Chandler Limited Zener-Bender upgrade channel strip plugin interface by Softube

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

Chandler Limited® Zener-Bender (upgrade from Chandler Limited Zener-Bender for Console 1) is a channel strip plugin by Softube that combines the Zener Limiter and Curve Bender mastering equalizer in one signal chain.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

This upgrade version is for owners of Chandler Limited Zener-Bender for Console 1. It brings together two vintage-style units modeled after Chandler Limited hardware: a compressor/limiter and a mastering equalizer. Softube includes four plug-ins in the package, covering the full Zener-Bender, its Zener Limiter and Curve Bender components, and the Console 1 version. The plug-in adds features that go beyond the hardware, including external sidechain input and mid/side processing.

Best for

Full mix bus processing
Low end cleanup in the center
Vocal mixing and mastering
Drum bus compression
Vintage mastering EQ
Console 1 channel strips

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
Zener Limiter compressor/limiter with punch and tasteful distortion
External sidechain input for the compressor
Mid/side processing for center and side control
Channel linking between instances
Includes the Zener-Bender for Console 1 version for Console 1 users
Available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats

03In depth

Zener Limiter and Curve Bender in one channel strip

The Zener-Bender pairs the Zener Limiter with the Curve Bender mastering equalizer. The Zener Limiter is a compressor/limiter built for punch and power, with a tasteful amount of distortion. The Curve Bender is a four-band equalizer with fixed filter points, Q and gain options, and low and high pass filters. Its roots are in EMI consoles used at Abbey Road, and Softube's modeling aims to recreate that vintage sound in a modern studio context.

Together the two units form a single channel strip workflow, so compression and equalization can be shaped in one place.

Plug-in-only features for mixing and mastering

Beyond the hardware-style signal path, the native Zener-Bender adds external sidechain input, mid/side processing and channel linking. Mid/side processing lets you treat the center and sides of a mix separately, for example to tighten low end in the center while calming cymbals out wide. The external sidechain input lets the compressor respond to another signal.

These options make the plug-in usable on full mixes as well as individual tracks.

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 do I need to run Chandler Limited Zener-Bender?

You need a Softube account and an iLok account, plus a compatible computer and a host that supports AU, VST, VST3 or AAX. The plug-in runs on macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, or Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11.

Which formats and operating systems are supported?

The plug-in is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats, with 64-bit support on Windows and macOS. Softube notes that TDM, VENUE and RTAS are no longer supported and that AAX DSP is not in active development.

Is this the right version if I already own the Console 1 version?

Yes. This product is an upgrade for customers who already own Chandler Limited Zener-Bender for Console 1. It adds the full native plug-in set, including Zener-Bender, Zener Limiter and Curve Bender.

07Developer

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