All user reviews for the Chandler Limited Germanium Preamp/DI

The Chandler Limited is a two channel microphone preamplifier, modeled after the preamps from a Quad Eight console from the early 1970's. It's a simple device with a great sound. It's got XLR inputs and outputs in the back for each of the two channels and has 1/4" inputs in the front for going direct. It is rackable and only takes up a single space.


UTILIZATION

It's super easy to use the Chandler Limited . Each channel has a knob for gain control and buttons for 48 volt phantom power, a pad, and phase reverse. The pad is at -20 db. No need for the manual since it's so simple.


SOUND QUALITY

The studio of the Chandler Limited is nothing less than outstanding! I've had the pleasure of using some real Quad Eight preamps from an old console and have to say that I think they did a great job of emulating this kind of sound and then some. To me it's got even more depth than the Quad Eights that I've used before and is nice and punchy. It's good for all sorts of applications including on drum overheads, vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, and pretty much anything else when used in the right situation.


OVERALL OPINION

Chandler Limited is truly a special set of preamps. Even if you don't know anything about Quad Eight, as most really don't, Chandler stands on it's own as a set of world class mic preamps for all applications. They're versatile and simply sound great. I'd only used this for the first time recently and it's definitely my new favorite set of preamps. The price is about right for two preamps of this quality, as Chandler is right around $2000 (US) new, which of course doesn't make it cheap. Still, Pacifica is a beautiful front end piece for any studio, especially in a home environment where you'd want to take your studio to the next level.

Microphone Preamp and DI germanium transistor analog (as the name implies).
XLR input (mic) and Jack (TD). Output XLR (line).

UTILIZATION

Super easy to use.
48vlts / Phase / Pad / Thick (kind of bass boost) / Drive / Feedback
Combining all this gives a broad palette of sounds.

SOUND QUALITY

I tried everything ... and I never heard a sound like that SM58!
Perfect with my AEA R92.
The part ID is really beautiful guitar, bass, synth ... everything goes.
The dynamic is monstrous (+35 db) and bandwidth is very broad.
Attention big sound but not vintage lo-fi provided.

OVERALL OPINION

I test this machine and I intend to keep it.
We have an introductory offer (like free power supply) should benefit.
I try a lot of stuff (Fearn, Avalon, Focusrite, short of expensive ...) but this is a vamp!
The price is reasonable for a machine of this quality ... Only the power supply is of great art.

It is a single transistor preamp (there is also an entry ID)
controls are the input gain and feedback, which is the output volume but it also colors the sound (it's not super practical as it is the same button for both functions but hey we cope)

There is a pad (something like-15dB) and a button "thick" which increases the frequency sensibilté serious preamp.

UTILIZATION

...

SOUND QUALITY

It's really great.
on the other hand is not transparent at all so it depends on taste and sound sources.

I do not recommend having germanium as your only preamp.
For example, I have a TPA-200b summit of audio which is really transparent and germanium. I like that each time a choice if I want to sound rather then of colored lens or according to what I want to take issue.

The sound of the germanium is warm, I would say "vintage".
I use a micro Soundelux U195 and it works very well.
I must admit that I used even more as the Summit TPA-200B (although it costs around 2500 euros, stereo), especially for vocals and acoustic guitars.

Here, therefore I love
By PS I try to go against when samples in (since my sampler, it sounds orchestral instruments, percussion, scratching) or when a virtual guitar amp and Vox Tonelab as well , it works poorly. For this application I feel that a transparent preamp works best.

OVERALL OPINION

In conclusion, I think it's an excellent preamp!
in combination to have another more neutral preamp.

But remember that this is a preamp so some unusual not like at all.
Also, there are combinations of mic / preamp that work better than others so obviously my opinion only reflects my own experience (the U195)

Germanium transistor preamp
Micro and XLR DI XLR output
Very simple, a Knob gain, a feedback, and then the traditional phantom power, pad, Phase and especially, especially the Thick.
Alim deported.
Well built, well finished, having hyper-readable LED meter.

UTILIZATION

Nothing could be simpler, just know how to use a preamp of course ...
Manual? What for?
We need to find the desired setting between gain and feedback

SOUND QUALITY

Well, bah now, that's when it does, then yes, it is typed, oh yes it is typed, worshipers of SSL, it is not for you. The character, who looks like a y'en is incisive, it's pretty hard to describe but on a bass, with the permanently active Thick, it''s just huge. In the mix, I iron, bass drum and Bass just to get the grain.
It can work for everything, it's just a matter of color.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it almost 2 years.
worked with me at a lot of stuff:
Avalon VT737, I hate this machine, what's that soft ass ...
Neve 8801 preamp also super
SSL Alpha VHD, much more transparent (although I put the VHD to build on 3rd)
Midas XL42, nothing to say, also killing
Not counting what's on board console (Midas Heritage 1000, Midas PRO6, Digico ...)
It is by far my favorite preamp, but again it is a matter of taste and grain, we can not do anything with, but being a fan of alternative and jazz ....
Like everything in this machine: the look, sound .....
The price may seem high, but hey, for the sound, do not skimp on quality, so obviously the price.
I will ever be the same choice, and I intend not to stop there with Chandler

The external power supply costs more than 200 € ...

UTILIZATION

Button feedback button interacts with the gain

SOUND QUALITY

Really high-end playing in the big league!
I understand why the U.S. forums are also enthusiastic.
The pickups sound good but how good the pickups are transcended.
It's hot (not falsely with low-medium inflated like some units), defined, this ..
Excellent live (DI) on bass. Button 'thick' thickened the (extreme) bass. It works superbly well.

OVERALL OPINION

Hard to be disappointed with this class of materials.

The Chandler Limited Germanium is a single channel microphone preamplifier and a direct input box. It has both XLR microphone inputs and outputs and 1/4 inch input to plug your instrument directly into. It is a rackable unit and it will take up a single rack space.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration of the Germanium preamp is easy to follow, and is just about as simple as you can get with a preamplifier. You've got your leveling knobs, and then buttons for a pad and phantom power. It also has a switchable VU meter for monitoring different things. The metering is LED based and quite helpful. I never needed the manual, so I can't speak to how helpful it is or not.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the Chandler Limited Germanium is the clean and warm signal gotten with this. It always reproduces my microphones faithfully and will do so with an extremely warm sound, although I wouldn't say that this colors the sound. It has a full tone and definitley has a vintage sound to it. I have used this preamp on all types of instruments, including guitar, vocals and drums, and also use the direct input for recording bass guitar. This preamp is top notch and will sound good when recording just about anything.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Chandler Limited Germanium preamp for two years and it has become one of my go to preamps when I have access to it. As far as high end quality mic preamps go, this is just as good as just about any preamp out there. The price tag definitley reflects this, as it is not cheap, but is what you will have to pay if you want a high quality piece of gear like this. Compared to some other preamps, this is actually pretty reasonable and if you are looking for a single channel high end preamp, I would definitely advise to check this out!