Fairchild 666 Compressor (Vintage)

Nice example of this unit. Controls include continuously variable knobs for Compression and 'Auto-Ten' (an automatic attenuator/noise gate), and a stepped attenuator for Line Gain from 0 to 40 db, in 5db increments. Also has two continuously-variable settings for the release times on the compression and auto attenuation, adjustable by screwdriver. Auto-Ten has its own on/off switch on the back of the unit.



A rare compressor from the makers of the famous 660 and 670 models. While those models are 'delta-mu' style compressors, the 666 model was Fairchild's answer to the Teletronix LA-2A opto-compressor.

The 666 is a hybrid design using tubes for the audio path and solid state circuitry for the 'Auto-Ten' noise gate. Unique sound as a vocal compressor; the 666 was an early acquisition of Abbey Road studios, and was used on many recordings by the Hollies and Gerry and the Pacemakers, and possibly some Beatles records as well. The 666 was also a regular at Motown Studios during their Detroit heyday.