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musical instrument details
Vintage 1960's Fairchild 688 Dynamics Processor Very Rare Serviced/Overhauled #2
Estimated price for orientation: 1 350 $
Category: Signal Processors or Rack Effect
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Type: Dynamic Range Processor Model: 688 Effect/Enhancement: Compression/Limiting Form Factor: Rack Mountable Brand: Fairchild Number of Channels: 1 EAN: Does not apply
Vintage
Fairchild 688 Dating from the 1960’s, and manufactured in the USA by Fairchild, this 688 unit has recently undergone a root and branch service, to ensure it is in the best working condition possible. Controls and features The unit has very simple controls, with just an Input control, Threshold control and an on/off switch. Cosmetics The unit is in fantastic condition considering it’s age.Only a couple of marks to the front of the unit. See Photos for condition Further info This is a great chance to own a very rare set of classic gear, in perfect working condition. The unit has just had a VERY time consuming, thorough root and branch service, pretty much verging on a restoration, including: · Extensive re-wiring· FULL replacement of large capacitors and resistors on the board, with high grade, expensive (sprage) and flame resistant components. · New earthed mains lead being added · Optical module being rebuilt Fairchild have a formidable reputation amongst the recording industry, stemming from their incredible units from the 1950’s-1960’s, which were manufactured for the broadcast industry. This particular Fairchild 688 model is one of the rarest Fairchild units out there it seems, with only a couple having been up for sale this year, and very limited information to be found about the 688 online. Many confuse the small, silver can that is found to the rear of the unit, for a valve- (as I did when I purchased!) and sometimes they are sold as “Tube Compressors” because of this.The small can is infact a sealed optical module/cell, (similar to Teletronix LA-2A et al,) This 688 unit consists of a UTC input transformer, which the signal hits just before it reaches the optical cell. The optical cell then triggers the compression to be applied. I have three of these units and all of them had the same problem…. The optical cell was not functioning correctly, or at all.Obviously, identical replacement modules are no longer available, so the decision was taken for the top of the sealed module to be carefully sawn off (by hand,) and the internal components were replaced like for like, before sealing the module once again. The result of all of this effort, is one of what must be very, very few of these units, that actually work correctly, and should continue to do so for many a year. Rebuilt with the highest quality audiophile components. No expense was spared on this unit. I’ve seen “untested” 688 units sell for £1000, in fact a 688 unit, with zero guarantee of functionality/no returns sold for over $1600 (link below)https://reverb.com/item/2823074-fairchild-688-mono-discrete-dynamics-processor#description-tab Based on that auction price, plus the time, expense and quality of the work carried out, I listed my first of three 688 units at what I felt is a reasonable price.That one sold for £1700 (see below)http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112009387444?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1559.l2649I've changed this current listing from "best offers considered", to a fixed price buy it now, in the hope of avoiding the people that ignore the best offer option and send endless messages trying to haggle instead.Price is firm, and won't be reduced, as it's up for sale for considerable less than what my first unit sold for, and due to ebay & paypals ridiculous fees.This is an extremely rare unit, and especially so, as in this case it’s in tip top shape cosmetically, in perfect working condition due to it’s recent service/overhaul, and not to forget, it’s in Europe! Unit runs on 120V, so would require a step down transformer.It is a mono unit with a balanced input and an unbalanced output. 83 dbs of gain.One more 688 unit is available, should a pair be desired. A little about what and how I sell items:I’ve been selling odd and rare vintage audio equipment on ebay for over 10 years now, with no issues or bad feedback. So you can buy with confidence, from an experienced seller with 100% positive feedback and many happy buyers.I sell to many of the recording industry’s top, well known professionals and recording studios around the world… from Cenzo Townshend to Alex Kapranos, Shane Stoneback to Olivier Chastan, Moles Studios to Beech Creek Studios....I ship items worldwide, and have experience in shipping to pretty much every destination at this point…. So I can offer any advice if buyers have any queries.All items are well packed, insured, and fully tracked.I take great care in making sure items work as they should, and describe things as accurately as possible. If any item’s description states that it has had any modifications, repairs or services carried out on it, then they genuinely have had that work carried out! (Unlike some sellers that think replacing a plug constitutes a “service”)All work is carried out by the very best specialists from across Europe, in whatever area the item may be from – Outboard – Ribbon microphones – Tube Microphone etcNo corners are cut, or expense spared.TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER AUCTIONS
I HAVE LOTS OF VINTAGE GEAR UP FOR SALE AT THE MOMENT!Please Note:This item is also for sale locally. I reserve the right to cancel any listings at any point in result of a sale elsewhere.
All items are described & tested to the best of my ability
No returns, No refunds unless in the case of arriving in a state other than described.
All items have invisible watermarks internally to avoid bogus return claims (which has happened)
If you experience a problem please contact me to resolve any issues. THANKS FOR LOOKING!
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Type: | Dynamic Range Processor |
| Model: | 688 | Effect/Enhancement: | Compression/Limiting |
| Form Factor: | Rack Mountable | Brand: | Fairchild |
| Number of Channels: | 1 | EAN: | Does not apply |
Vintage
Fairchild 688 Dating from the 1960’s, and manufactured in the USA by Fairchild, this 688 unit has recently undergone a root and branch service, to ensure it is in the best working condition possible. Controls and features The unit has very simple controls, with just an Input control, Threshold control and an on/off switch. Cosmetics The unit is in fantastic condition considering it’s age.Only a couple of marks to the front of the unit. See Photos for condition Further info This is a great chance to own a very rare set of classic gear, in perfect working condition. The unit has just had a VERY time consuming, thorough root and branch service, pretty much verging on a restoration, including: · Extensive re-wiring· FULL replacement of large capacitors and resistors on the board, with high grade, expensive (sprage) and flame resistant components. · New earthed mains lead being added · Optical module being rebuilt Fairchild have a formidable reputation amongst the recording industry, stemming from their incredible units from the 1950’s-1960’s, which were manufactured for the broadcast industry. This particular Fairchild 688 model is one of the rarest Fairchild units out there it seems, with only a couple having been up for sale this year, and very limited information to be found about the 688 online. Many confuse the small, silver can that is found to the rear of the unit, for a valve- (as I did when I purchased!) and sometimes they are sold as “Tube Compressors” because of this.The small can is infact a sealed optical module/cell, (similar to Teletronix LA-2A et al,) This 688 unit consists of a UTC input transformer, which the signal hits just before it reaches the optical cell. The optical cell then triggers the compression to be applied. I have three of these units and all of them had the same problem…. The optical cell was not functioning correctly, or at all.Obviously, identical replacement modules are no longer available, so the decision was taken for the top of the sealed module to be carefully sawn off (by hand,) and the internal components were replaced like for like, before sealing the module once again. The result of all of this effort, is one of what must be very, very few of these units, that actually work correctly, and should continue to do so for many a year. Rebuilt with the highest quality audiophile components. No expense was spared on this unit. I’ve seen “untested” 688 units sell for £1000, in fact a 688 unit, with zero guarantee of functionality/no returns sold for over $1600 (link below)https://reverb.com/item/2823074-fairchild-688-mono-discrete-dynamics-processor#description-tab Based on that auction price, plus the time, expense and quality of the work carried out, I listed my first of three 688 units at what I felt is a reasonable price.That one sold for £1700 (see below)http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112009387444?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1559.l2649I've changed this current listing from "best offers considered", to a fixed price buy it now, in the hope of avoiding the people that ignore the best offer option and send endless messages trying to haggle instead.Price is firm, and won't be reduced, as it's up for sale for considerable less than what my first unit sold for, and due to ebay & paypals ridiculous fees.This is an extremely rare unit, and especially so, as in this case it’s in tip top shape cosmetically, in perfect working condition due to it’s recent service/overhaul, and not to forget, it’s in Europe! Unit runs on 120V, so would require a step down transformer.It is a mono unit with a balanced input and an unbalanced output. 83 dbs of gain.One more 688 unit is available, should a pair be desired.
Fairchild 688 Dating from the 1960’s, and manufactured in the USA by Fairchild, this 688 unit has recently undergone a root and branch service, to ensure it is in the best working condition possible. Controls and features The unit has very simple controls, with just an Input control, Threshold control and an on/off switch. Cosmetics The unit is in fantastic condition considering it’s age.Only a couple of marks to the front of the unit. See Photos for condition Further info This is a great chance to own a very rare set of classic gear, in perfect working condition. The unit has just had a VERY time consuming, thorough root and branch service, pretty much verging on a restoration, including: · Extensive re-wiring· FULL replacement of large capacitors and resistors on the board, with high grade, expensive (sprage) and flame resistant components. · New earthed mains lead being added · Optical module being rebuilt Fairchild have a formidable reputation amongst the recording industry, stemming from their incredible units from the 1950’s-1960’s, which were manufactured for the broadcast industry. This particular Fairchild 688 model is one of the rarest Fairchild units out there it seems, with only a couple having been up for sale this year, and very limited information to be found about the 688 online. Many confuse the small, silver can that is found to the rear of the unit, for a valve- (as I did when I purchased!) and sometimes they are sold as “Tube Compressors” because of this.The small can is infact a sealed optical module/cell, (similar to Teletronix LA-2A et al,) This 688 unit consists of a UTC input transformer, which the signal hits just before it reaches the optical cell. The optical cell then triggers the compression to be applied. I have three of these units and all of them had the same problem…. The optical cell was not functioning correctly, or at all.Obviously, identical replacement modules are no longer available, so the decision was taken for the top of the sealed module to be carefully sawn off (by hand,) and the internal components were replaced like for like, before sealing the module once again. The result of all of this effort, is one of what must be very, very few of these units, that actually work correctly, and should continue to do so for many a year. Rebuilt with the highest quality audiophile components. No expense was spared on this unit. I’ve seen “untested” 688 units sell for £1000, in fact a 688 unit, with zero guarantee of functionality/no returns sold for over $1600 (link below)https://reverb.com/item/2823074-fairchild-688-mono-discrete-dynamics-processor#description-tab Based on that auction price, plus the time, expense and quality of the work carried out, I listed my first of three 688 units at what I felt is a reasonable price.That one sold for £1700 (see below)http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112009387444?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1559.l2649I've changed this current listing from "best offers considered", to a fixed price buy it now, in the hope of avoiding the people that ignore the best offer option and send endless messages trying to haggle instead.Price is firm, and won't be reduced, as it's up for sale for considerable less than what my first unit sold for, and due to ebay & paypals ridiculous fees.This is an extremely rare unit, and especially so, as in this case it’s in tip top shape cosmetically, in perfect working condition due to it’s recent service/overhaul, and not to forget, it’s in Europe! Unit runs on 120V, so would require a step down transformer.It is a mono unit with a balanced input and an unbalanced output. 83 dbs of gain.One more 688 unit is available, should a pair be desired.
A little about what and how I sell items:I’ve been selling odd and rare vintage audio equipment on ebay for over 10 years now, with no issues or bad feedback. So you can buy with confidence, from an experienced seller with 100% positive feedback and many happy buyers.I sell to many of the recording industry’s top, well known professionals and recording studios around the world… from Cenzo Townshend to Alex Kapranos, Shane Stoneback to Olivier Chastan, Moles Studios to Beech Creek Studios....I ship items worldwide, and have experience in shipping to pretty much every destination at this point…. So I can offer any advice if buyers have any queries.All items are well packed, insured, and fully tracked.I take great care in making sure items work as they should, and describe things as accurately as possible. If any item’s description states that it has had any modifications, repairs or services carried out on it, then they genuinely have had that work carried out! (Unlike some sellers that think replacing a plug constitutes a “service”)All work is carried out by the very best specialists from across Europe, in whatever area the item may be from – Outboard – Ribbon microphones – Tube Microphone etcNo corners are cut, or expense spared.
TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER AUCTIONS
I HAVE LOTS OF VINTAGE GEAR UP FOR SALE AT THE MOMENT!Please Note:This item is also for sale locally. I reserve the right to cancel any listings at any point in result of a sale elsewhere.
All items are described & tested to the best of my ability
No returns, No refunds unless in the case of arriving in a state other than described.
All items have invisible watermarks internally to avoid bogus return claims (which has happened)
If you experience a problem please contact me to resolve any issues. THANKS FOR LOOKING!
I HAVE LOTS OF VINTAGE GEAR UP FOR SALE AT THE MOMENT!Please Note:This item is also for sale locally. I reserve the right to cancel any listings at any point in result of a sale elsewhere.
All items are described & tested to the best of my ability
No returns, No refunds unless in the case of arriving in a state other than described.
All items have invisible watermarks internally to avoid bogus return claims (which has happened)
If you experience a problem please contact me to resolve any issues. THANKS FOR LOOKING!