I purchased the Zener in 2014, in the hopes that this compressor would give my small studio a vintage edge and attract more clientele.

So far, so good. Buying an item like this was difficult to do, because: 1. I had to buy it without hearing it first, and 2. It is a true techie brand without the household name status of Neve or API.

That said, here are my impressions:

Build Quality: the actual compressor is seriously over-built. The knobs and buttons feel like they will last a lifetime. The XLR jacks on the back are fussy about what cables you use. Use mogami or a brand that isn't over-sized and has a cutout for the XLR locks on the jack. The meters are now lit via LEDs, so no worries about burning out the lamps. Power supply is also sturdy, but the top and bottom plates are attached in a very DIY way that makes it feel clunky. The unit is very deep, so make sure you own a rack that will fit it.

Use: I've been using this compressor/limiter for a while now, and have learned what it is good for and what it is not so good at. Great on vocals and bass... great on drum overheads. Great on reverb sends. Good on busses, and only OK on full program material. Mastering guys will want to use this sparingly, in concert with other outboard with the needles barely moving, or as mix glue (no actual compression/limiting... using THD mode as treatment.) I've been using it mostly on reverb busses to make my programmed drums sound more alive. and to warm up samples...

Misconceptions: I thought this compressor would be a rock and roll monster. I thought it would be very aggressive and would pump like crazy if needed. That is NOT the case. The Zener is much milder than an 1176 or a 2500 even. It is warmer than both, and pushes tracks forward in a magic way, kind of like an LA2A with a different vibe. The Zener works best to me when used as intended: as a compressor/limiter. When used to actually control levels, it works beautifully. It sounds classy and sometimes squishy. Always warm and even at extreme settings will never sound bad. Another misconception: this is a clone of the Dark Side of the Moon compressor. Or this is the same compressor used to record the Beatles. No, it is not. It is a VASTLY improved version, with many more options. It will go above and beyond, and can give you those vibes if you wish. If you want something more true to the originals, Chandler makes the TG1, which is a bit more aggressive sounding to me.

That said, I'm in love with what the Zener does for my music and my business. So much in fact, that I will be buying a TG-2 preamp and Curve bender when finances permit. Don't be nervous about the price. The Zener is completely worth the investment.