Chandler Limited Zener-Bender for Console 1 channel strip plugin interface by Softube

Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender for Console 1: Channel Strip Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (37 ratings)

Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender for Console 1 is a channel strip plugin by Softube that combines the Zener Limiter compressor and the Curve Bender mastering equalizer, built for use with Softube's Console 1 hardware controller.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The Zener-Bender for Console 1 is a channel strip modeled by Softube on hardware from Chandler Limited®. Softube says the unit pairs the colorful character of the Curve Bender mastering equalizer with the punchy dynamics of the Zener Limiter. Its drive section is based on the Zener's THD circuit, and its shape section comes from an SSL SL 4000 E-series strip. The plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats for Windows and macOS, and it is also included in the Zener-Bender channel strip collection.

Best for

Mix bus processing
Vocal channel processing
Drum bus punch
Mastering equalization
Console 1 workflows

Developer: Softube
Category: Channel Strips
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Combines Zener Limiter compressor and Curve Bender mastering equalizer in one strip
Modeled by Softube from Chandler Limited® hardware
Zener Limiter THD circuit used as the drive section
Ratio knob selects Comp 1, Comp 2 or Limit curve
Drive Character control for high-mid emphasis or de-emphasis
Shape section sourced from an SSL SL 4000 E-series strip
Designed for Console 1 hardware control
Included in the Zener-Bender channel strip collection

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Zener-Bender Channel Strip

The strip combines two processors. The Zener Limiter provides compression and limiting, and its THD circuitry drives the strip's distortion section. The Curve Bender provides equalization with a filter section and a gain range that Softube describes as covering subtle half-dB moves up to 15 dB boosts and cuts.

Softube says the unit uses germanium and zener diodes, a combination it notes is not found in its other Console 1 channel strips. The developer describes the sound as vintage yet present, with an emphasis on power, punch, clarity and color.

Workflow and Key Controls

The Ratio knob works as a curve selector, switching between the Zener's Comp 1, Comp 2 and Limit modes. Input and output gain are combined into one threshold knob. The Drive Character parameter adds optional high-mid emphasis or de-emphasis.

The Curve Bender filters can also be used in the EQ section by setting the low or high band to Cut. The native version adds an external sidechain input and mid/side processing, which the hardware does not offer.

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does the Zener-Bender for Console 1 support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. Softube says AAX DSP and TDM, VENUE and RTAS are no longer actively supported.

Which operating systems are supported?

Softube lists support for macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13, and for Windows 10 and Windows 11, both 64-bit.

What do I need to use the Zener-Bender for Console 1?

You need a Softube account, an iLok account and an AU, VST, VST3 or AAX-compatible DAW. Softube recommends VST3 and says the latest iLok License Manager should be used.

Is the Zener-Bender for Console 1 the same as the native version?

No. Softube says the native Zener-Bender is a collection of four plugins and adds external sidechain input and mid/side processing that the hardware does not have.