Manley VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip

Manley VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip

The Manley Labs VOXBOX combines the legendary Manley Mono Mic Preamp, the ELOP reborn as a lower ratio compressor, the MID EQ blown out as a full range PEAK-DIP-PEAK EQ, and a DeEsser with a second ELOP limiter at the end. Using the Direct Input, bass players often wonder why it wasn’t named the BASSBOX.

Primarily, it is a voice processor which in itself is not a novel idea, but the time had come to pull out all the stops and make a truly professional high-end statement. One that covered the needs of the project songwriters and big-time major studios alike. One whose all-tube signal path could bring every instrument and overdub to life. One that, plain and simple, sounded unquestionably better than the rest, provided flexibility, simplicity, and well thought-out ergonomics. Full of features, timeless style, robust build quality, and that world-famous Manley Sound!

MICROPHONE PREAMP SECTION

The preamplifier Manley's renowned Mono Microphone Preamplifier! The mic input transformer is Manley's own design wound in-house at the Manley Labs factory. High-current 48V Phantom power is switchable from the front panel. A simple and effective passive BASS CUT switch kills rumble and reduces popping. The INPUT ATTENUATOR is a variable pad control situated before the first tube stage allowing the preamplifier to accommodate +4 line level signals via the balanced LINE INPUT and instruments via the front panel 1/4" DIRECT INPUT. These inputs are selected in the middle position of the dual-function phase invert switch. There is both a transformer balanced XLR output as well as a transformerless "audiophile" 1/4" phone jack output. The Gain switch is actually a clever variable feedback control that changes not only the gain but the slew rate and flavor of the circuit. With it you can choose how laid back and mellow or how up-front and aggressive you want it to get. Headroom is a strong point in this circuit with +31 dBu capable. This is 5 to 10 dB better than almost all other pro gear. The music passes through only super-clean pure Class A vacuum tube circuitry. There are obvious advantages to this purist approach and foremost is the un-electronic final sound that carries emotion into the digital realm.

COMPRESSOR SECTION

This cool compressor design takes the opto-isolator approach of the Manley ELOP Limiter to the max. The Ratio has been adjusted down to 3:1 to turn the ELOP into a compressor and added ATTACK and RELEASE controls for more versatility. What is clever is how the signal is compressed before it hits the tubes with no detrimental effect on distortion or frequency response. This way, it can prevent mic pre clipping and eliminate whole stages of electronics. This cuts the typical path of mic to tape in half! Manley also pioneered new thinking in the sidechain by using up to four different time constants simultaneously and controlling them with familiar simple attack, release and threshold controls - an approach called "Parametric Compression." Manley developed optimum settings or presets based on the favorite Vactrols used in the fast ELOP Limiter, the quick LA-2A's T-4 module, the slower LA-3A and then created more complex special settings. This extended range and method of timing delivers fresh sounds from powerhouse punching drums to super-solid bass yet can also emulate the way good engineers delicately ride a fader while recording. It is transparent and liquid-smooth on vocals, easy to use and accurate. Also rare for an opto-based dynamic processor, this compressor works great on mixes. Of course, you'll be needing two VOXBOXes linked in stereo...

EQ SECTION

The EQ section features an expanded Pultec-style equalizer with 33 frequencies in 3 bands with 6 new frequencies from 20 Hz to 150 Hz, and 6 more in the highs from 6.4 kHz to 20 kHz. Ever notice that only EQs with real inductors have the bottom end magic or that only Class A circuitry can keep the top end sweet? This is for you. The EQ INPUT switch patches in the Line Input, Preamp Output, or the INSERT return. This switch serves double-duty acting as a bypass switch for the preamp and/or external processors or for processing two different tracks.

DE-ESSER & LIMITER SECTION

Designed by folks with admittedly large gaps between their two front teeth, the VOXBOX combo also includes a de-esser and peak limiter based on the original ELOP Limiter design but with an added passive LC network to handle the de-essing four carefully chosen notch frequencies from 3 kHz to 12 kHz (that 3 kHz setting really tames those annoying frequencies!). The fifth position gives you a limiter which totally mimics the famous LA-2A. This means you can both compress pre-EQ then limit here post-EQ. Another cool feature is the ability to insert this de-esser silently and smoothly as the music plays, using it as needed.

THE METER

The METER is a full size illuminated Sifam VU meter. A five-position switch shows three audio levels: the line input, the preamp output and the final output. It also shows compressor gain reduction and the de-esser/limiter action. Other clever innovations incorporated into the VOXBOX combo include warm-up muting circuitry, extensive magnetic field containment, 'smart -grounding,' and silent switching. The sum-total is more than the separate parts: consider the reduced patching, the short path to tape and you having this much immediate control. As engineers, we choose what we use not based entirely on features and functions - there is a sound, a texture we reach for and the VOXBOX combo puts the 'Manley Sound' together with 'Your Sound.'

FEATURES:

• MANLEY transformers with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases
• 2 kOhm mic input with high-current 48V Phantom power built-in
• Hi-Z (100K) direct instrument input
• Line and insert inputs (balanced XLR and 1/4")
• Preamp and EQ outputs LO-Z (50 Ohms)
• Transformer balanced XLR outputs
• Transformerless unbalanced 1/4" outputs
• Stereo link for compressor and de-esser/limiter
• Side chain monitor for de-esser
• THD+N (1 kHz @+20 dBu): 0.3%
• Maximum output: +31 dBu