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Chandler Limited Zener-Bender by Softube channel strip plugin interface
Softube·Channel Strips

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

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

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit
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01Overview

Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender is a plugin channel strip built around two Chandler Limited units: the Zener Limiter, a compressor and limiter, and the Curve Bender, a four-band mastering equalizer. Softube models the two units as a single signal chain, so you can shape dynamics and tone in one place. The design draws on EMI console circuitry used at Abbey Road Studios from the 1960s onward. Softube includes it as a native plugin for macOS and Windows, with a separate Zener-Bender version for its Console 1 hardware mixing system.

Best for

  • Mix bus processing
  • Vocal mixing and sidechain
  • Mastering equalization
  • Drum bus compression
  • Stereo width control
Developer
Softube
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
  • Zener Limiter compressor and limiter with tasteful distortion
  • External sidechain input for the Zener Limiter stage
  • Mid/side processing for center and sides
  • Channel linking for stereo processing
  • Includes a separate Zener-Bender version for Console 1
  • Available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats
03In depth

Sound, Character and Signal Flow

The Zener Limiter provides punchy, controlled compression with a touch of distortion, and the Curve Bender adds a crisp, colorful equalizer stage. Together they form the channel strip's core sound.

The Curve Bender has four bands, more fixed filter points and more Q and gain options than the original two-band console section, along with added low and high pass filters. That range lets you move from subtle corrections to bolder tonal shaping.

The plugin-only features extend the hardware design. External sidechain input, mid/side processing and channel linking let you treat the center and sides of a mix differently, or process a vocal separately from the tracks behind it.

Compatibility and Setup

Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. Softube lists support for Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) and macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13. RTAS and TDM are no longer supported, and AAX DSP is no longer in active development.

Softube recommends VST3 because some of its plugins include features missing from the older VST format. The plugin requires a Softube account and an iLok account for licensing, and the latest iLok License Manager should be installed separately.

Softube says the plugin is tested in the most recent versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and Reaper. It supports sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz in mono and stereo.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperSoftube
TypePlugin
CategoryChannel Strip
FormatsVST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Chandler Limited Zener-Bender?

It is a Softube channel strip plugin that combines the Zener Limiter compressor and the Curve Bender mastering equalizer. Both units are modeled on Chandler Limited hardware.

What formats and operating systems does it support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats for Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) and macOS Big Sur, Monterey and Ventura. Softube recommends VST3.

What do I need to use Chandler Limited Zener-Bender?

You need a compatible 64-bit DAW host, a Softube account, an iLok account and internet access for downloading installers and managing licenses. The latest iLok License Manager is required and downloaded separately.

07Developer

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