Plugins To Try: The Chandler Limited® Curve Bender Mastering EQ

Team PMFC

Team PMFC

— 3 min read
Plugins To Try: The Chandler Limited® Curve Bender Mastering EQ

Modern EQ plugins offer endless sonic possibilities, but sometimes, the most effective tools are rooted in the foundations of audio engineering. The Chandler Limited® Curve Bender Mastering EQ is a meticulous software emulation of the renowned console EQ found in Abbey Road Studios, promising the musicality and warmth that defined countless legendary recordings.

Buy/Trial here: Chandler Limited® Curve Bender Mastering EQ

Download/view manual to deep dive: Chandler Limited Curve Bender | Softube

A Piece of Audio History

The original hardware Curve Bender EQ was crafted by EMI engineers in the 1960s and found its way onto the mixing desks of Abbey Road Studios. Its gentle slopes and carefully selected frequencies became integral in shaping the sound of iconic albums like Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and The Beatles' "Abbey Road."

Key Features of the Plugin

  • Classic EQ Curves: The heart of the Curve Bender is its four-band EQ with fixed frequencies on the low shelf (35Hz, 60Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz) and high shelf (8kHz, 10kHz, 12kHz, 15kHz), plus sweepable midrange bands.
  • Bass Lift: A separate "Bass Lift" control adds a gentle, broad boost in the low frequencies.
  • Mid/Side Processing: For detailed stereo adjustments, engage Mid/Side mode.
  • Drive (Saturation): Adds subtle analogue-style saturation and warmth
  • Link Channels: A handy feature to maintain stereo image consistency.

Benefits for Audio Engineers

  • Musical Shaping: The Curve Bender excels at broad, musical strokes for sculpting and enhancing your mixes and masters.
  • Iconic Sound: It imparts the classic, warm character associated with Abbey Road recordings.
  • Ease of Use: The streamlined design and fixed frequencies make it quick and intuitive for experienced engineers.
  • Mid/Side Power: Target adjustments to the centre or sides of your stereo image for more control.
  • Subtle Saturation: The 'Drive' control lets you add a hint of desirable analogue harmonic saturation.

Quickly and easily dial in a sound you like by referencing Joe Chicarelli, Tony Maserati, Howard Willing, Kevin Kadish, and Maor Appelbaum (pictured).

Tips and Tricks for Mixing

  • Sculpt Low End: Use the low shelf frequencies to add weight to kick drums and bass or to reduce rumble and muddiness on various instruments.
  • Tame Harshness: Tame overly bright guitars, synths, or vocals with gentle cuts using the high shelf.
  • Enhance Detail: Use the sweepable mid-bands to add presence or clarity to individual instruments within a mix.
  • Subtle Drive: Experiment with the 'Drive' control on individual tracks to add subtle warmth and character.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering

  • Broad Strokes: The Curve Bender shines for making gentle, musical adjustments to an entire mix or master. Boost the high shelf subtly to open things up or use the Bass Lift control to add a touch of fullness without boominess.
  • Mid/Side Magic: Process the Mid and Side channels independently to fine-tune the stereo image – for example, enhance the width by gently boosting the high shelf on just the Side channel.
  • Analog Warmth: The "Drive" control can be used judiciously to add a touch of analogue-style warmth to your masters.

Why Try the Chandler Limited® Curve Bender?

If you seek classic EQ curves imbued with the warmth and musicality of legendary recordings, the Curve Bender is an exceptional tool. It's a reminder that sometimes the best approach lies in tried and tested techniques and the timeless sonic character of classic hardware.

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