| EAR 660 Details
Somewhat based on the legendary Fairchild 660 the EAR 660 has taken things a step further. The characteristics of the 'compression knee' around the attack and release parameters contribute to the unit's amazing performance. The onset of limiting is gentle enough to call attention to the fact that the unit is limiting, though it will react exceptionally quickly when called upon to do so. The audio circuit conforms to EAR's quest for low distortion and high headroom giving the sound a space and dimension found in few units ever built. If you're serious about the quality of your audio this is a "must have" tool.
The EAR "Fairchild"-type (hybrid) tube limiter/compressor is designed to limit or compress the signal with the barest minimum of interference below threshold, and provide the most subjectively satisfying operation on high level signals.
The choice of attack and release times is similar to other limiter/compressors, but it is the characteristics of this unit around the 'knee' of the attack/decay envelope that contribute to its excellent performance. The audio circuit conforms to the EAR principle of simplicity and subjective "transparency" with low distortion at all normal signal levels.
The onset of limiting is sufficiently gentle not to call attention to itself, although in fact, the 660 will react very rapidly to overload conditions when required. If your application requires the use of a limiter/compressor, but you wish to protect the fidelity of the source signal, the EAR 660 is the ideal tool.
EAR 660 Specification
- Input and output impedance: 600 ohms nominal, balanced and floating
- Gain (maximum): 20 dB
- Input and output normal operating level: +4dBm
- Maximum output level (@1% distortion): +16dB linear, +10dB @ 10dB compression
- Attack time: 0.2 to 0.8 ms variable
- Release time: 0.3 to 5s variable
- Release time ("classical music" setting): up to 25s for sustained high levels
- Compression ratio: 1:1 to 10:1 adjustable
- Circuit: all-tube audio path; solid-state DC sidechain control path
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