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

Chandler Limited Zener-Bender: Channel Strip Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (20 ratings)

Chandler Limited Zener-Bender is a channel strip plugin from Softube that combines the Zener Limiter compressor and the Curve Bender mastering equalizer in a single vintage-style processing chain.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
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01Overview

Chandler Limited Zener-Bender brings together two Chandler Limited units in one plugin: the Zener Limiter, a punchy compressor and limiter, and the Curve Bender, a four-band mastering equalizer with added low and high pass filters. Softube developed the plugin with its own modeling of the EMI and Abbey Road circuit heritage. It adds plugin-only features such as external sidechain input and mid/side processing, and it is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats on Windows and macOS.

Best for

  • Mix bus processing
  • Vocal mixing
  • Low-end cleanup
  • Cymbal control
  • Mastering equalization
  • Console 1 mixing
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 added low and high pass filters
  • Zener Limiter compressor and limiter with a punchy, colored response
  • External sidechain input on the native Zener-Bender
  • Mid/Side processing for stereo-specific adjustments
  • Channel Linking for coordinated processing
  • Includes Zener-Bender, Zener Limiter, Curve Bender and Zener-Bender for Console 1
  • Console 1-ready individual plugins
03In depth

Sound and Character of the Zener-Bender Channel Strip

The Zener Limiter section is built for dynamics work, with a punchy, colored response that Softube describes as versatile and powerful. The Curve Bender section offers four bands, a large set of fixed filter points, additional Q and gain options, and low and high pass filters. Softube says it can be used subtly or more drastically.

Because both units run in one channel strip, you can shape tone and control dynamics without patching separate plugins. The Zener-Bender version adds an external sidechain input, mid/side processing and channel linking, which give you more control over how the processing reacts to specific parts of a mix.

Workflow, Plugin-Only Features and Console 1 Use

The native Zener-Bender includes External Sidechain input, Mid/Side Processing and Channel Linking. Mid/side processing lets you treat the center and sides of the stereo image differently, for example tightening low end in the center while calming cymbals at the edges.

A separate Zener-Bender for Console 1 version is included, and the individual plugins can be used within the Console 1 mixing ecosystem. Softube's Console 1 is a hardware control system for its software mixing tools.

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 formats is Chandler Limited Zener-Bender available in?

The product is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. Softube recommends VST3 because some of its plugins include features missing from the older VST format.

Which operating systems does Zener-Bender support?

Zener-Bender supports Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11, as well as macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13.

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

You need a Softube account, an iLok account, a computer with an AU, VST, VST3 or AAX-compatible DAW, and internet access for downloading installers and managing licenses. The latest iLok License Manager is recommended and must be downloaded separately from ilok.com.

Is this the full version or an upgrade?

This listing is an upgrade for customers who already own Chandler Limited Curve Bender. The full version is also available as a separate product.

07Developer

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