RS660 Compressor

Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor EMI Abbey Road Studios

EMI Abbey Road Studios

OVERVIEW

The Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor is a handmade, mono/linkable, transformer-balanced valve (vacuum tube) compressor and limiter, configured in a dual rack space chassis with an internal power supply.

Building upon advancements that began with the historic EMI RS124 and Fairchild 660 compressors used at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios during the 1960s, the Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor distills them into a refined and elegant compression circuit…that is the ‘RS660 Compressor.’

Rather than a simple reproduction of the legendary tube levelers, the RS660 Compressor stands apart and represents a path forward in the recording engineering development department.

Fashioned around a 6386 valve, the RS660 Compressor has been meticulously fine-tuned for a sound, resulting in a more efficient means towards achieving the much desired characteristics of the historic 660 and beyond.

For coloration without compression, the RS660’s ‘THD’ (Total Harmonic Distortion) mode is informed by the Chandler Limited EMI Abbey Road Studios TG1 and TG12413 Zener Limiter. When the compressor is set for THD mode, the RS660 is able to produce overdrive and distortions — including heavy to light harmonic distortion — for signal coloration sans compression or limiting.

Capable of controlling a multitude of dynamic sources from vocals to explosive drums and raucous guitars, the Chandler Limited RS660 Compressor and limiter is at home alongside the historic units from which it was hewn and adds to the modern engineer’s cache of analog signal processors.

Historically, the Fairchild 660 mono valve compressor arrived at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in 1964. The Fairchild 660 found favor with Abbey Road’s recording engineers for vocals and drums and became a staple for The Beatles’ records.

The Fairchild 660 — which has a different vibe than the stereo 670 — is highly lauded for its unique tonal quality and reactivity. The sound of the Fairchild 660 gave vocals a presence to the sound and its effect on Ringo’s drums made cymbals sound backwards. It was used for a sound and it made a statement.

The Chandler Limited EMI Abbey Road Studios RS660 Compressor echoes that statement which began all those years ago and brings it forward with a unique voice, one for a new generation of recording, mixing and mastering engineers.

The Chandler Limited EMI Abbey Road Studios RS660 Compressor’s feature-set includes: Input, Output, Time Constant, THD, Comp, Limit, Link and selectable Output Impedance.

NOTE: Standard units come with variable Input and Output control. Stepped Input and Output controls are available via special request for an additional fee– notify your dealer prior to order.

Abbey Road Studios, EMI, REDD, 47, RS, 124 and TG and their associated logos are trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.

VIDEOS

HEARD ON

Jason Mraz— “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” Album

RS660 Compressor (vocals), TG1 Limiter (vocals), TG12345 Curve Bender EQ (Mix Bus), RS124 Compressor. Mixing Engineer, Tony Maserati

Red Hot Chili Peppers— “Return of the Dream Canteen” Album

RS660 Compressor (vocals entire album), TG2 Pre Amp/DI, REDD.47 Mic Amplifier, RS124 Compressor, TG1 Limiter, TG12345 Curve Bender EQ (Mix Bus), TG Microphone (electric guitar), LTD-1 EQ/Preamp. Engineer/Mixer, Ryan Hewitt

Norah Jones- “Come Away With Me” 20th Anniversary Album

RS660 Compressor (Lead Vocals, album, all alt mixes). Producer/Mixer/Engineer, Tony Maserati

Ida Mae– “Click Click Domino” Album

RS660 Compressor (Lead Vocals, album), RS124 Compressor (Parallel Mix Bus - album, Acoustic Guitars), REDD.47 Mic Amplifier (Mix Bus, album ). Producer/Mixer/Engineer, Howard Willing

Red Hot Chili Peppers— “Unlimited Love” Album

RS660 Compressor (vocals entire album), TG2 Pre Amp/DI, REDD.47 Mic Amplifier, RS124 Compressor, TG1 Limiter, TG12345 Curve Bender EQ (Mix Bus), TG Microphone (electric guitar), LTD-1 EQ/Preamp. Engineer/Mixer, Ryan Hewitt

SOUND SAMPLES

USERS

Kevin Kadish

Producer, Engineer, Songwriter ( Keith Urban, Meghan Trainor, Jason Mraz, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus )

Howard Willing

(Smashing Pumpkins, Snoop Dog, Tupac, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crowe, Counting Crows, Glenn Campbell, Sara Bareilles, Gavin Degraw, Dean Martin, Vintage Trouble, OK Go, Kill it Kid, Delta Rae, Kris Kristofferson)

Vance Powell

Producer, Mixer, Engineer ( Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Beck, Jars of Clay )

Dave Cobb

Producer, Mixer, Engineer (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Rival Sons, Chris Cornell, George Jones, Miranda Lambert )

Tony Maserati

( Robin Thicke, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Pink, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Jason Mraz, R. Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Puff Daddy, Tupac, Mary J. Blige, James Brown )

Ryan Hewitt

Producer, Mixer, Engineer (Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Avett Brothers, Blink-182, Tom Petty, The Lumineers, Bob Dylan)

Butch Walker

( Avril Lavigne, American Hi-Fi, The Donnas, Rock Star Supernova )

TESTIMONIALS

Ryan Hewitt (The Lumineers, Avett Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers)

"The RS660 is an instant classic for me. It’s even more versatile than its tonal influences and gives me options in compression that I’ve never experienced before. It can be as gentle or aggressive as you like. It can be gentle on a vocal or nasty and harmonically rich on an aggressive track."

Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Dolly Parton, Ida Mae)

"The RS660 is truly an inspiring take on a classic. What this compressor does for drums is fantastic…from subtle snare use to grinding drum rooms. Guitars get a nice bit of glue and tonal warm up, bass get set in and heard without over compression. But vocals, for me, are where the RS660 really shines; you get that tone and texture but with a modern push forward. The RS660 will be as used as my RS124’s for all my tracking."

Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White, Phish, Sturgill Simpson)

"I ran the RS660 through its paces and it was everything I’d expected and you’d want from this type of compressor; It’s typical Wade, a great sound."

Tony Maserati (Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, P!NK)

" My usual time to integrate new analogue gear is anywhere from two weeks to two months. The RS660 went right into action on the Norah Jones vocals of the unreleased songs from her seminal 2020 release of "Come Away With Me." I’m old enough that my ears remember the sound of well-designed tube analogue gear. The RS660 compressor is nostalgia for my ears, warm, accurate and simple. I’ve come to realize that whatever piece of gear Wade develops I’m going to need it in my hybrid set up. The RS660 Compressor is another piece I will use on every mix, for all my days; save up for this one!"

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Circuit Type EMI RS, Tube/Valve (6386, 6CG7, 6AL5)
Channels Mono
Feature Set Input Control: Variable (stepped special order)
Output Attenuator: Variable (stepped special order)
Time Constant: Selectable, Stepped (7 settings)
Compressor Modes: Selectable (THD, Limit, Comp)
Output Impedance: 200/600 ohms, switchable
Stereo linkable: Switchable, Standard 1/4" jack
I/O XLR (pin 2 hot), Transformer balanced, custom wound
Power Internal, AC wired region specific

Chandler Limited in Partnership with Abbey Road.