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The Fairchild Model 540 Mic Preamp/ variable EQ/ Cutterhead amp c. 1945

Fairchild_540UPDATE: 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.  Fairchild_540_advert_1945Fairchild_539_540(above: catalog image with companion Fairchild #539 portable lathe)Fairchild_540_nameplate

Fairchild_540_JensenPM8ctFairchild_540_rearFairchild_540_open

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!

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