Chandler RS660 Mono Tube Compressor with Stepped I/O Controls

Chandler RS660 Mono Tube Compressor with Stepped I/O Controls

Audio engineers and music producers seeking a refined and elegant, tube-powered rack compressor/limiter will find inspiration in the Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor, a handmade, 19 , 2 RU dynamics processor that s based on the historic EMI RS125 and Fairchild 660 compressors used at EMI s Abbey Road Studios during the 1960s. Rather than a simple reproduction, the RS660 has a meticulously fine-tuned sound built around the classic 6386 tube, resulting in a more efficient path towards the much desired characteristics of the classic 660, while also going well beyond the original in versatility and design.

The RS660 excels at taming an array of dynamic sources from sensitive vocals to explosive drums and is at home alongside the historic units from which it was hewn. There are fully stepped controls for input, output, and time constant, while the switchable modes include THD, Comp, and Limit. The rear of the unit sports a transformer-balanced XLR input and output with a 1/4 link connector for use with another RS660 for stereo operation, and an internal power supply sports a 250mA fuse for failsafe operation and easy placement into any studio rack-no bulky or expensive external PSUs required.

Controls

• Input, Output, and Time Constant controls
• Time Constant: 7 positions, stepped
• Modes: THD, Comp, and Limit
• Link switch and selectable output impedance (200/600 ohms)

THD Mode

For coloration without compression, the RS660 s THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) mode is informed by the Chandler Limited EMI Abbey Road Studios TG1 and TG12413 Zener Limiter. When the compressor is set for THD mode, the RS660 is able to produce overdrive and distortion, including heavy to light harmonic distortion, for signal coloration sans compression or limiting.

Based on the Historic Fairchild 660

Historically, the Fairchild 660 mono valve compressor arrived at EMI s Abbey Road Studios in 1964. The Fairchild 660 found favor with Abbey Road s recording engineers for vocals and drums and became a staple for The Beatles records.

The Fairchild 660, which has a different vibe than the stereo 670, is highly lauded for its unique tonal quality and reactivity. The sound of the Fairchild 660 gave vocals a presence to the sound and its effect on Ringo s drums made cymbals sound backwards. It was used for a sound and it made a statement.

Product Users

A few of the noted producers using the RS660 today include:

• Dave Cobb: Producer, mixer, engineer (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Rival Sons, Chris Cornell, George Jones, Miranda Lambert)
• Howard Willing: (Smashing Pumpkins, Snoop Dog, Tupac, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crowe, Counting Crows, Glenn Campbell, Sara Bareilles, Gavin Degraw, Dean Martin, Vintage Trouble, OK Go, Kill it Kid, Delta Rae, Kris Kristofferson)
• Ryan Hewitt: Producer, mixer, engineer (Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Avett Brothers, Blink-182, Tom Petty, The Lumineers, Bob Dylan)
• Tony Maserati: (Robin Thicke, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Pink, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Jason Mraz, R. Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Puff Daddy, Tupac, Mary J. Blige, James Brown)
• Vance Powell: Producer, mixer, engineer (Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Beck, Jars of Clay)