Manley Variable Mu Mastering Version gives you true variable gain by constantly re-biasing the unique 5670 dual triode at the center of the peak-reducing and compression action, allowing the tube to smoothly change its gain. The Variable Mu Mastering Version also gives you a soft-knee 1.5:1 compression ratio while its limit mode is sharper knee, starting at 4:1 and moving to 20:1 when limiting over 12dB. The knee softens the more limiting is used. To achieve more sounds, you can creatively use distortion by turning up the input and turning down the output while minimizing your use of compression.
The mastering-dedicated Variable Mu Mastering Version offers detented steps, just unlike the standard Variable Mu, which uses smooth-moving pots. This way, you can easily log your settings or recall them. The steps are built with 1% metal film resistors on sealed gold-contact Grayhill switches.
MANLEY input & output transformers with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases with flat frequency response from 20Hz-25KHz
BALANCED INPUTS & OUTPUTS (600 Ohms)
Fully differential ALL-TUBE circuitry using one each 5670, 5751, 7044 or 5687, & 12AL5 per channel
Independently regulated B+ and Heater supplies
Hard-wire BYPASS switch
Stepped switch INPUT attenuator as of 10/2011. (older units use Silent dual-ganged potentiometer)
RECOVERY 5 steps: 0.2s, 0.4s, 0.6s, 4sec., 8sec.
Variable ATTACK: 25msec-70msec
Continuously variable THRESHOLD
LIMIT (4:1 to 20:1) or COMPRESS (1.5 to 1)
HP SC: High Pass Side Chain Filter -3dB @ 100Hz
Large ILLUMINATED Sifam METERS (older units before serial number MSLC61642 shipped before 12/2003 use: 26V 1.2W FESTOON LAMPS; Manley’s Part Number: VAR016B) Order spare bulbs using our parts order form. (newest units after serial number MSLC61642 shipped after 12/2003 use white LED lighting)
STEREO LINK SWITCH
Several units can be linked for Surround (custom order)
Maximum gain: 35dB
Max. output: +30dBu (26Vrms) 26dB Headroom
<0.1% THD @ 1KHz Noise floor: -85dB typical
Power Consumption (120/240VAC): 80 watts
Unit is factory set for 100V, 120V or 220-240VAC operation for original destination country’s mains voltage.
Operating Mains Voltage changeable with power transformer changeover switch and fuse value change.
Mains Fuse Value for 100~120VAC operation: replace with 1.25A as of 10/2011
Mains Fuse Value for 220~240VAC operation: replace with 0.6A (600mA) as of 10/2011
Mains Fuse Type: MDA or MDL SLO-BLO Time delay 1 1/4″ x 1/4″
Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~60Hz
Dimensions: 19 x 3 1/2 x 10″ (chassis occupies 2u) Power transformer protrudes 3.5″ out the back of the chassis.
Shipping Weight: 23 lbs.
