Heritage Audio Herchild 670 Stereo Tube Compressor
- Sidechain filters: Off, 50, 100, 200, 350
- MID/SIDE processing through LAT/VERT mode
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 15 kHz, +/- 1 dB
Heritage Audio Herchild 670 Review
For years, the industry has referred to this tube-based beast as something special, distinctive, and almost magical. The legendary Fairchild has played a crucial role in shaping the sound of countless hits over several decades. It has truly earned its reputation as the father of all compressors.
Built around 22 valves and 9 transformers, you can be sure the Herchild Model 670 will leave its unmistakable mark on your tracks, delivering that familiar tone we’ve all grown to love.
Although it was originally designed for cutting lacquer masters for vinyl albums, it didn’t take long for engineers to realize it could do so much more. It quickly became an essential studio tool for modern artists, engineers, and producers, and could be found in most professional studios.
While staying true to the original in terms of response and sound, Heritage Audio has added several features to make it even more practical for modern studios. First off, they’ve provided direct access to the continuously variable slope control.
This is a major improvement, making the compressor far more versatile. On the original, this feature was only accessible through a hard-to-reach screw adjustment, hidden away from quick access. There’s also the addition of a sidechain (SC) filter. These days, it’s almost impossible to imagine a compressor without this function, as it’s become essential in everyday studio use.
Heritage Audio has meticulously reproduced the original circuitry of the 670, packing no fewer than 22 valves and 9 transformers into the signal path. All the original controls are found right on the front panel, with the six Time Constant settings precisely matching the attack and release times of the original unit.
Heritage Audio has also provided four different frequencies to choose from, allowing you to tailor your compression to your exact needs. The Time Constant section faithfully recreates the original’s attack and release times, so you can confidently capture the character of its legendary predecessor.
The Herchild Model 670 is a two-channel unit, giving you the choice to use each channel independently or link them together. In fact, there are four modes of operation: Individual, Link (Stereo), LAT/VERT (Mid/Side), and LAT/VERT Link. Using the LAT/VERT mode opens up a whole new world of options for your mix.
Heritage Audio says the Herchild stays true to the unique design in terms of both response and sound. The company also states that all six Attack/Release settings have been faithfully reproduced.
However, they have added a few new features to make the compressor even more versatile. There’s now a sidechain high-pass filter with four switchable frequencies (50, 100, 200, and 350 Hz), as well as direct front panel access to the DC Threshold control—which affects the ratio, knee, and curve. On the original unit, this was only accessible through an inconveniently located screw.
Additionally, the manufacturer lists a frequency response of 40 Hz to 15 kHz, an input impedance of 2k ohms, an output impedance of 600 ohms, and an output clipping level of +30 dBu. The Herchild 670 is equipped with line-level XLR input and output connectors.
The unit features front panel VU meters, which can be configured to show either gain reduction or valve balance via a selector switch. The rear panel is mostly occupied by protruding valves and transformers, with audio I/O on XLR connectors, and an IEC power inlet for the internal power supply.
Finally, after years of this classic compressor being out of reach for most, the Herchild Model 670 is now available and within everyone’s grasp. Enjoy the legendary sound that has graced thousands of hit records over the years. Feel the warmth as it embraces your tracks and helps them stand out from the rest.
- Fully tube-based Variable-Mu compression
- 22 valves & 9 transformers
- Side chain filter for modern day needs
- Immediate access to the continuously variable slope/ratio/knee
- All 6 of the original Attack & Release settings available
- Clean, intelligent design to guarantee many years of easy professional use
- That legendary sound finally available to everyone
Why You Need the Heritage Audio Herchild 670
If you love vintage-sounding compressors and appreciate that classic, eloquent tone from a bygone era, the Herchild 670 is a great choice. Plus, if you prefer hands-on hardware instead of tweaking plugin parameters, this unit will suit your workflow perfectly.
Although the Herchild 670 is promoted as an affordable alternative to the original, it’s still quite expensive, coming in at around $10,000. However, compared to the price of the original, this is a significant difference—especially if you’re looking for a compressor of this high quality.
Conclusion
We’ve highlighted all the features this incredible unit offers, so you can easily see what it can do for your sound. Heritage Audio has worked hard to recreate the original sound at a much more affordable price.
If you have any questions about this tool, please let us know in the comments below, or contact the developer and their customer support team for more information.
