the desired effect.
The HERCHILD 660 is not just a simple compressor; it is a versatile tool that can be used on a wide range of sources, from vocals and drums to bass and guitars. It is also equipped with a side-chain input, which allows users to compress based on an external signal. This feature can be particularly useful when compressing a lead vocal while preserving the punch and clarity of the accompanying rhythm section.
The compressor's front panel is designed with ease of use in mind. It features large, illuminated VU meters, which provide an accurate visual representation of the gain reduction. The LED indicators for the various controls are also clearly labeled and easy to read.
The HERCHILD 660 is housed in a sturdy, metal chassis and comes with a detachable IEC power cord and a set of transformer-coupled XLR input and output connectors. It also includes a power switch, a gain control knob, and a bypass switch, which allows users to easily compare the compressed and uncompressed signals.
In conclusion, the Heritage Audio HERCHILD 660 is a premium tube-based compressor that offers the classic sound and character of vintage compressors, along with modern features and reliability. Its high-quality components, versatile functionality, and elegant design make it an essential tool for any professional recording studio or audio engineer looking to add depth, warmth, and clarity to their mixes.
The Heritage Audio HERCHILD 660 is a tube-based compressor that has gained popularity among audio professionals for its classic sound and versatile features. Here are some potential pros and cons of buying this compressor:
Pros:1. Authentic Tube Sound: The HERCHILD 660 uses genuine tubes to deliver a warm, natural compression sound that is preferred by many audio engineers in the music industry.
2. Versatile Features: This compressor offers a wide range of compression settings, making it suitable for use on various instruments and vocal recordings. It also comes with a sidechain filter, which allows you to selectively compress specific frequencies in the signal.
3. High-Quality Build: The HERCHILD 660 is built with high-quality components, ensuring durability and reliability. It also has a classic design that adds to its aesthetic appeal.
4. Easy to Use: Despite its advanced features, the HERCHILD 660 is easy to use, with straightforward controls and clear metering.
5. Improves Sound Quality: Compression is an essential tool in audio production, and the HERCHILD 660 can help improve the overall sound quality of your recordings by balancing levels, adding clarity, and enhancing dynamics.
Cons:1. Expensive: The HERCHILD 660 is a high-end compressor, and its price may be a barrier for some buyers.
2. Power Consumption: As a tube-based compressor, the HERCHILD 660 consumes more power than solid-state compressors, which can lead to higher electricity bills.
3. Maintenance: Tube-based equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, which can be time-consuming and costly.
4. Limited Input and Output Channels: The HERCHILD 660 only has one input and one output channel, making it less suitable for use on complex mixes with multiple instruments or vocal tracks.
Conclusion:The Heritage Audio HERCHILD 660 is a high-quality tube-based compressor that offers a unique and authentic sound, versatile features, and a classic design. However, it comes with some drawbacks, including its high price, power consumption, maintenance requirements, and limited input and output channels.
If you are a professional audio engineer or producer who prioritizes the classic tube sound and the versatility of features, the HERCHILD 660 may be worth the investment. However, if you are on a budget or require more input and output channels, there are other compressor options available that may better fit your needs.
Recommendation:If you are looking for a high-end tube-based compressor and have the budget for it, the Heritage Audio HERCHILD 660 is an excellent choice. It offers a unique sound and versatile features that can help enhance the overall quality of your recordings. However, if you are on a budget or require more input and output channels, consider exploring other compressor options such as the DBX 160X or the Universal Audio 1176LN. These compressors offer similar features at a lower price point and have more input and output channels.
It certainly has earned its title as the granddaddy of all compressors. New merchandise carries the original warranty issued by manufacturer. Software if unsealed or registered. Warranty: New condition items carry manufacturer warranty.
Enjoy the sound that has blessed thousands and of hits throughout years. So finally, after so many years of this being unobtainable to mere mortals, the HERCHILD model 660 is here. We ve also faithfully reproduced the exact attack and release times in Time Constant section so you can confidently recreate feel of its ancestor. As there were only about 500 units originally produced just simply aren enough to go around for everybody.
Feel the warmth as it hugs your tracks and makes them stand out proudly from all rest. Merchandise and packaging MUST be in the same condition as when received. Immediate access to the continuously variable slope.
The original Fair child has indeed been an essential part of the sound to so many hits during several decades. Then theres the SC FILTER. That legendary sound finally available to everyone.
Side chain filter for modern day needs. So that's where Heritage Audio comes in. Clean, intelligent design to guarantee many years of use.
Fully tube-based compression.