Heritage Audio Herchild 660

Product description

Text by Heritage Audio
Having shaped and influenced 1,000s and 1,000s of hit records over the last 6 decades it´s easy to say that the original could be declared one of the most important pieces of recording equipment of all times. Unfortunately, only around 500 or so units were produced and after so many years of use and abuse not many are available nowadays or in useable condition. That makes this an extremely rare and expensive item that is hunted down all around the world. You´d have to consider yourself lucky to find one.
Now, all that changes as Heritage Audio is proud to introduce the HERCHILD Model 660. A faithful reproduction to the original as it is stuffed full of 11 valves and 5 transformers, operates at a very high voltage and uses only the best components to deliver the utmost quality possible. This is immediately recognised during use as there are no audible thumps produced in addition to extremely low distortion and noise making it perfect for Mixing and Mastering duties.

Heritage Audio has been able to follow the original design and trace the necessary components to provide a modern day alternative while keeping it fully tube-based. It´s taken them years and makes them feel they have finally produced something so special that it´s capable of letting the old grandaddy take a long deserved rest, and make room for the new blood to take over.
While staying true to the original in terms of response and sound, Heritage Audio has been able to add a few things to make it more practical in modern day studios. First off they have given direct access to the continuously variable DC THRESHOLD (Slope/Ratio/Knee) control. This is something that makes the compressor so much more flexible and was only available on the original via an inconvenient screw adjustment hidden from immediate access. It´s easy to go from a soft, unnoticeable, light compression to a heavier, harder limiting…and everything in-between. Then there´s the SC FILTER. Nowadays, it´s just about impossible to fathom a compressor without this feature as it´s become so important in everyday use. 4 different frequencies are provided to choose from to precisely tailor your compression needs. The exact attack and release times in the Time Constant section with the same 6 settings as the original is available so one can confidently recreate the feel of its ancestor.
So finally, after so many years of this being unobtainable to mere mortals, the HERCHILD Model 660 is here. Enjoy the sound that has blessed thousands and thousands of hits throughout the years. Feel the warmth as it hugs your tracks and makes them stand out proudly from all the rest.