Manley Labs Slam! Tube Stereo Limiter & Preamp

Product Code: eq16546
Availability: In Stock

$28,197.00 $41,167.62

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Reviews (11)

The Manley Labs Slam! Tube Stereo Limiter & Preampfrom Manley Labs Slam! Tube Stereo Limiter & Preampis a two-channel microphone preamp with each channel featuring one electro-optical (ELOP) and one field-effect transistor (FET) "brickwall" limiters. The unit is constructed with professional-grade components, hand-wound nickel transformers and hand-selected tubes. The all-tube Class-A preamp offers +60 dB of gain to microphone and DI signals, while a separate tube path for the limiter offers +20 dB of gain.

Each channel of the Slam! has ELOP and FET limiters available simultaneously or separately. Each adds a distinct character to the sound with the ability to dial in the best of both. The ELOP circuit is before the mic preamp, making it nearly impossible to clip the tube preamp stage. The ELOP's minimalist design has a fixed ratio, attack and release with only a variable control for threshold. Additionally, it offers a side-chain high-pass filter, with the 200 Hz setting optimized for vocals and a touch of de-essing.

The FET circuit is a fast "brickwall" limiter with variable controls over threshold, attack and release. The circuit is capable of a variety of colors from clean to grungy, all the while maintaining "zero overshoot" limiting. With the clip setting selected, the FET allows for severe distortion by speeding up the timing circuit and allowing the limiter to work on the waveform rather than the envelope. Both the ELOP and the FET limiters have side-chain inserts (send & return) available on the rear of the chassis via Bantam (TT) jacks.

The Slam! offers comprehensive monitoring via the VU and LED ladder peak meters. In addition to the source toggle for gain reduction, input and output, the VU meter has a pad toggle which allows you to scale the signal down -6 dB for loud signals. The multi-color LED peak meter has a source toggle offering gain reduction, peak and reset & mode. The momentary reset & mode switch clears out any peak signals and allows for the calibration of the peak LEDs to match the meters of your A/D converters. Three Slams can be linked together offering six channels of limiting for 5.1 surround sound. A separate power supply is used to reduce the detrimental effects of heat and electromagnetic fields (EMF) from influencing the signal path. Hand-made in the USA, the unit is housed in a 2U steel chassis with a CNC-machined 1/4" faceplate that is also inlaid with laser-engraved inserts. The Slam! ships with a separate power supply, 16-pin multi-core connection cable, and IEC power cable.

Stereo Microphone Preamp 2 x ELOP Limiters 2 x FET Brickwall Limiters Hand-Wound Nickel Transformers Hand-Selected Tubes Auto-Mute Warm Up Circuit Separate Power Supply Stereo Linking Large VU Meters Multi-Color LED Ladder Peak Meters

Parameters
Number of Channels	2
Input / Output	Input 2 x Balanced transformer coupled XLR/1/4" Combo Neutrik: 2 kΩ 2 x Unbalanced 1/4" instrument input: 100 kΩ, 10 MΩ Output 2 x Balanced transformer coupled XLR: 200 Ω 2 x Unbalanced 1/4" TRS Side Chain / Link 2 x Bantam (TT) send: ELOP 2 x Bantam (TT) return: ELOP 2 x Bantam (TT) send: FET 2 x Bantam (TT) return: FET 2 x Bantam (TT) link: for connecting 3 Slam! compressors for 5.1 operation
Mic Preamps	Selectable 48 V phantom power Phase Reverse
Gain	Mic Preamp: 60 dB max DI: 43 dB max Limiter: 20 dB max
Limiter	ELOP Limiter Ratio: 10:1 Attack time: 10 ms for 6 dB GR Release time: 2.5 sec for 6 dB GR FET Limiter Ratio: 20:1 or better Attack time: 100 µs for 6 dB GR Release time: 10 ms to 2 sec for 6 dB GR
Tubes	Input 2 x 12AT7A NOS GE Output 2 x 6414 NOS USA dual triodes
Dynamic Range (Typical)	115 dB
Frequency Response (Audio)	Preamp: 5 Hz to 60 kHz
THD & Noise	<.05% @ 1 kHz
Maximum Output	+32, +30 dBm (into 1 kΩ)
Metering	2 x Large VU meters 1 x VU toggle switch: 0, -3, -6 dB 1 x VU source toggle switch: GR, O/P, and I/P 2 x Multi-color LED ladder peak meters 1 x LED source toggle switch: GR, Peak, and Mode & Reset
Power	Power supply: 480 mA @ 120 VAC Power consumption: 57.6 W Mains voltage frequency: 60 Hz
Rackmountable	2U
Dimensions	Slam!: 19.0 x 3.5 x 12.0" / 48.3 x 8.9 x 30.5 cm PSU: 7 x 4 x 5" / 18 x 10 x 13 cm
Weight	Not specified by manufacturer
Packaging Info
Package Weight	25 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	23.3 x 20.8 x 15.2"

48V power for microphones requiring phantom power

Locking phantom power switch located on rear of chassis

5-way source: Line, DI, Mic, Mic 180, Mic 100 Hz

Mic 180: Phase reverse for microphone preamp

Mic 100 Hz: 100 Hz high-pass filter for microphone preamp

Input: Volume control with +60 dB of gain for Mic/DI, -20 to +20 dB for line input

Output: Final volume control and make up gain

Ratio: 10:1

Fixed attack and release

Continuously variable threshold control

SC HZ: Flat, 100 Hz, and 200 Hz

200 Hz setting optimized for vocals with slight de-essing

Variable threshold knob for FET Limiter

Attack 3-way toggle: Very fast (VF), fast (F), and medium (M)

Release 11-position dial: 10 ms to 2 seconds

Clip: Release setting to create severe distortion

Stereo Link: Channel 1 controls both Channel 1 and 2

Dual Mono: Independent control of channel 1 and 2

Both & Ext: Stereo link with independent control of channel 1 and 2 and engages rear-panel link for surround control

Channel 1 Limit: Engages the opto-limiter, FET Limiter and output level knob for channel 1

Channel 2 Limit: Engages the opto-limiter, FET Limiter and output level knob for channel 2

GR: Sets LED meter to monitor gain reduction

Peak: Sets LED meter to monitor peak output

Mode & Reset: Momentary switch used to clear peaks from the peak meter and used to set up and calibrate the LED meters section

VU 3-way toggle: Sets source to GR (gain reduction), O/P (output level), I/P (input level)settings

VU Attenuate: Pads VU meter for loud signals with 0, -3, and -6 dB settings

Auto mute warm-up delay: 30 seconds

Hand-wound Manley iron input transformers

Silent conductive plastic input attenuator

Separate power supply

Smart-grounding

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. So would I be able to use this to limit the volume on my home receiver, so that once the speakers reach a certain volume they won't get any louder past the set point?

A: I use it for headphones in a live band setup but it will work for a home stereo. If you want to limit an single source say a TV just connect inline. To limit multiple sources use a preamp in/out or tape in/out.

Q: 2. excuse me my email is my question is i have a focusrite 14 and a program call samplitude prox 2 how do i connect them? and do i need it?, i need more gain and mor quality audio.

A: The TubeOpto8 is an 8 channel mic preamp. This unit features an optical ADAT digital output that carries all 8 channels. Unfortunately the Focusrite saffire Pro 14 does not have an ADAT input and would not be compatible.

Q: 3. Is the AC adapter included?

A: It is powered by a 9 Volt battery or the included power supply.

Q: 4. Can the Rolls PM55P pass through Phantom power?

A: The Rolls PM55P Stereo Personal Monitor Amplifier with Optical Limiter (BH # ROPM55P) will pass PHANTOM POWER with no voltage or signal loss.

Q: 5. Hi, I want to hook up my 'main inserts’ from my mixer into a compressor to apply a global limiter. Where are the ins&outputs?

A: Any 500 Series units like the DBX 560A Compressor / Limiter require a 500 Series chassis to supply the I/O for the module. You will need a unit like B&H # RUR6.

Q: 6. What specifically is this unit used for, How does it work. Then maybe I can try it out for what I need?

A: The Atlas Sound TSD-ALC2 - Audio Level Controller and Limiter is an automatic 2-channel audio level controller and limiter designed to allow designers and installers to set predetermined maximum source levels. The device is useful for installations with multiple program sources of varying output levels such as satellite receivers, MP3 players, and more.The unit is inserted in line with these sources so that the audience will not be distracted during high-volume commercial breaks or when different inputs are selected. The device is useful in retail stores, restaurants, sports bars, hotels, event centers, and other similar facilities.The device features unbalanced stereo RCA input and output connectors, a threshold level control, a ramp speed selector, and output gain adjustment controls. The unit also works well when used in conjunction with Atlas Strategy Series Mixer Amplifiers.The device is designed to be energy efficient and meets most energy standards. One 24 VDC power supply (sold separately) can power multiple units, depending on overall current requirements. The front-panel controls can be locked to prevent unauthorized changes using the included front panel security covers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------OWNER S MANUAL: https://a href= http://www.cie-group.com/files/tsdalc2_manl.pdf target= _blank www.cie-group.com/files/tsdalc2_manl.pdf/a

Q: 7. Will this item work with a condenser boom mic (provide phantom power)?

A: I don't think it provides phantom power but it does allow it to pass through? So send phantom power from the recorder (or TX if going wireless) and you should be good.

Q: 8. Would this be a good device for evening out the crazy volume levels on my tv?

A: Absolutely! Very simple...just set the Makeup Gain control at the 0 position, and set the Threshold to a level that brings down the extremely loud audio to a level near that of a normal listening level. If you hear the limiter pumping or breathing too much on louder program audio, lower the input level and tweak the Makeup Gain a bit to even things out. It works great for my hard-drive based music collection, which varies greatly in level due to the variety of formats and recording techniques used over the past 4 decades!

Q: 9. Is this appliance voltage 220V

A: Yes. It runs anywhere between 100v and 240v.

Q: 10. Is the Art TubeOpto configured for 230 V when it's sent to Europe?

A: I had the Art TubeOpto sent to Australia and it was not configured for 240 V so I am using a power transformer to use it.

Andrew	24/08/2024
[115 dB] This is so amazing!!!! 5

Brian	15/08/2024
[115 dB] For the price, this is an unbelievable product. The tone is clean and smooth, the conversion is great, the ADAT output is simple, the whole thing is rugged and takes up only 1 rack space. The tone won't change your life or solve all your problems but I haven't found another product that gives you 8 channels for anywhere near this price. 5

Rick's Contented	13/08/2024
[<.05% @ 1 kHz] TV signal levels are all over the map when using an external amplifier. If you turn down the theme music of a program, the dialog is way too quiet. When you have the dialog at a comfortable level, the music jars you out of the chair. You get the picture. I got fed up and decided to get the Rolls SL33b limiter. I hooked it up, put the knob pointers mid-way (straight up)and haven't needed to use the volume control on the amplifier since. It does the job perfectly. If you're an audiophile, you may not appreciate the over-all sound quality. Music seems a little squashed but NOT distorted. That's why they call it a limiter. The dynamic range is compressed. It is a very acceptable compromise for smooth listening. The SL33b is well made and very compact. You can easily set it, hide it and forget where you hid it. 5

Doctor Bonkersane	04/08/2024
[115 dB] I bought two of these to us for importing and exporting 8 stereo stems from my DAW via ADAT Lite Pipe. The tubes are the icing on the cake. These sound sweet and clean, and are a breeze to operate. The interface is so intuitive than the manual is almost unnecessary. Grab one before ART figures out that they're worth far more than list price. 5

Steve	03/08/2024
[25 lb] I'm using this as a talk back headphone feed to my talent in a voice booth. I have a complicated multi-channel headphone mixer/amp that can give a whole band a custom mix, but there's no mic input. So I used to have a complicated setup just to have someone do a bit of narration or whatever. With this little box, you have a simple, functional setup where the talent and I can hear each other simply and without affecting the recording. The intended use is more likely to use this for actual program audio feed and monitor for a sound tech or boom operator. I'm sure it will work well for that and I intend to use it that way too. Nice to get multiple uses out of this box as compared to my previous devices that were so cumbersome to use, even for their intended purpose. 5

Jimmy V.	02/08/2024
[<.05% @ 1 kHz] I wanted to add pre's to my saffire pro 40 and I didn't want the same kind of pre's I already had with my interface. So I went with these tube pre's. I really like them on Drums, they really add a kind of presence, more life to the drums, compared with the pre's on the saffire. For stuff like dialogues or voiceovers I think they are a bit too coloured tho, and the noise floor is quite high. But I really like them on loud sources. I am looking to change the tubes for high quality ECC83 soon to reduce noise floor. This is really cheap and a real good value. They add 8 pre's with one adat cable to my saffire pro 40, so I can carry my rack anywhere and record drums or a full band with 16 inputs. Really versatile. There's also 8 analogue balanced output, which is nice. 5

George	27/06/2024
[25 lb] I use this limiter between my second set of monitors (Bose/Polk setup) to make sure during mixing I do not hit my Stereo Amp too hard! It works great! 5

Curve Dominant	19/06/2024
[2U] I've been recording my own music and others' for 30+ years. The Manley CORE Reference Channel Strip gives me audio reproduction of a whole new level. Recorded voices and instruments sound like their best. I would go so far as to say the CORE is a fine musical instrument in its own right. The way the tube pre interacts with the ELOP compressor is sublime, and the Baxendall EQ section is both simple and flexible. The real acid test for me, though, is how easy it is to mix songs I've recorded with the CORE - the tracks sit just right to the point where no mix-engineer judo is required. This unit is the best bang-for-the-buck gear I've ever encountered, a design and engineering masterpiece. 5

Scott504	12/06/2024
[<.05% @ 1 kHz] I am using this device so that the singer can monitor her voice through an ear bud which means she doesn't have to have monitor close to her mic. Also, she can adjust the volume to her liking. The mic can be passed directly through or it can accept a feed from the board or both at the same time. Very cost effective for the quality and usefulness. It can use batteries or a small power adapter. My only complaint is that it uses 9 volt batteries instead of AA's which are cheaper and last longer. But, I high quality 9 volt alkaline gives us about 6 hours of use. 5

Anton	29/04/2024
[<.05% @ 1 kHz] Empirical Labs is one of the few companies that has its own taste for sound, they have not moved to China. For its price, I do not know better than an amplifier, I advise. 5