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The output control functions like the fader on a mixing console. It can be used to
adjust between the 5 dB steps of the input or to run the input hot without distorting
your recorder.
All of the LTD-1's connections are transformer balanced and pin 2 hot. The box is
designed to be used with the Chandler Limited PSU-1 external power supply.
IN USE
Like the Neve 1073 that it is modeled after, the Chandler Limited LTD-1 sounds amazing.
While I did not have a Neve 1073 at my disposal to directly compare with the LTD-1, I
have logged an extensive numbers of hours on the 1073 so I know it very well and I am
happy to report that the LTD-1 has the sound, the feel and every bit of Class A,
discrete character of the original 1073. I was fortunate to be able to hold on to the
LTD-1 for several months and during that period I used it on everything and never once
was I disappointed. The box sounds fantastic on drums and percussion. I had
extraordinary results recording kick drum (with an AKG D112), snare drum (with a Shure
SM-57), hi-hat (with a Neumann KM 86i) and tambourine and shaker (both with a Royer
R-122). I am sure the LTD-1 would have performed equally well on toms and overheads,
but with only a single LTD-1, I was unable to give them a try. I had great results
using the box to record bass guitar (through the DI input) and also had nice results
using it in conjunction with an EV RE20 to record bass guitar through an SVT rig. I
would swear the LTD-1 was made to record electric guitars. The pre, along with a Royer
R-122 and a Distressor, did a stellar job of capturing the precision and punch of the
instrument.
I also had nice results using the box to record a Taylor 514 acoustic guitar with an
AKG C28 microphone. The mic and LTD-1 worked together to create perfect, classic,
full-frequency acoustic guitar sound with plenty of top end (but never scratchy) and
plenty of bottom (but never boomy).
The LTD-1 along with a Tube Tech CL-1B and the Brauner VM-1KHE to record vocals produced
fantastic results. I found the pre to be very quiet compared to most of the vintage
components I have encountered. In addition, the LTD-1 worked well in combination with a
Sony C-800G, a BLUE Cactus, an AKG 414 and on one occasion a Neumann KSM 105 to record
vocals.
I was disappointed that the inputs on the rear panel of the LTD-1 are not labeled; there
is no way to differentiate between line input and mic input except by trial and error.
I should have labeled the review unit that I tested myself as I found that I could never
remember which was which and only guessed correctly about 25 percent of the time (I'm not
the kind of guy that needs to be going to Las Vegas). The saggy bottom panel is a bit
dodgy as well. Fortunately, these are all flaws in the construction of the box, not in
the sonic performance. The performance of the LTD-1 is exceptional.
SUMMARY
The Chandler LTD-1 offers uncompromised, discrete, Class A sonic performance at an
extremely reasonable price. Considering the parts are new and there is a two-year
warranty, I would buy the LTD-1 before I would purchase an actual 1073.
Russ Long, a Nashville-based producer/engineer, owns the Carport recording
studio. He is a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review.
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