Manley Labs Stereo Variable Mu Limiter Compressor

Product Code: eq16579
Availability: In Stock

$22,197.00 $33,739.44

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Reviews (14)

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. This mastering version replaces all conductive plastic pots with Greyhill rotary switches. The 1% metal-film resistors on the Greyhill switches not only provide recallability, but also deliver an improvement in sound quality.

The Mid/Side modification (also known as the Vertical/Lateral or Sum/Difference) allows for stereo encoding and decoding as well as image enhancement processing capabilities. Instead of an active circuit, the left switch changes the wiring of the input transformer, while the right switch changes the output wiring. When both M/S switches are activated, the stereo signal is encoded and decoded, providing the ability to compress the mid, sum or mono part of the sound on channel one, while channel two's compressor controls the side or difference. The Mid/Side switches replace the high-pass side-chain position on the front panel. The HP/SC are ganged and moved to the power switch position, while the power switch has been moved to the rear of the chassis.

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.

Stepped Switches for Repeatability Mid/Side Mod Adds Stereo Enhancement 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 Made in the USA

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: -4, -2, 0, +2, +4 dB
Output Level	Output Level Switch (24 Detents): -11 to 0 dB (1/2 dB steps)
Compression Threshold	Threshold Switch (24 Detents): -11.5 to +1 dB Compressor (1/4 dB Steps): 6 dB range Limiter (1/2 dB Steps): 12 dB range
Ratio	Compressor: 1.5:1 Limiter: 4:1 to 20:1
Attack Time	Variable Attack: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 ms
Release Time	Recovery 5 Steps (5 Detents): 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 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	22 x 18 x 8.5"

Stepped Greyhill rotary switches with 1% precision metal-film resistors

M/S modification allows various approaches to Mid/Side recording, playback and processing

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: -4 to +4 dB stepped switch

Stepped Attack: 15 to 90 ms

Threshold: 24-step range

5-Step Recovery Switch: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 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. 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: 2. Is the AC adapter included?

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

Q: 3. I received the rnc1773. The selling page's photo has 9v adapter but I got the 12v adapter. So, could you change the photo for new one with 12v adapter? It can making confuse to some customers.

A: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will do our best update the information.

Q: 4. 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: 5. 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: 6. Is this compatible with Protools 10?

A: The IK Multimedia T-RackS 5 Dyna-Mu Compressor Software will run in digital audio workstations that support 64-bit AAX, AU, VST2, VST3 plugins. Natively, Pro Tools 10 supports only 32-bit plugins so T-TrackS 5 is not compatible with Pro Tools 10 but is compatible with Pro Tools 11.

Q: 7. 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: 8. Does this supply phantom power?

A: I doubt that it supplies phantom power as it appears to be intended only for line level circuits, not mics. the selection choice is between pro (+4) and consumer (-10) levels for the rear panel XLRs

Q: 9. 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: 10. 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

Bob	28/09/2024
[2 U] The Rolls monitor is a perfect addition to my audio kit. I connect it to the output XLR of my boom and connect headphones. The audio loops through to another cable to the recorder. It allows a boom op (me) to monitor the boom audio directly without additional cables getting in the way on a tight set. It's powered by a 9V battery that seems to last the entire day. It attaches to the boom op via a belt clip. The only con is that it's a bit bulkier than I thought it would be. 5

Carlos	19/09/2024
[+35 dB] Great sound right off w/ no effort. Drill down further to get better sound. 5

DMS	27/08/2024
[22 x 18 x 8.5"] Still messing around with this compressor, Learning the ins and outs and what it can do. Always wanted to get a compressor limiter/gate to fool with... so when I saw the B&H advertised price,I snagged it. delivery was faster than I figured, all the way out in Las Vegas, NV Thanks B&H 5

Joshua	25/08/2024
[+35 dB] Works great, easy to use, soft limiting, great stuff here folks! 5

theultimatestones	17/08/2024
[2 U] I can hear myself so much better! 5

Steve	02/08/2024
[2 U] 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

Scott504	06/07/2024
[2] 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

Curve Dominant	04/07/2024
[2] 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

German	04/07/2024
[20 Hz to 25 kHz] Fast User ID and Password B&H delivery. The plug in is a great tool for my studio. Thank you!!! 5

Madmax	13/06/2024
[+35 dB] I play keyboards in a classic rock band and, up until now, I pretty much got buried in the audio mix. I decided to run the keyboards through the PA system with a monitor feed back to this Rolls unit and plug in my earbuds. It's got an onboard 9-volt battery, an optical limiter to protect my ears, and it's built like a tank. Great product, reasonably priced. 5