If the 10k+ price tag of Undertone Audio’s boutique Fairchild 670 variable mu compressor/limiter is a bit too steep for you, perhaps the software emulation is a good alternative for those working with a DAW.
Aphelion’s Orbit shares his thought on the plugin.
What is it?
The Undertone Audio UnFairchild 670M mkII Vari-Mu Compressor is a collaborative design and development effort between MIXLAND and Eric Valentine, the drummer of the metal band T-Ride. Additionally, Eric Valentine has a notable production history, with his name appearing on albums from a variety of bands, ranging from Third Eye Blind to Queens of the Stone Age, among others in my vinyl collection.
Intro
I must admit while the interface has a beholding presence. It is intimidating and overwhelms you as you open the plugin with all the knobs and dials. The good thing is you don’t really don’t have to know all that much about compressors in general to get a result that makes your track sound good.
Setup
The installation process was simple. Install the VST and import your serial number.
First Impressions
I must admit, the interface commands attention with its array of knobs and dials. It can be intimidating and overwhelming at first glance. However, the upside is that you don’t need extensive knowledge about compressors to achieve a sound that enhances your track.
Input Section
The UnFairchild becomes less intimidating if you break the sections down. There are standard metering, input and threshold controls.
Attack and Release
This section, or sections, is where you can truly fine-tune and unleash your creativity with this compressor to achieve remarkable results.
The time constants range from presets 1-6 to a variable table, offering both linked and individual channel settings. As I started adjusting these settings, I noticed my results went from punchier, smoother, to fuller.
Recap
Tweaking can be quite beneficial in this context. I suggest putting this on a bus and experimenting until you find a sound that pleases you. Conduct some A/B comparisons. Also, make sure to listen on studio headphones or speakers if you have them. If tweaking isn’t your preference, the UnFairchild offers some great presets, such as ‘snare smack’ and ‘soul drum.’
Pros
- Edit capability
- Ease of use
- The sound
- Has its own character
Cons
- Expensive
Final Thoughts
This compressor seems to possess a unique sonic character. The saturation and sidechain functionality are appealing. Whether it surpasses the UAD or Waves version is subjective. Owning both, I find that this compressor competes well with those and other models in my collection.
For EQs, compressors, and similar tools, my only requirements are that they don’t degrade the sound and offer a new auditory experience. Essentially, they should distinguish themselves in a saturated market. In my opinion, the UnFairchild has accomplished this.
The UnFairchild 670M mkII is available to purchase for a limited time launch price of $99 USD (regular $149 USD), and a 14-day free trial version can be downloaded from the Undertone Audio website to give it a try.
