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Chandler Limited TG12413 Zener Limiter Demo

Vintage-style Limiter with 11 Position Attack, 21 Position Release, Side-chain, and Compression Settings

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The Limiter for the Abbey Road Sound

The Chandler Limited EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter is the definitive TG limiter, released in honor of Abbey Road Studios' 75th birthday. The brainchild of Chandler Limited designer Wade Goeke, the Zener Limiter is based on the classic EMI circuits used to record The Beatles and Pink Floyd. This latest EMI limiter carries on the tradition of EMI limiters started in 1956 with the RS114 tube limiter, and continued with 1966's RS168 Zener Limiter (a component of the TG12345 console channel in 1968), and the TG12413 in '74. Start with the essence of the classic RS168, add modern functionality, and you have the Chandler Limited EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter.

Classic compression and limiting, with modern flexibility

The original TG Limiter was designed to replace both the Fairchild 660 and the EMI-modified Altec 436/RS124 — two certified classics, revered for their dynamics-shaping prowess. The Altec unit was known for its natural, organic compression, while the Fairchild — with its fast, sub-millisecond onset and extremely soft-knee compression curve — is perhaps the most lusted-after (and imitated) limiter ever made. The Chandler Limited EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter gives you the sonic mojo of these two classics — and goes several steps beyond.

Exercise iron-fisted control over your dynamics

The Chandler Limited EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter gives you the power to impose your will on your dynamics. Starting with the powerful vintage TG limiter circuits, Chandler Limited gives you added features and flexibility in the form of controls such as switchable input impedance (for hard or soft driving of the unit), 11-position attack, 21-position release, and side chain filtering, as well as Comp 1, Comp 2, and Limit settings.

You get natural compression, scrumptious-sounding limiting — and a blend of the two

COMP 1 is a 2:1 ratio with slower time constants than originally designed by EMI engineers to emulate the Altec 436/RS124 EMI-modified Altec compressors. Limit mode is much faster and designed to emulate the response curves of the revered classic Fairchild 660. COMP 2 is a new setting that puts you halfway between the two original settings, essentially giving you the compression curve of Comp 1, with the faster release times characteristic of Limit mode. Whether you use it for tracking or mastering, with its sonic pedigree and effective controls, the Chandler Limited EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter is a must-have for huge, punchy mixes.

Chandler Limited EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter Features:

  • Gives you the sonic mojo of two classics: the Fairchild 660 and the Altec 436/RS124
  • COMP 1 mode is a 2:1 ratio with slower time constants reminiscent of the Altec 436/RS124
  • Limit mode is faster and designed to emulate the response curves of the revered classic Fairchild 660
  • COMP 2 is a new setting that puts you halfway between the two original settings
  • Chandler Limited and their associated logos are registered trademarks of Chandler Limited, Inc. Abbey Road Studios, EMI, TG, REDD, RS and their associated logos are trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.
  • Note: this unit requires the Chandler Limited Power Supply

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Tech Specs

  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Controls: Input, Output, Comp 1/Comp 2/Limit, Side Chain, Attack, Release
  • Inputs: 2 x XLR
  • Outputs: 2 x XLR
  • Rack Spaces: 3U
  • Height: 5.25"
  • Width: 19"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ZenerLimiter

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Warm, Up front, and NOT a true clone.

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.
Music background: Engineer, Mastering, Musician

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Joe Holsclaw

I had the privilege of testing out the Zener Limiter pretty extensively on some freshly recorded material. I was consistently impressed with the versitility of this compressor. The slow and smooth Comp 1 setting works magic on vocals and bass, and the faster, more aggressive Comp 2 and Limit settings are heaven on drums and mix bus.

Brad Every

A great reissue based on the 1960s EMI console limiters. This is THE limiter for any Beatles and Pink Floyd fanatics out there.
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