Chandler Takes the Revered 660 Into the Future
The Chandler Limited RS660 tube compressor/limiter is Inspired by the classic program levelers used by engineers at EMI Abbey Road Studios in the 1960s. From the Beatles to early Pink Floyd, the historic Fairchild 660 and EMI RS124 compressors shaped the sound of countless iconic recordings that emerged from the legendary London facility. The eminently musical performance of these units stemmed from their “vari-mu” circuits, which generated program-dependent gain reduction by automatically adapting to the dynamics of the incoming signal to efficiently manage levels while allowing vocals and instruments to bloom with vibrancy and punch. Meticulously handcrafted by Chandler Limited, the RS660 builds upon the sonic magic of these rare, prized vintage compressors in an innovative modern design that advances the state of the art in dynamics control.
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The best of vintage and modern
Built around the venerable 6386 mil-spec vacuum tube, the RS660 is, not surprisingly, engineered more efficiently than the coveted vintage units that inspired it. After all, today’s cutting-edge technology and advanced materials science enable high-precision design and manufacturing unimaginable back in the 1960s. No mere reproduction, however, the RS660’s elegant and refined compression circuit is painstakingly tuned to deliver a sound that combines the sought-after sonics of its Fairchild namesake along with modern flexibility, vanishingly low noise, and impeccable behavior, no matter how hard you push it. The RS660 is a professional tool that can tame the dynamics of any source, from subtle vocals to hard-hitting drums — and everything in between. The single-channel RS660 is also linkable to a second unit for stereo operation — ideal for pumping up drum buses and complete mixes.
Built like a tank
Back in the day, pro audio gear was handcrafted using military-grade materials and through-hole components — and that’s how Chandler Limited builds its equipment today in Shell Rock, Iowa. Accordingly, the RS660’s vintage-inspired circuitry is ensconced in a rugged dual-rackspace chassis with a stout faceplate, a beefy internal power supply, transformer-balanced XLR I/O, and selectable output impedance. As did the classic compressors that inspired it, the RS660 provides a tactile sensory user experience. The throw of its pots engenders a confident, spoon-in-honey feel that, at first touch, suggests you’re using a serious piece of high-end kit — and the world-class results confirm it. The Chandler Limited RS660 represents a significant advancement in the art of signal dynamics processing. Join the engineers at Sweetwater who have upgraded their studio racks with one (or two) of them. You’ll be glad you did.
Chandler Limited RS660 Tube Compressor/Limiter Features:
- Designed in cooperation with EMI Abbey Road Studios
- Single-channel, linkable
- Transformer-balanced I/O, XLR
- Output impedance: selectable, 200/600 Ω
- Continuous input and output gain control
- Time constant: 7 positions, stepped
- Modes: THD, Comp, Limit
- Stereo Link: switchable, 1/4-inch jack
- Internal power supply
