Chandler Limited Curve Bender Review

Summary

In this video, the host provides an in-depth, personal review of the Chandler Limited Curve Bender PMT audio EQ, emphasizing its exceptional tone retention even with severe EQ adjustments. The host shares their experience of using the unit in their own studio, highlighting its impact on their mixing approach and the ability to cut low mids without losing tone. With technical insights and a candid approach, the video compares this EQ to other products, underlining its value for high-end audio professionals. The review also touches on customer service and the ability to demo products locally before purchase.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Chandler Limited Curve Bender PMT Audio EQ is a high-quality stereo EQ, known for its remarkable tone retention even with severe EQ cuts.
• 😀 This EQ features both a low pass and high pass filter, allowing for versatile adjustments on high and low frequencies.
• 😀 The Chandler Limited Curve Bender is recommended to be placed after a limiter in the signal chain for optimal mixing or mastering results.
• 😀 One of the standout features of the EQ is its ability to cut or boost frequencies while maintaining the overall tone of the instrument or mix, making it effective on a wide range of instruments like guitar, drums, and vocals.
• 😀 Unlike many other stereo EQs, this model allows for substantial cuts without losing essential tonal qualities, which is particularly valuable in problematic recording environments.
• 😀 The EQ has a stereo makeup gain feature that allows for further control over frequency adjustments, offering flexibility in boosting or cutting at different levels.
• 😀 The Curve Bender has received praise for its build quality and excellent customer support from Chandler Limited, a company based in Iowa.
• 😀 The speaker highlights their personal experience with the EQ, mentioning that using the device changed their approach to mixing and led to a more refined sound.
• 😀 Despite many gear demos available online, the speaker emphasizes the importance of their honest opinion and practical experience with the EQ rather than focusing solely on technical specifications or sales-oriented content.
• 😀 The speaker recommends that potential buyers try the EQ in person at the shop to get a feel for its capabilities before committing to a purchase.
• 😀 The speaker concludes by noting that the Curve Bender is an essential tool for their work and one they can't imagine mixing without, calling it a 'must-have' piece of gear.

Q & A

What makes the Curve Bender PMT audio equalizer stand out from other stereo EQs?

The Curve Bender PMT audio equalizer is unique because it retains the tone of an instrument even with severe cuts to the EQ. Unlike other EQs that may alter the tone when cutting frequencies, the Curve Bender allows you to perform significant cuts while maintaining the integrity of the sound.

Why is the low-pass filter on the Curve Bender PMT considered incredible?

The low-pass filter on the Curve Bender PMT is praised for its ability to completely drop off the high end, offering precise control over the frequency range. This feature is particularly useful in shaping the overall sound of a mix.

What is the benefit of using the Curve Bender PMT in the studio according to the reviewer?

The reviewer emphasizes the Curve Bender PMT's ability to help reshape the way they mix music. It provides unmatched tone retention during EQ adjustments, which is particularly beneficial when mixing guitar, drums, and vocals.

What was the reviewer’s experience with subtractive EQ using the Curve Bender PMT?

When using subtractive EQ, the reviewer notes that many stereo EQs cause the tone of the instrument to change, but with the Curve Bender PMT, severe cuts don’t affect the overall tone. This makes it ideal for addressing room issues or problematic recordings while preserving the natural sound.

How does the reviewer compare the Curve Bender PMT to other audio gear?

The reviewer compares the Curve Bender PMT to other stereo EQs, stating that many EQs they’ve tried lacked the 'magic' or 'mojo' that the Curve Bender provides. This 'magic' is attributed to its exceptional performance and tone retention.

What is the recommended position of the Curve Bender PMT in a signal chain?

According to Chandler Limited, the manufacturer of the Curve Bender PMT, it’s recommended to place the unit after the limiter in the signal chain for optimal performance during mixing or mastering.

Why is the reviewer so confident in recommending the Curve Bender PMT?

The reviewer expresses confidence in recommending the Curve Bender PMT because of its superior quality and exceptional results. They describe it as an indispensable tool that they couldn’t live without in their studio.

How does the reviewer describe their personal interaction with the Curve Bender PMT?

The reviewer describes how they sold the unit to a friend and spent several months discussing its nuances. They further highlight the positive impact it had on their mixing approach, particularly encouraging them to try new EQ techniques they hadn’t considered before.

Can the Curve Bender PMT be used for both mixing and mastering?

Yes, the Curve Bender PMT is versatile enough for both mixing and mastering. The reviewer recommends placing it in the signal chain after the limiter, making it suitable for final touch-ups in either process.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the availability of the Curve Bender PMT?

The reviewer mentions that the Curve Bender PMT is available for purchase locally at their shop in Colorado, and they even offer demos for customers to try before buying, ensuring that clients can test the gear before committing to it.