Fairchild: Shaping the Sound of Innovation in Audio Technology

The story of Fairchild Recording Equipment Corporation is one of legendary innovation and enduring impact in the audio engineering world. Founded in the early 1950s by Sherman Fairchild, the company was an offshoot of his diverse business empire that ranged from aerospace to photography, but it was in the field of audio where Fairchild truly made its mark.

Fairchild’s most notable contribution to audio technology came with the development of the Fairchild 660 and 670 compressors in the mid-1950s. These units quickly became staples in recording studios around the world, revered for their unique ability to add a smooth, musical compression to audio signals. The Fairchild 670, in particular, is often hailed as the most coveted of all compressors, known for its intricate design and stereo control capabilities. This piece of equipment became synonymous with the sound of the Beatles, having been a fixture in almost all of their recordings at Abbey Road Studios.

The Fairchild compressors were renowned for their use of tubes to achieve a warm, rich sound that was unparalleled at the time. This made them particularly favored for their musical compression on tracks ranging from vocals to drums, shaping the sound of countless classic records throughout the 1960s and beyond.

Beyond compressors, Fairchild also produced a variety of other audio products including cutting lathes for vinyl records, broadcast limiters, and even early solid-state devices. However, it was their mastering consoles and other recording accessories that further cemented their status in the studio environment. Their innovations in these areas helped to push the boundaries of what was technically possible in audio recording during that era.

Despite the eventual decline of the original company in the late 1970s due to the high costs of manufacturing and the rise of cheaper, solid-state gear, the Fairchild name lives on. Today, original Fairchild units are treasured by audio professionals and continue to command high prices on the vintage market, a testament to their lasting impact on the industry. Moreover, modern reissues and software emulations strive to replicate the sonic qualities of Fairchild equipment, ensuring that new generations of audio engineers can experience the unique sound of Fairchild’s pioneering technology.