Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor

The Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor is a handmade, mono/linkable, transformer-balanced valve (vacuum tube) compressor and limiter, configured in a dual rack space chassis with an internal power supply.

Building upon advancements that began with the historic EMI RS124 and Fairchild 660 compressors used at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios during the 1960s, the Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor distills them into a refined and elegant compression circuit…that is the ‘RS660 Compressor.’

Rather than a simple reproduction of the legendary tube levelers, the RS660 Compressor stands apart and represents a path forward in the recording engineering development department.

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 controlling a multitude of dynamic sources from vocals to explosive drums and raucous guitars, the Chandler Limited 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 EMI Abbey Road Studios RS660 Compressor’s feature-set includes: Input, Output, Time Constant, THD, Comp, Limit, Link and selectable Output Impedance.

NOTE: Standard units come with variable Input and Output control. Stepped Input and Output controls are available via special request for an additional fee.