Heritage Audio Herchild Model 670 Ardent Edition Stereo Tube Limiter/Compressor

Heritage Audio Herchild Model 670 Ardent Edition Stereo Tube Limiter/Compressor Overview
The Heritage Audio Herchild Model 670 Ardent Edition Stereo Tube Limiter/Compressor combines vintage charm with modern precision. Inspired by the legendary Fairchild 670, this stereo unit delivers that classic, smooth, and creamy compression sound that has been a hallmark of recording studios for decades. Offering a dual-channel setup and a range of powerful features, the Herchild 670 Ardent Edition gives you the sought-after sound of vintage tube compression, while incorporating key updates that make it suitable for today’s fast-paced studio workflows. Whether you're tracking, mixing, or mastering, the Herchild 670 Ardent Edition offers an invaluable tool to shape your sound with professional-quality results.

Iconic Tube Compression with Modern Updates
The Herchild 670 Ardent Edition brings the legendary “variable-mu” tube-based compression that has shaped countless classic recordings, from vocals to drums and beyond. With 22 tubes and 9 transformers, this stereo unit imparts a punchy yet smooth dynamic control, starting with subtle compression and building to more aggressive limiting on louder signals. The result is a natural, musical compression curve with a soft knee that adapts to the program material. Unlike many compressors, the Herchild 670 doesn’t just crush peaks; it preserves the musicality of the performance, making it a valuable tool for any engineer seeking to add warmth and character to their tracks.

Ardent Modifications for Precision and Flexibility
The engineers at Ardent Studios in Memphis saw the potential for improvement in the original Fairchild 670, and their modifications have been carried over to the Herchild 670 Ardent Edition. These changes include refined attack and release times, fine-tuned for modern production needs. The result is a more responsive and adaptable unit that perfectly matches Ardent's original vintage units while offering improved flexibility for contemporary workflows. The ability to adjust compression characteristics directly via the front-panel DC Threshold control provides users with a wide range of options, from soft compression to hard limiting, allowing you to tailor the compressor’s behavior to your unique audio needs.

Sidechain Filter for Enhanced Control
Unlike the original Fairchild 670, the Herchild 670 Ardent Edition comes equipped with a sidechain filter, offering much-needed modern functionality. This filter helps to minimize the influence of low frequencies on compression action, ensuring that bass-heavy material doesn’t cause excessive compression. The Herchild 670 offers four selectable frequencies, allowing you to precisely shape the compressor’s response to suit different types of material. Whether you’re working with vocals, drums, or full mixes, this added flexibility ensures that your compressor only acts where it’s needed, providing cleaner and more controlled dynamic shaping.

Mid-Side Processing for Superior Stereo Control
Another key feature of the Herchild 670 Ardent Edition is the inclusion of LAT VERT and LAT VERT LINK modes, which facilitate mid-side (M-S) processing for stereo mixes. LAT VERT allows independent processing of the mid and side channels, giving you the ability to manipulate the stereo field with increased width, depth, and focus. For linked stereo compression, LAT VERT LINK allows both channels to function together, applying the same settings to both the left and right channels. These modes give you enhanced control over stereo mixes, making them ideal for mastering engineers or anyone working with complex stereo material.

Built for Durability and Precision
As with all Heritage Audio products, the Herchild 670 Ardent Edition is meticulously crafted with the highest standards in mind. Built to last, the unit features handwired, transformer-coupled Class A circuitry that ensures both longevity and premium sound quality. Whether you’re in the studio or on location, the Herchild 670 delivers reliable performance year after year, providing you with the vintage-quality sound you need without the hassle of maintaining vintage gear. The robust design makes it ideal for high-demand environments, while the intelligent layout and modern features offer ease of use and versatility.