UPDATE: THIS HAS BEEN SOLD. IT IS GONE. I HAVE NO FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT IT.
Extraordinarily rare, way ahead-of-its-time Fairchild mic preamp/ continuously-variable 2-band boost-eq/cutter-head amp from 1945. Built as a limited-edition model, very few were made and this could be the only example remaining. This one was (professionally, it appears) modified very long ago for use with a Magnecord (likely PT6) tape machine, unit is otherwise complete with tubes and a working, good-sounding Jensen Alnico PM8ct speaker. Mic and line transformers appear to be Kenyons. Unit removes from its road-case for standard rack-mounting. Condition poor to fair; needs complete restoration. With some work this could be the ultimate marquee-rack unit for your world-class studio. Came to me on a trade and I have no other information on it; AFAIK, schematics are not available online but being as it is circa 1945 technology, it should be repairable by any experienced tech. (above: catalog image with companion Fairchild #539 portable lathe)
3 replies on “The Fairchild Model 540 Mic Preamp/ variable EQ/ Cutterhead amp c. 1945”
Hi there i have one of these
Fairchild 540 units… It has been in a basement for over 30 years but valves look ok, i would like to know if you are keen to restore it for me or buy it?
Hello. I do not service equipment for hire any longer, only for personal use. You might try to sell it to a retailer such as SoundGas. Good luck!
if anyone can restore mine please email me marco@bluechilli.co.za