Universal Audio Chandler Limited Curve Bender

Developed by Softube, Curve Bender is a
plugin emulation (VST/AU/AAX/RTAS) of
Chandler’s rebuild of the classic EMI TG12345
stereo passive console EQ (see Bending curves)
for UAD2/Apollo, designed for mastering but
also viable for mixing situations. Its two
channels are linked by default, but can be
unlinked to work in dual mono mode, and, as a
software-exclusive addition, there’s also a
Mid/Side mode, with the left-hand controls
processing the mid signal and the right-hand
controls working on the side. Annoyingly,
switching from Stereo to M/S mode (and
back) doesn’t automatically unlink (and relink)
the two channels – you have to hit the Link
button as well.
Curve Bender is a four-band semi-parametric
EQ with additional Low and High Pass Filters
(each ofering a choice of 11 cutof frequencies),
and shelf and bell options on the Low and High
bands. ‘Semi-parametric’ refers to the lack of
discrete Q control, although each frequency
band includes a Multiply switch for extending
the cut/boost gain range from
+
/-5dB to
+
/-7.5dB
that also kicks in a narrower Q when engaged.
The Frequency and Gain controls are all
stepped, the former having eight centre
frequencies per band (except Low, which has
seven), and the latter ten steps (in 0.5 or 0.75dB
increments, depending on the setting of the
Multiply switch).
Bypassing a band is done by setting its
Frequency selector knob or Multiply switch to
Out. The second is by far the easiest of the two,
and makes us wonder why they didn’t ditch the
other one for the plugin.
Bend me, shape me
Designed for the broad brushstroke tonal
adjustments of the mastering engineer, not
surgical EQ work, the original Curve Bender
hardware is known for its ‘mojo’ rather than its
precision, and the plugin captures that perfectly,
its passive design enabling mid and high bands
to be boosted without introducing the creeping
abrasive distortion associated with active EQs.
A Presence boost in the x1 Gain range (ie, with
the broader Q) jumps the track out at you in a
perky yet still very smooth way; while a top-end
shelving boost brings a glossy professional
sheen to the mix with no hint of edginess. The
lower bands aren’t quite as impressive,
introducing little discernible richness or
character, but are still useful for adding weight
or broad scooping of the lower mids.
The x1.5 Multiply setting, with its narrower Q,
essentially turns Curve Bender into a low-
precision tracking and mixing EQ, allowing you
to tune into particular frequencies with a bit
more accuracy. Of course, in an ideal world there
would be separate Q knobs, not to mention
continuous Frequency selectors…
Curve Bender combines the broad tonal
control of a self-assured mastering EQ with an
attractive character that always seems to
efortlessly resonate with the music being
processed. Much like the old Neve EQs, a mix
just has to be touched by it to sound better. The
M/S facility and extended gain range with dual Q
settings broaden its appeal to the mastering
fraternity, and overall it unarguably deserves a
place at the top table of mastering EQs.
Web www.uaudio.com
Universal Audio
Chandler Limited
Curve Bender
£229
Three industry heavyweights team up to release a plugin
model of a classic passive EQ with a complicated past…
Verdict
For Excellent mastering EQ
Brings excitement to the presence range
Silky, airy top-end
Mid/Side mode for discrete vocal work
Extra gain and narrow Q add precision
Against Narrow Q mode occasionally
a bit too narrow
Unnecessary Out setting on the
Frequency selector knobs
A stunning mastering EQ that only
sufers slightly from the limitations of
its overly authentic control emulation
9 / 1 0
Alternatively
Waves EMI TG12345
N/A » N/A » $249
Models the original EMI
console EQ rather than the
Chandler rack version
Brainworx bx_digital V3
N/A » N/A » $299
A highly involved mastering
EQ, and one of the irst to
introduce M/S processing
‘Curvebender’ was originally the nickname
given to the RS56 Universal Tone Control,
developed by EMI engineers at Abbey Road in
1951. The name, and nothing more, was taken
by Chandler Limited when they released their
updated version of the EMI TG12345 console EQ
to mark the 75th anniversary of Abbey Road
studios in 2006. It’s the Chandler version
that’s been modelled and updated here.
The original EMI hardware was famously
used by The Beatles during the recording of
Abbey Road, and Pink Floyd for Dark Side of
the Moon, and is sought-after for the vibe and
colour it introduces, particularly in the upper
frequency bands. The Chandler hardware
successfully recreated that character, and
this plugin version does the same. Unlike for
example, the Manley Massive Passive, which
could be described as ‘neutral’ and
‘functional’, Curve Bender is intended as a
‘musical’ mastering EQ that you’d use for its
idiosyncratic character.
Bending curves
2
MINUTES
WITH…
VIDEO
102 / COMPUTER MUSIC / September 2016
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