Manley Labs Stereo Variable Mu Limiter Compressor

Product Code: eq16548
Availability: In Stock

$14,997.00 $22,495.50

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Description
Reviews (6)

The Manley Labs Stereo Variable MU Limiter Compressorfrom Manley Labs Stereo Variable MU Limiter Compressoris a dynamic signal processor using a 5670 dual triode tube for peak reduction and compression. The tube is constantly re-biased by the vacuum tube rectified side chain control voltages, resulting in a smooth change in gain.

The compressor setting offers a soft-knee 1.5:1 ratio, while the limit mode offers a sharper knee with ratios ranging from 4:1 to 20:1. With higher limiting settings, the knee will start to soften. Distortion effects can be achieved by turning up the input and lowering the output while using little or no compression. The side chain high pass filter uses a 1-pole, 6 dB/octave filter that attenuates 1 to 3 dB at 100 Hz and 4 to 6 dB at 50 Hz. Once engaged, the compressor / limiter will not respond as strongly to low frequency content and will prevent audible "pumping" when processing bass-heavy music.

The input of the Variable MU is ganged, but can still process two independent channels with separate threshold and output controls. With the link switch engaged, the unit operates in true stereo mode and excels at processing 2-track, final mix, or mastering compression and limiting. Handmade 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 Variable MU ships with an IEC power cable.

All-Tube Design 4 x Tubes per Channel Hand-Wound Custom Nickel Transformers Stereo or Dual Mono Hardwire Bypass Switch Side Chain High Pass Filter Large Illuminated Sifam Meters

Parameters
Number of Channels	2
Inputs	2 x XLR transformer balanced (600 Ω)
Outputs	2 x XLR transformer balanced (600 Ω)
Input Level	Input Level Switch: -8, -4, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +4, and +8 dB
Compression Threshold	Continuously variable threshold for compression and limiting
Ratio	Compressor: 1.5:1 Limiter: 4:1 to 20:1
Attack Time	Variable Attack: 25 to 70 ms
Release Time	Recovery 5 Steps: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 4.0, 8.0 sec
Maximum Output Level	+30 dBu (26 Vrms) 26 dB Headroom
Make-up Gain	+35 dB
Frequency Response	20 Hz to 25 kHz
THD & Noise	<0.1% THD @ 1 kHz Noise Floor: -85 dB typical
Meter	Illuminated Sifam meters
Tubes per Side	Fully Differential All-Tube Circuitry: 5670, 5751 (or 12AX7), 7044 (or 5687), & 12AL5
High Pass Filter	HP SC: High Pass Side Chain Filter: -1 to -3 dB @ 100 Hz -4 to -6 dB @ 50 Hz
Rackmountable	2 U
Power Supply	120 VAC, 80 W, 60 Hz
Fuse	Mains Fuse Value: 1.25 A Mains Fuse Type: MDA or MDL SLO-BLO Time Delay: 1-1/4" x 1/4"
Dimensions (WxHxD)	19.0 x 3.5 x 10.0" / 48.3 x 8.9 x 25.4 cm Power Transformer protrudes 3.5" / 8.9 cm out back of chassis
Weight	14.0 lb / 6.4 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight	21.75 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	22.6 x 18.1 x 8.6"

Manley input and output transformers with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases

Balanced inputs and outputs (600 Ω)

Independently regulated B+ and heater supplies

Bypass Switch: Hardwire true bypass

Input Attenuator: -8 to +8 dB stepped Greyhill switch

Variable Attack: 25 to 70 ms

Threshold: Continuously variable

5-Step Recovery Switch: .2, .4, .6, 4, 8 sec

Compression Ratio: 1.5:1

Limit Ratio: 4:1 to 20:1

Large Illuminated Sifam Meters: Displays the amount of dB gain reduction

Stereo link switch

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Hi just wondering why the rolls pm355 is priced the same as the pm55 as the 355 is 3 channel does the 55p have any benefits over the 355

A: The Rolls PM55 Personal Monitor Amp is discontinued and no longer for sale. The PM55 did not perform any better than the current Rolls offerings.

Q: 2. Does this just help in recordings, or is there a clear difference in live speaking as well?

A: I use it for recording only, but I believe it would work as well for live speaking as well. The adjusted sound would just go directly to speakers instead of the recorder.

Q: 3. What would i gain by converting to dbx 266 from my current alesis 3630?

A: Both compressors offer the same settings with the dbx 266xs offering better quality according to some customers.

Q: 4. Is this appliance voltage 220V?

A: The Manley Labs Slam tube stereo limiter and mic preamp is not 220V. It is rated for 120V use only.

Q: 5. 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: 6. Is the headphone amplifier RF protected? Time ago I bought a ROLLS PM-55 and I had problems with cellular phones interferences

A: No RF issues, but I did have grounding issues with one I bought recently.

Q: 7. Can this device help me, to have the same volume always from my tv to the speakers.?

A: The DBX unit is a dual channel unit generally recommended for professional music recording/production. The unit also features a Gate and Expander. Most features not required for your application. The Rolls SL33B is a popular product for your application, and can be connected between TV and receiver, or TV and powered speakers. https://bhpho.to/2qGDGNG

Q: 8. Is the AC adapter included?

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

Q: 9. would an audio gate alone control help in a 4mic clip on mic situation that is very interactive?

A: First of all the gate function is designed to keep the signal muted until a level you choose to open the channel. This would not help the clip at all. If, on the other hand if you were to use the compressor side of the dbx you may be able to adjust the input and output to eliminate the clipping altogether. I would suggest adjusting the output of each channel so each channel will not exceed the headroom on the mixer, then send the combined signal into the dbx and use the compressor to clamp down on the signal a bit. There is training available for this. I am using my 266xs to make a talk show with four funny ladies, who laugh a lot and loudly fit into the available headroom while recording for broadcast. without the compressor the laughing just clips so badly the recordings are not able to be used.

Q: 10. Does this device work with 220v power or is it only 110v?

A: Yes, the FMR Audio RNC1773 offers a power Supply 100-240 VAC, 47/63 Hz 12 VDC, 500 mA regulated, 2.1 mm barrel connector

Anton	05/09/2024
[2] 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

George	16/08/2024
[2] 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

Thomas	16/07/2024
[2] The Electro Harmonix Platform Compressor is a fantastic stereo compressor pedal that works quite well. It runs on a standard 9-volt pedal power supply that it comes with. I used three of them for a live techno set I was doing. I had a Roland TR-8, Roland TB-3, and Novation Circuit all synced and running together. I had Platform Compressors on the stereo out of each piece of gear and they worked perfectly. They were very reliable but I did have a user error once which I will mention so you can avoid it. The Swell knob got bumped and my attack times began fading in completely throwing off the timing of the TB-3. I couldn't figure out what happened till after my set. So be careful to not hit this knob mid performance. To remedy this possibility, I used electrical tape to hold my knob settings in place after this incident and never had this issue again. The Platform Compressor is fantastic for the money and for the functionality. Stereo compression has never been more convenient with the Platform Compressor. 5

Rick's Contented	07/07/2024
[20 Hz to 25 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

Curve Dominant	03/05/2024
[20 Hz to 25 kHz] 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