Chandler Limited Zener-Bender by Softube channel strip plugin interface

Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender: Channel Strip Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (33 ratings)

Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender is a channel strip plugin from Softube that combines the Zener Limiter compressor/limiter with the Curve Bender mastering equalizer, modeled on Chandler Limited® hardware.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

The Zener-Bender brings together two units modeled on Chandler Limited® hardware: the Zener Limiter, a compressor/limiter, and the Curve Bender, a four-band mastering equalizer. Softube presents the strip as a focused workflow for mixing and mastering. The package also includes the separate Zener Limiter and Curve Bender plug-ins, plus a version built for Softube's Console 1 mixing system. The developer says the units are rooted in EMI console circuitry used at Abbey Road Studios from the 1960s onward.

Best for

Mix bus processing
Mastering equalization
Vocal and stereo focus
Drum bus compression
Console 1 mixing

Developer: Softube
Category: Channel Strips
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Zener Limiter and Curve Bender combined in one channel strip
Four-band Curve Bender mastering equalizer with 51 fixed filter points
External sidechain input for the Zener-Bender plug-in
Mid/side processing for stereo-focused adjustments
Channel linking between units
Includes Zener-Bender, Zener Limiter, Curve Bender and Console 1 version
Individual plug-ins usable within the Console 1 mixing ecosystem

03In depth

Zener Limiter and Curve Bender Sound and Character

The Zener Limiter is a compressor/limiter that the developer describes as punchy and versatile, with tasteful distortion. It is designed to add character without being difficult to set. The Curve Bender is a mastering equalizer with four bands, compared with two on the original console. It offers 51 fixed filter points, more Q and gain options, and added low and high pass filters.

Together, the two units form one channel strip. The Zener-Bender version adds plug-in-only features that the individual units do not have.

Plug-in Features and Workflow

The native Zener-Bender includes an external sidechain input, mid/side processing, and channel linking. Mid/side processing lets you treat the center and the sides of a stereo mix differently, for example to tidy low end in the center while taming cymbals out wide.

The plug-in is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. Softube recommends VST3, since some of its plug-ins have features that the older VST format does not support.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Channel Strip
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05Upgrades

Upgrade and crossgrade options

Option	Store link
Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender (upgrade from Chandler Limited Curve Bender and Chandler Limited Zener-Bender for Console 1)	Plugin Boutique ↗
Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender (upgrade from Chandler Limited Curve Bender)	Plugin Boutique ↗
Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender (upgrade from Chandler Limited Zener Limiter)	Plugin Boutique ↗
Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender (upgrade from Chandler Limited Zener-Bender for Console 1)	Plugin Boutique ↗

06FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender?

It is a channel strip plugin from Softube that combines the Zener Limiter compressor/limiter and the Curve Bender mastering equalizer in one unit, modeled on Chandler Limited® hardware.

What formats and operating systems does it support?

The plug-in is listed in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats, for both Windows and macOS. Softube recommends VST3.

What do I need to use the Zener-Bender?

You need a Softube account and an iLok account, and a computer running an AU, VST, VST3 or AAX-compatible DAW. Internet access is required to download installers and manage licenses. The latest iLok License Manager is recommended.