CHANDLER LIMITED TG12345 Curve Bender User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Chandler Limited
Table of Contents
CHANDLER LIMITED TG12345 Curve Bender
INTRODUCTION
TG12345 Curve Bender
Thank you for purchasing the Chandler Limited TG12345 Curve Bender EQ, you now
own a piece of EMI/Abbey Road Studios official equipment.
Issued in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Abbey Road Studios, and
conceived by Chandler Limited’s Chief Designer Wade Goeke, the Chandler
Limited TG12345 Curve Bender EQ is based on the vintage EMI TG12345 recording
consoles of the late ’60s and early ‘70s.
Chandler Limited’s TG12345 Curve Bender is a stereo/dual mono tracking and
mastering equalizer, featuring a greatly expanded control-set over the
original equipment. Chandler Limited’s TG12345 Curve Bender EQ delivers the
historic TG sound with modern conveniences and greater flexibility.
Your Chandler Limited TG12345 Curve Bender EQ has been carefully crafted and
built by hand, at Chandler Limited in Shell Rock IA, U.S.A., using through-
hole components for the ultimate analog experience.
At Chandler Limited we are proud of our American made products and we hope you
like them!
Please feel free to call our shop anytime for help or ques-tions.
Phone: 319-885-4200.
History
Conceived from meetings in 1967 between Abbey Road and EMI’s Central Research
Laboratories teams, the EMI TG12345 MK.I, a solid-state germanium transistor-
based console was designed as replacement for the earlier valve based EMI REDD
desks.
The equalizer facilities of the revolutionary TG12345 desks, though limited by
modern standards were a large step for-ward from the REDD console era.
Installed in Abbey Road’s Studio Two in November 1968 and making its debut on
an 8-track recording by the Shadows, the transistorized desk marked a
departure from the earlier REDD valve consoles.
The EMI TG12345 MK.I desk helped shape the sound of the Beatles’ final album,
Abbey Road, which was markedly richer sounding to that of the band’s earlier
work.
EMI TG12345 consoles were used on everything from Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side
of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here,” John Lennon’s “Plastic Ono Band,”
George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” to epic film scores including Raiders
of the Lost Ark.
EMI TG12345 consoles encountered many revisions through-out the ‘70s and
became the main recording console used at the studios until 1983; TG consoles
were never commercially available to the public.
SHIPMENT AND STORAGE
Packaging
This packaging has been designed specifically for Chandler Limited equipment.
The cardboard carton and rigid foam sur-rounds provide protection for shipment
and storage. Please retain the container and associated materials for future
use.
Note: PSU rigid foam surrounds and sheets are not included for equipment
shipped without a power supply unit inside the equipment container.
INSTALLATION
Power
The TG12345 Curve Bender is powered remotely by the Chandler Limited PSU-1
power supply, and connected at the, four pin, DC POWER connector. The PSU-1 is
an external power supply capable of powering two units; the PSU-1 is purchased
separately.
PSU-1 POWER SUPPLY
Note: Legacy PSU-1 power supplies featured external
grounding studs. As of mid 2015, grounding studs have been removed and
resistance applied internally.
Legacy PSU-1 Grounding Notes Only:
On the rear of the legacy PSU-1 power supply are two black banana connec-tors.
These join the audio ground to earth ground with a sol-id wire between them.
Depending on your studio, you may want this connected or disconnected. Turn up
your monitors or headphones a bit and experiment with which has a lower noise
floor in your system. You may also need to join the audio banana plug to other
sections of you studio to obtain lowest noise floor. The audio banana is
located closest to the edge of the power supply case. Use something simple
like a guitar cord and touch the tip to other portions of your studio to find
best results. In some cases it may be best to connect a 10 ohm resistor
between banana plugs.
Audio Input & Output Connections
On the rear panel of the TG12345 Curve Bender exists, two sets of male and
female XLR connectors, one input/output (I/O) pair for each channel side. All
audio XLR connectors are wired pin 2 hot.
OPERATION
Nomenclature
You will notice white and gold markings on the controls of the front panel;
this is by design.
Because of the new controls and settings added to the TG12345 curve Bender, we have u two colors for control settings. White labels designate a setting exactly as it would have been on a vintage TG unit, gold designates selections chosen by Chandler Limited’s Chief Designer, Wade Goeke.
This way you may accurately recall a standard TG setting or purposely break all the rules.
Bypass
Each channel “IN LEFT” and “IN RIGHT” of the TG12345 Curve Bender may be fully
bypassed by use of these push-buttons. Their main use is for direct comparison
of processed and unprocessed sound.
When depressed, the button’s LED will illuminate bright blue, signifying the
EQ channel is active.
Conversely, when the button is not depressed, button LED will not be
illuminated, and the EQ channel is bypassed.
This bypass functionality is ‘true bypass’, i.e. the TG12345 Curve Bender is
completely removed from the signal path.
Note: Very early Chandler Limited TG12345 Curve Bender EQs were not ‘true bypass’.
Output Gain Control
The Left/Right master output channel gain controls feature stepped hand-wired
gold contact switches for audiophile quality.
The master output channel gain switches are labeled for +/-5db and adjustable in .5db steps, and are used for adjusting unity gain through the unit as you apply equalization.
Revision Note: Prior to 2011, standard version TG12345 Curve Benders
featured +/-10db output controls, in 1db steps.
Historical Note: The TG12345 MK.I amplifier was used in the following TG
con oles:
MK.I – was the original prototype desk used to record the Beatles Abbey Road
album; only one of these was ever pro- duced.
MK.II – Three of these were built for deployment in studios 1, 2, 3 at Abbey
Road Studios and a fourth for the mobile recording section. These desks were
used to record John Lennon’s “Instant Karma,” Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m
Amazed” and George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” sin-gles and albums
respectively.
MK.III – The TG12345 MK.I amplifier was also used in the MK.III desk.
The TG1234 MK.IV esk was the huge wrap-around TG desk used to record Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” and was the first implementation of the TG MK.IV silicon based amplifier. The MK.IV amp is prevalent in much of the Chandler Limited, EMI/Abbey Road Studios reissues.
Initially, MK.IV desks were fitted with MK.II and MK.III cas-se , however, were upgrad o MK.IVs. Once upgraded and having quadraphonic capabilities, these TG MK.IV desks were also known as ‘Mark.Q’.
Frequency Bands
The TG12345 Curve Bender has four frequency bands per left and right
channels— Bass, Presence 1, Presence 2, and Treble.
The Treble and Bass bands are peak or shelf switchable.
Note: Historic frequencies are marked in white, and modern additions in
gold.
Treble
The ‘TREBLE’ band on the Curve Bender is Pe or Shelf switchable, featuring
eight frequency selections (3.6, 4.2, 6.5, 8.1, 10, 12, 16kHz, and 20kHz) and
an “OUT” or band by- pass position.
Presence 1
The ‘PRESENCE 1’ or mid band on the Curve Bender is a Bell type, featuring 8
frequency selections (.8, 1.2, 1.8, 2. 3.6, 4.2, 6.5, 8.1kHz) and an “OUT” or
band bypass position.
Presence 2
The ‘PRESENCE 2’ or mid band on the Curve Bender is a Bell type, featuring 8
frequency selections (.3, .5, .8, 1.2, 1.8, 2.8, 3.6kHz) and an “OUT” or band
bypass position.
Bass
The ‘BASS’ band on t e Curve Bender is Peak or Shelf switchable, featuring 7
frequency selections (35, 50, 70, 91, 150, 200, 300Hz) and an “OUT” or band
bypass position.
Note: Beginning with the TG12345 MK.II desk, the low frequency had a single shelving selection and the presence had eight peaking selections. In the spirit of making the ultimate TG EQ, we reproduced the curves of the shelving and peaking bands so that the treble and bass sections can now use the curves of each. I.e. You may now peak or shelf on the bottom or top
Boost/Cut and Multiply
Each frequency band features a boost/cut control, and an x1/x1.5 multiply toggle switch. Boosting or cutting of a selected frequency is achieved by adjustment of the boost/cut control for the desired result. The boost/cut control is stepped and labeled +/-5
For greater flexibility, the amount of boost/cut available is influenced by
the position of the x1/x1.5 multiply toggle switch.
A setting of x1 provides both a wider Q curve and a boost/ cut of +/-5db in
.5db steps.
A setting of x1.5 provides both a sharpening of Q curve and a boost/cut of up
to +/-13.5db.
Setting the x1/x1.5 multiplier switch to the center ‘OUT’ position, bypasses
the band, allowing for quick AB listening of the band without losing your
frequency position.
Note: The multiply toggle switch is not a frequency multiplier.
Revision Note: Prior to 2011, there were two versions of the TG12345 Curve Bender, Standard and Mastering. The standard TG12345 Curve Bender offered boost/cut in 1db steps and its controls were labeled for +/-10; mastering versions provided boost/cut in .5db steps. In late 2011, standard and mastering versions of the TG12345 Curve Bender EQs were combined into a single and more flexible unit.
Filters
The TG12345 Curve Bender EQ features both a high and low-pass filter facility
per Left and Right channel.
Historical Note: The original Curve Bender and TG12345 console did not
have high or low-pass filters; we thought it was important to add them.
Although we selected our own frequencies, it is an important fact that new
circuitry was not invented to add this feature. Simply put, appropriate
circuits and amplifiers were borrowed and slightly modified from existing TG
amplifiers to maintain authenticity throughout the unit.
High-Pass
The high-pass filter features 10 frequency options (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80,
100, 160, 200, 320Hz,) at a gentle slope, and an “OUT” position to bypass the
control.
Low-Pass
The low-pass filter features 9 frequency options (30, 20, 18, 14, 10, 8.1,
5, 3, 2kHz,) at a gentle slope, and an “OUT” position to bypass the control.
Tip: Use the low-pass filter as a way to create a great low-fi drums sound
SERVICE
United States
Prior to sending in equipment for repair, please contact our shop at the
number below. We will assist you in troubleshooting, and if needed, we will
issue an RMA# to return the equipment for service
Send Repairs To:
Chandler Limited, Inc.
Attention: Repairs
222 S. Cherry St.
PO Box 38 (if sending via the postal service)
Shell Rock IA 50670
Phone: 319-885-4200
Email: [email protected]
International
Repair of Chandler Limited products purchased, outside of the United States,
is provided by local or regional authorized Chandler Limited distributors. To
obtain service or repairs, please contact your local dealer or regional
distributor for further instruction.
Visit chandlerlimited.com for a list of authorized International Distributors
CE CERTIFICATION
Chandler Limited declares under its sole responsibility that all products manufactured by them are in compliance with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU; Standards: EN55103-1:2009+A1:2012; EN55103-2:2009; EN55013:2013 and Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/ EU; Standards: EN60065:2002+A1:2006+A11:2008+A2:20 10+A12:2011.
Product Limited Warranty
During the first year from the date of the original purchase, this product is
warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal
use, service and maintenance. This warranty ap-plies to the original purchaser
and is subject to the following terms and conditions:
What Is Covered: The product’s components as originally installed by the
manufacturer that are de-fective in materials or workmanship under normal use,
service and maintenance.
What Is Not Covered By This Warranty: This warranty does not extend to or
cover:
- Any defect due to the negligence of others; failure to install, operate or maintain the product properly; unreasonable use; accidents; alteration; use of unauthorized or non-standardized parts; acts of God; theft; vandalism; electrical malfunctions (i.e., resulting from power surges, shorted or overloaded circuits, etc.), use of any power source other than supplied by manufacturer; repair by anyone other than an authorized Chandler Limited representative; or damage resulting from improper packing or mishandling by a shipper.
- Normal wear and tear of parts.
- Shipping, handling, packaging and delivery costs of the product.
Who Is Covered: The original purchaser.
Repair During The First Year: During the first year, all defective
product components that are cov-ered by this Limited Warranty will be repaired
free of charge including parts and labor. The purchaser
will pay shipping costs AND a $35 handling fee per unit.
What You Must Do for Warranty Service (in the United States): If you live
in the United States and
your product was purchased through a U.S. Dealer, please contact your dealer
OR call 319-885-4200 or e-mail
[email protected].
What You Must Do for Warranty Service (outside of the United States): For
warranty service if you live outside
of the United States, please contact the dealer where you purchased the
product.
Any products returned to Chandler Limited for repair should include: (1)
complete description of the problem; (2) name, address, phone number, fax
number, and/or e-mail address; (3) receipt of original purchase; (4) power
supply and all accessories and cables. The purchaser is responsible for the
ship-ping costs to and from Chandler Limited. Chandler Limited is not
responsible for damage resulting from improper packing and/or mishandling by a
shipper.
If sent by UPS or Federal Express, ship to: Chandler Limited, 222 South Cherry
Street, Shell Rock IA 50670
If sent by Postal Service, ship to: Chandler Limited, PO Box 38, Shell Rock IA
50670
The foregoing expresses Chandler Limited’s obligations and liabilities with
respect to the quality of the product, its components and accessories. All
other warranties, express or implied, including the warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed. Chandler
Limited shall not be liable for the loss or use of the product, its components
and accessories, inconvenience, loss or any other damages, direct or
consequences arising out of the use of, or inability to use the product or its
components or damages resulting from or attributable to defects in the
products or its compo-nents. No one other than Chandler Limited has authority
to extend or modify the terms of this limited warranty in any manner
whatsoever.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
EXCEPT FOR THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES, CHANDLER LIMITED HEREBY DISCLAIMS AND EX- CLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY AND/OR ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND/OR ANY WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO ANY CLAIM OF INFRINGEMENT THAT MAY BE PROVIDED IN SECTION 2-312(3) OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE AND/OR IN ANY OTHER COMPARABLE STATE STATUTE.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
THE LIABILITY OF CHANDLER LIMITED, IF ANY, AND PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REM-EDY FOR DAMAGES FOR ANY CLAIM OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, REGARDLESS OF THE LE-GAL THEORY AND WHETHER ARISING IN TORT OR CONTRACT, SHALL NOT BE GREATER THAN THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH SUCH CLAIM IS MADE. IN NO EVENT SHALL CHANDLER LIMITED BE LIABLE TO PURCHASER FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENT OR DAMAGES ON ACCOUNT OF THE LOSS OF PRESENT OR PROSPECTIVE PROFITS OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON WHATSOEVER.