Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$29,500.00
Reverb
$270,000.00 1 available Used
Thomann
$32,990.00 $32,490.00 $500.00 · All time low
Vintage King
$29,500.00

Average Price: $90,373

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into a world of vintage audio excellence with the Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter, a legendary piece that has shaped the sound of countless iconic recordings. Revered for its 20-tube, dual-channel vacuum tube design, this meticulously handcrafted re-creation offers the same warmth and depth that made the original an industry heavyweight. Its reputation for delivering creamy, natural-sounding dynamics control is unmatched, making it a coveted tool for professional engineers and audiophiles alike.

The Fairchild 670 is engineered for unparalleled versatility, featuring a unique control set that allows for both dual-mono and stereo operations. Its handwired point-to-point circuitry ensures low distortion and noise, making it ideal for high-fidelity audio applications. The compressor's program-dependent nature gently manages dynamic range, transitioning from a low ratio on small peaks to a robust limiting effect on louder signals, ensuring your mix maintains clarity and punch.

Whether you're mastering for vinyl or crafting a modern digital masterpiece, the Fairchild 670 provides the flexibility to optimize mid-side processing and stereo imaging. Its selection of six time constants for attack and release times lets you tailor the compression curve to perfectly fit your material. With the Fairchild 670 in your studio, every instrument and vocal track will shine with the smooth, buttery sound that has become synonymous with classic analog recordings.

Key Features:

  • Dual-mono and stereo operation
  • Handwired point-to-point construction
  • Tube-driven amplification with 20 tubes
  • Custom-designed transformers
  • 6 selectable attack/release time constants
  • Threshold, compression, and makeup gain controls
  • VU limiting metering

Product specs

Brand Fairchild
Model 670 Compressor / Limiter
Finish Bronze
Year 1960s
Made In United States
Categories Compressors and Limiters

FAQs

What makes the Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter unique compared to other compressors?

The Fairchild 670 is renowned for its vintage tube circuitry and variable mu design, which deliver a warm, smooth compression ideal for mastering and mix bus applications. Its intricate time constant settings allow for precise control over attack and release times, making it a staple in high-end studios.

Is the Fairchild 670 suitable for both mixing and mastering?

Yes, the Fairchild 670 is highly versatile and suitable for both mixing and mastering. Its ability to provide gentle compression and rich harmonic character makes it ideal for adding warmth and cohesion to mixes and masters alike.

How does the Fairchild 670 handle stereo sources?

The Fairchild 670 is designed for stereo operation, featuring dual channels that can be linked for precise stereo imaging. This makes it an excellent choice for processing stereo buses and adding uniform compression across both channels.

What are the typical applications for the Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter?

The Fairchild 670 is commonly used on mix buses, vocals, and orchestral recordings to achieve a polished, cohesive sound. Its legendary tone and dynamic control make it a go-to for professional engineers seeking vintage warmth and character.

Can the Fairchild 670 be used for modern music production?

Absolutely, the Fairchild 670's timeless sound quality and dynamic range control make it suitable for both vintage and contemporary music production. Its ability to add warmth and depth is valued in modern genres, from pop to electronic music.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

The Fairchild 670 Compressor In Action

Video thumbnail for The Fairchild 670 Compressor In Action by Doctor Mix

The Fairchild 670 Compressor In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for The original FAIRCHILD compressor is BACK! by Kohle Audio Kult

The original FAIRCHILD compressor is BACK!

Kohle Audio Kult

Kohle Audio Kult

Video thumbnail for Fairchild 670: The Undisputed Heavyweight of 2-channel Compression Returns by Sweetwater

Fairchild 670: The Undisputed Heavyweight of 2-channel Compression Returns

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for AES 2023 — Fairchild Model 670 2-channel Tube Limiter & Compressor by Sweetwater

AES 2023 — Fairchild Model 670 2-channel Tube Limiter & Compressor

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter.

Features and functionality

  • The Fairchild 670 acts as a high-ratio compressor with a program-dependent ratio, adjusting the compression based on input signal strength.

    Source
  • The Fairchild 670's Time Constant settings range significantly, with options like #4 offering an attack of 0.8 ms and a release of 5 sec for varied sonic impacts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike digital limiters like RVox, the Fairchild 670 does not function as a brick-wall limiter, being more akin to analog compression.

    Source
  • The Fairchild 670's attack speed, ranging from 0.8 to 0.2 milliseconds, is slower than models like the 1176, making it less effective for capturing fast peaks.

    Source
  • Similar vari-mu compressors like the Manley Vari-Mu and SPL Iron are alternative options for those seeking similar tonal characteristics to the Fairchild 670.

    Source
  • In contrast to the LA-2A's optical cell gain reduction, the Fairchild 670 utilizes a vari-mu approach with tube-based gain control, offering a different tonal character.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fairchild 670 is recommended at the end of a vocal chain or bus for subtle compression, rather than on individual vocals.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Fairchild 670 can be effective on electric guitar tracks, maintaining transient integrity while adding tube warmth.

    Source
  • The Fairchild 670 may not be ideal for hip hop/pop mastering due to its tendency to reduce low-end presence, which can be crucial for those genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find that the Fairchild 670 provides a "glue" effect on mix buses, contributing to a cohesive sound without sacrificing transients.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keith Carlock uses Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter

Keith Carlock

Drummer

Steely Dan

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on the bass drum for Donald Fagen's Morph the Cat, as stated by mix engineer Elliott Scheiner in this August 2006 Sound on Sound interview.

"Donald had done his other overdubs there," comments the engineer, "and was comfortable there. They have a Neve VR and all the analogue equipment that we needed, so it made sense to mix there. The mixes went from Pro Tools through the Neve VR and then to two-track half-inch analogue. Since I hardly use EQ during mixing, any EQ that I do will be applied during the mix. So I did some EQ-ing, and added some reverb, using the EMT 140 plates at Avatar, and also a Lexicon 480 and a TC3000. I only used room mics on the drums. I also used a Fairchild 670 on the bass and kick drum. There was no compression during recording."

See how Neeraj Khajanchi uses Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

Neeraj Khajanchi uses the Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter in his studio, as seen in the YouTube video by 作曲家・和田貴史の庭. The Fairchild 670 is renowned for adding warmth, character, and punch to vocals and drums with its tube-driven gain control.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Electro-Voice RE20
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3
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3

6 alternative and related items for Fairchild 670 Compressor-Limiter, curated by the Equipboard community.

Anthony Demaria Labs ADL 670

$20,000.00

similar sound

A "recreation", as described in the official product description: http://www.anthonydemarialabs.com/products.html

Four years to develop, 16 vacuum tubs along with eight custom transformers is truly a faithful recreation of the original and stands alone.

IGS Audio Tubecore 3U Mastering Edition

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similar sound cheaper alternative

A more affordable clone of the Fairchild 670, that makes it easy to rotate tubes to achieve different sounds.

Undertone Audio UnFairchild Model 670M II

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similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A retro looking, fully featured clone of the Fairchild 670, with expanded controls.

Heritage Audio Herchild HA670 Stereo Tube Compressor

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similar sound cheaper alternative

Heritage Audio's vintage style take on the Fairchild 670.

Fairchild Recording Equipment 670 (Reissue)

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newer similar sound cheaper alternative

A modern day replica of the Fairchild 670, sold under the Fairchild name.

WesAudio RHEA

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similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A 500 series stereo compressor, inspired by the 670.

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