My DREAM ANALOG EQ: Chandler Curve Bender

Here I review what I like about the Chandler Limited Curve Bender Analog EQ. This has been a dream piece for me for quite some time. I was inspired to get this piece after learning that Mix Engineers like Joe Chicarelli, Ryan Hewitt, Tom Elmhirst, Ben Baptie, and so many others were using this EQ in their workflow.
Beyond just mixing, I noticed that Mastering Engineers like Greg Calbi, Chris Gehringer, and Emily Lazar were using the Curve Bender for the final touches of their mix.
This EQ sounds like “electricity” if that makes sense. It just adds a sense of life to anything you run it through and the transformers really help give energy to a track.
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[@DragonBiscuit]

The Bax filters are insanely good. I also started using it on drum buss at times. It just works on every type of material. I’ve always wanted a curve bender and ended up going massive passive instead - now I’m wondering LOL.

[@_philchoi]

LOLL I just tried the UAD MP plugin this week and thought maybe I should get the massive passive. How are you liking the Massive Passive?? I haven’t had the chance to try the hardware version just the software. Agreed!! BAX is so good on anything you throw at it, love the filters for drums or for mix bus.

[@DragonBiscuit]

The MP is a great EQ (obviously) but recall is a pain unless you go for the mastering version. I don't think any plugin version really does it justice - and I've tried them all from UAD to Acustica to Pulsar. I suspect the curve bender is probably the same way. @@_philchoi

[@_philchoi]

@@DragonBiscuit I haven’t tried any curve bender plugins but just knowing how plug-ins work there is some serious mojo, color, and depth to the analog version that i think is going to be very difficult to emulate with a digital plugin. Recalling on the CB is actually pretty easy since everything’s detented which is nice, i could see how the non mastering MP version could be a bit of a pain point. Things that surprised me were how much i liked the 12khz on this and how you can sooooo effectively make drastic boosts and cuts to really shape the sound.

[@Mike-vr7mb]

I'm giggling here cause I'm on the same boat with you guys, I have the Curve Bender and want to include the MP instead of replacing it...only because I used to use the MP and love it as much as I love my Curve Bender.

[@_philchoi]

@@Mike-vr7mb 😂😂 Haha join the party!! That’s the thing about people with GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) it’s never a “one or the other” choice it’s usually “just get both man” 😎 especially if it’s the CB and MP

[@siriusfun]

Nice overview. It's next on my list. I have the mini mixer and four TG Channels which I absolutely adore and use daily. Cheers!

[@_philchoi]

Thanks!! Mini Mixer is definitely on my list, how do you like it?

[@siriusfun]

@@_philchoi It's like having a console. The weight, depth and width are just not available ITB. I come out of a BURL Mothership on 32chs and use their B32 Vancouver summing box for the other 16chs. Best investment I made, and a lot cheaper than an actual console, of course! :)

[@mattycdj555]

It's so good isn't it. I have the plugin. Obviously I want the hardware at some point lol. The yellow markings indicate the added features btw and the white markings are from the original TG desk.

[@_philchoi]

Absolutely LOVE this unit. The color, energy, and vibe is why I buy analog gear in the first place 😄. I love that they added the yellow and white marks, it’s fun to use this eq with the old school eq points that they used back then.

[@Rob4drums]

lol i thought the sirens were outside my place , til you apologized about them.

[@_philchoi]

😂 yeah living in LA it’s hard to avoid the sirens!