Heritage Audio Herchild Model 660 Ardent Edition Mono Tube Limiter/Compressor

Heritage Audio Herchild Model 660 Ardent Edition Mono Tube Limiter/Compressor Overview
The Heritage Audio Herchild Model 660 Ardent Edition Mono Tube Limiter/Compressor brings a piece of audio history into the modern studio with a set of unique modifications that enhance its performance and usability. Based on the iconic Fairchild 660, which has been a staple in recording and mastering studios for decades, the Herchild 660 Ardent Edition combines the original vintage sound with updated features designed for contemporary workflows. Whether you're tracking vocals, mixing drums, or mastering an entire album, this mono tube compressor offers legendary smoothness and control that have made it an indispensable tool in the music industry.

Classic Tube Compression with Updated Performance
The Herchild Model 660 Ardent Edition delivers the classic, buttery-smooth compression that has defined some of the most iconic tracks in music history. Using a tube-based "variable-mu" design, it applies compression with a gentle, soft knee, making it perfect for program-dependent compression where the dynamics smoothly transition from subtle gain reduction to more aggressive limiting on loud signals. What sets this version apart is the modification of attack and release times to better suit modern production needs, providing a faster and more responsive compression for a wide range of audio sources. This allows you to shape your sound more precisely while still retaining the warmth and natural character of vintage tube compression.

Modern Features for Today's Audio Professionals
One of the key upgrades in the Herchild 660 Ardent Edition is the addition of a sidechain filter, a critical tool that minimizes the impact of low frequencies on the compressor’s action. Unlike the original 660, which lacked this feature, the Ardent Edition offers four selectable frequencies for the sidechain filter, allowing you to fine-tune the compression to better suit your source material. This is especially important for managing low-end heavy tracks like bass, kick drums, or full mixes, ensuring that the compressor doesn’t overreact to bass transients that could distort the overall sound. The ability to tailor this feature makes it an indispensable tool for modern studio applications.

Front-Panel Access for Easy Control
The Herchild 660 Ardent Edition allows for direct, hands-on control with the front-panel DC Threshold, which adjusts the slope of the compression curve. Unlike the original Fairchild 660, which required internal adjustments, the Herchild 660 makes it easy to transition between compression and hard limiting with a continuously variable slope. This gives you quick access to everything from subtle compression to intense limiting, all at the turn of a knob. The flexibility of this control allows you to quickly adapt to changing material, whether you're working with delicate vocals or aggressive drum hits, without the need for complicated adjustments.

Built to Last with Modern Craftsmanship
Heritage Audio’s attention to detail and quality craftsmanship ensure that the Herchild Model 660 Ardent Edition delivers both legendary sound and long-term reliability. Handcrafted in Spain, this unit uses the same handwired, transformer-coupled Class A circuitry that Heritage Audio is known for, ensuring that every component contributes to the unit's exceptional sound quality. Designed to stringent tolerances, the Herchild 660 Ardent Edition is built to last and can withstand the demands of professional studio use while providing problem-free audio with generous headroom. This combination of modern reliability and vintage sound makes it a perfect addition to any serious studio setup.

A Legacy of Iconic Sound at a Modern Price
For decades, the Fairchild 660 has been a coveted piece of studio gear, known for its smooth, natural compression that has shaped countless records. The Heritage Audio Herchild Model 660 Ardent Edition brings that sound to a new generation of engineers and producers, offering the same iconic compression characteristics, but with updates that improve its usability and performance in today’s studios. With its intuitive controls, modern features like the sidechain filter, and robust build quality, the Herchild 660 Ardent Edition offers a piece of audio history at a fraction of the cost of an original vintage unit. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate hobbyist, this compressor provides the tools you need to take your audio production to the next level.