Heritage Audio Herchild 670 - Tube Compressor

Heritage Audio Herchild 670 - Tube Compressor

The Heritage Audio Herchild model 670 is a faithful re-creation of perhaps the most sought after compressors ever made. The Herchild760 is a tube-based Vari-Mu compressor featuring 22 valves and 5 transformers, consistent with the original design. A clean, transparent sound is possible with no artefacts or pumping while also being able to create a more noticeable, heavier, denser effect with extra harmonics if pushed harder. 

The original is a classic, but working in the 21st century we´ve come to expect certain features. The HERCHILD Model 670 will not disappoint. The 6 Attack and Release times have been exactly duplicated as has its all tube side chain circuit for precise control. There is now access to the progressive ratio, which is a unique curve adjustment combining control of the ratio and the knee. This is continually adjustable from hard limiting to a very smooth and transparent compression. There is also a side chain filter with 4 selectable frequencies to reduce the lower frequency´s influence on the signal, a must have nowadays.

The HERCHILD Model 670, being a 2 channel unit, also has the AGC section to determine which of the 4 modes it will work in. The 4 modes of operation to choose from are: IND, LINK, LAT VERT & LAT VERT LINK.IND gives you independent control for each channel while LINK, obviously, links the two channels operation together so both channels are controlled by taking the average from the two channel ́s settings to determine what the overall stereo control will be.

The LAT VERT mode is originally from the days of using a cutting lathe to prepare vinyl records. It was crucial to carefully decide the depth and the width of the grooves, so you had precise control over both aspects in this mode. Nowadays, people have discovered the advantages of mixing and mastering with MID/SIDE processing as it allows you creative control over the center and side signals of a stereo track separately. LAT VERT is the equivalent to MID/SIDE and when used properly it really gives you the control to make your songs sound wider, deeper and more focused. And the last option is LAT VERT LINK and is again for MID/SIDE processing but this time with the two channels linked together and controlled by taking the average from the two channel ́s settings to determine what the overall control will be.

Specifications

• Input Impedance: 2 kΩ.
• Output Impedance: 600 Ω.
• Output Level: +30 dBu clipping point.
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1 dB.
• Signal To Noise Ratio: 120 dB.
  
• Self Noise: Less than -82 dBu.
• Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1 % at any level up to +18 dBu output (no limiting).
• Dimensions (W x H x L): 482 mm x 265 mm (6 Rack units) x 200 mm.
• Weight: 13.3 Kg.