Iconic Instruments

NEW! The Model 660 X Exciting Compressor is an accurate virtual 660-style vari-mu compressor with some very unique features. In 1963, engineer Lawrence Horn introduced the “Exciting Compressor” technique to the Pop world, which involved boosting a large amount of 5-6kHz, then crushing that signal with a 660 compressor and bringing it back up on the board in parallel with your original, unprocessed track. It was a favorite on vocals and drums, and it was used on some of the most classic tracks of the 1960’s.

Carefully modeled from an original unit, the Model 660 X Compressor captures and recreates that sound. In addition to the classic 660 controls - Input Gain, Threshold and Time Constant switch, along with Pre-, Post- and Gain Reduction metering - the Model 660 X has an “Excitement” section that allows you to boost anywhere from 1 to 10kHz up to 12dB, coupled with a Mix control that lets you operate the effect in parallel.
We’ve added a separate Drive control to add the classic subtle color you get from boosting the Input Gain of the original unit, or minimize the Drive for crystal clear, smooth vari-mu signal crushing.

Additionally, we’ve added a Knee control to mimic the classic “soft knee” vari-mu compression, or reduce it for a more aggressive “hard knee” effect.
And finally, we’ve added an Output level for convenient level-matching and a Power switch to audition your results.