Handmade mono/linkable, transformer-balanced mono vacuum tube compressor/limiter modeled after the famed EMI RS124 and Fairchild 660 compressors.
The Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor builds upon the technological advancements that began with the historic EMI RS124 and Fairchild 660 compressors used at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios during the 1960s, and distills them into a refined and elegant compression circuit…that is the ‘RS660 Compressor.’
Rather than a reproduction of existing equipment, the RS660 Compressor stands apart and represents a path forward in the recording engineering development department.
Built around the 6386 vacuum tube, the RS660 Compressor is meticulously tuned for a sound, and the result is a more efficient means to achieve the desired characteristics of the historic 660 and beyond.
Fashioned around a 6386 valve, the RS660 Compressor has been meticulously fine-tuned for a sound, resulting in a more efficient means towards achieving the much desired characteristics of the historic 660 and beyond. 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 distortions — including heavy to light harmonic distortion — for signal coloration sans compression or limiting.
Capable of taming an array of dynamic sources from sensitive vocals to explosive drums, the RS660 Compressor and limiter is at home alongside the historic units from which it was hewn and adds to the modern engineer’s cache of analog signal processors. 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.
The Chandler Limited EMI Abbey Road Studios RS660 Compressor echoes that statement which began all those years ago and brings it forward with a unique voice, one for a new generation of recording, mixing and mastering engineers.
The Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor is a handmade, mono/linkable, transformer-balanced valve (vacuum tube) compressor and limiter, packaged in a dual rack space configuration with an internal power supply.
The Chandler Limited EMI Abbey Road Studios RS660 Compressor’s feature-set includes - Input, Output, Time Constant, THD, Comp, Limit, Link and selectable Output Impedance.
The Specs
Channels Mono
Type Valve — 6386, 6CG7, 6AL5I/OXLR, Transformer Balanced
Output Impedance Selectable, 200/600 Ω
Input/Output Control Continuous (Stepped Version Available)
Time Constant 7 Positions, Stepped
Modes THD, Comp, Limit
Stereo Link Switchable, 1/4" Jack
Power Internal, Wired for Region — 110-120V/220-240V
Stereo matched pairs and stepped I/O controls are optionally available.
Chandler Limited is the only company in the world authorized to develop, manufacture and market the “Official Equipment” of EMI/Abbey Road Studios.
Chandler Limited and their associated logos are registered trademarks of Chandler Limited, Inc. Abbey Road Studios, EMI, TG, REDD and RS and their associated logos are trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.
Chandler Limited RS660 Mono Vacuum Tube Compressor
- Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor
- The Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor builds upon the technological advancements that began with the historic EMI RS124 and Fairchild 660 compressors used at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios during the 1960s, and distills them into a refined and elegant compression circuit…that is the ‘RS660 Compressor.’