Chandler Limited TG1 Limiter Chandler Limited

Chandler Limited TG1

The Chandler Limited TG1 is an all discrete transformer-balanced compressor/limiter that recreates the classic and unobtainable EMI TG12413 limiter

It’s one thing to offer recreations of gear already available in its original form or reissued from the original manufacturer, but quite another to offer gear of legend that was never commercially available. The TG1 is just such a rare and previously unattainable limiter now made available thanks to Wade Goeke and Chandler Limited. A recreation of the classic EMI TG12413 Limiter used in custom EMI and Abbey Road recording and mastering consoles from the late ’60s, the TG range of consoles and processors were EMI’s embrace of solid-state designs, as the transistor established its dominance over the tube, which nearly fell into extinction. Like the RS124 tube compressor, the TG1 limiter was never commercially available, and could only be accessed at EMI-owned studios. It was originally designed to emulate the Fairchild 660/670 which was the favorite of many EMI engineers including Geoff Emerick. However, like all EMI creations, it ended up with its own very special sound.

Chandler Limited TG1key features:

• Used on classic recordings by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones
• All discrete transformer-balanced circuits
• Acts as a distortion generator

Used on classic recordings

EMI’s TG equipment, built to replace their tube gear, was used on many classic records. The Limiter was featured on every channel of TG consoles used to record The Beatles Abbey Road and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, in addition to albums by Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones.

All-discrete circuit with transformer-balanced I/O

The advantages of discrete circuitry include ultra-low noise and distortion, a Class A output, and a longer life. The inputs and outputs are transformer-balanced, which eliminates hum and RF noise. And, is it was discovered, transformers were actually more responsible for the warmth associated with tube designs than the tubes themselves actually were. The TG1 Limiter/Compressor features an all-discrete circuit with transformer balanced input and output. The limiting element is a rarely seen diode network that produces smooth, pleasing distortion. The warm open sound, often compared to a Fairchild 670 set to stun, is very audible and squishy sounding while maintaining its clarity and high-frequency response.

Harmonic Distortion Function

Now standard on all Abbey Road Special Edition TG1’s, this option allows bypassing of the compressor/limiter threshold but leaves all circuits in the signal path, turning the unit into a powerful Harmonic Distortion generator capable of kicking out up to 2% Total Harmonic Distortion. That’s more than two times the amount of analog tape – and all with 100% discrete transformer balanced circuits. Adjust the input for the amount of THD and the output to match level. Try running Distortion on one channel and hard limiting on the other. The ultimate in retro. This option is placed on the front panel of the unit with a toggle switch for each channel.

All TG units require and function on the PSU-1, Chandler Limited power supply. The PSU-1 has an internal switch for setting voltage to 120V or 220V (115V/230V).

What the pros are saying about the Chandler TG1

“The TG1 doesn’t just paint a picture, it paints the whole town. From subtle compression to brutal squeeze, everything is in this box. Its vintage sound works great for any kind of digital recording and I won’t ever want to mix without it again.” – Michael Wagener (King’s X, Alice Cooper)

“The Chandler Limited TG1 seems to be from another age – plucked from a time capsule… Adds a whole new quadrant to your sonic palette with many useful compression sounds and way over the top limiter effects…the most tube-sounding transistor compressor I’ve heard…” -Barry Rudolph (Hall & Oates)

“I have used Chandler Zener and TG compressors on every album I’ve done since they’ve been made. I think I can honestly say about half the guitars I’ve ever done have been TG preamps. These would include drums and guitars on albums for The Shins, The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Raconteurs, Manchester Orchestra, Stars, Alanis Morrisette, Jason Mraz, U2, Elton John, Beck, etc. Pretty much every album I’ve been a part of for the last ten years or more has had Chandler gear on it. That would include TG Preamps and EQ. Zener, Germanium and TG compressors.” – Joe Chiccarelli (U2, Elton John)

“When used across the drum room, the EMI inspired Stereo compressor brings out an aggressive quality that I’ve not yet heard from any other compressor (and I’ve got 46 to play with). When used as a send it brings out the punch and clarity of instruments without affecting the overall level of the stereo output. I love them, I can’t wait for Wade to make the EMI inspired EQ’s” – Michael Brauer (Coldplay)

Chandler TG1 Users:

• Jack Joseph Puig (The Black Crowes, Weezer)
• Michael Brauer (Cold Play, John Mayer)
• Butch Vig (Garbage, Nirvana)
• Andy Smith (Paul Simon)
• Joe Barresi (Hole, Bad Religion)
• Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin)
• Spike Stent (U2, Oasis)
• Ross Hogarth (Mellencamp, Jewel)
• Michael Wagener (Ozzy, Metallica)

If you don’t add a Chandler TG1 Limiter to your racks, you’ll only be limiting yourself. Go with the pros and order a TG1 today. For more information, call or chat online with your PAD Professional today. 

TG1 Limiter Technical Specifications:

• Channels: Stereo / Dual Mono
• Circuit: Discrete, Transistor
• I/O: XLR
• All Connections Transformer-balanced, pin 2 hot
• Power: ±28v
• Requires Chandler Limited PSU-1 MKII power supply