 Fairchild 670 compressor | |
| Industry | Electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1931 in Whitestone, Queens, New York, United States |
| Products | Amplifiers, audio compressors |
| Owner | Sherman Fairchild |
Fairchild Recording Equipment Corporation was an American manufacturer of professional audio equipment located in Whitestone, New York.
The company was founded by Sherman Fairchild in 1931 to augment his interests in photography and image projection.
Fairchild's most notable products were the Fairchild 670 stereo compressor and its mono sibling, the Fairchild 660. These compressors can sell for over $30,000 as of 2003 [update] . [1] The original design, created by Rein Narma as he was building Les Paul's first 8-channel mixing console, was licensed by Sherman Fairchild who hired Rein Narma as the company's chief engineer. [2]
The company's products also included amplifiers, preamplifiers, a control track generator to synchronize tape recorders, [3] and recording lathes. [4]
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Sherman Mills Fairchild was an American businessman and investor who founded over 70 companies, including Fairchild Aviation, Fairchild Industries, and Fairchild Camera and Instrument. Fairchild made significant contributions to the aviation industry and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1979. His Semiconductor Division of Fairchild Camera played a defining role in Silicon Valley. He held over 30 patents for products ranging from the silicon semiconductor to the 8-mm home sound motion-picture camera. Fairchild was responsible for inventing the first synchronized camera shutter and flash as well as developing technologies for aerial cameras that were later used on the Apollo Missions.
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A professional audio store is a retail business that sells, and in many cases rents, sound reinforcement system equipment and PA system components used in music concerts, live shows, dance parties and speaking events. This equipment typically includes microphones, power amplifiers, electronic effects units, speaker enclosures, monitor speakers, subwoofers and audio consoles (mixers). Some professional audio stores also sell sound recording equipment, DJ equipment, lighting equipment used in nightclubs and concerts and video equipment used in events, such as video projectors and screens. Some professional audio stores rent "backline" equipment used in rock and pop shows, such as stage pianos and bass amplifiers. While professional audio stores typically focus on selling new merchandise, some stores also sell used equipment, which is often the equipment that the company has previously rented out for shows and events.
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Paul Wolff is an American electronics engineer and entrepreneur, who is a designer of professional audio recording equipment. He designs recording consoles including immersive and audio mixing equipment for professional recording. He has been associated with companies including Datatronix, API, Tonelux, and Fix Audio Designs. His customers include Jim Messina, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Startec Studios, among others.
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