LEVELINPUT
+8
+1
LINK
+2
+4
+3
HP SC
IN
V A R I A B L E M U
V A R I A B L E M U
c o r e
LIMITER / COMPRESSOR
LIMITER / COMPRESSOR
OUTPUT
SLOW
ATTACK THRESHOLD
RECOVERY
LIMIT
10
R
8
6
4
2
0
IN
SLOW
FAST
MIN MAX
BYPASS
OWNER’S MANUAL
CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
INTRODUCTION 2
MAINS CONNECTIONS 3
INSTALLATION 4
FRONT PANEL 5
REAR PANEL 6
EXAMPLE SETTINGS 7
FRONT PANEL ADJUSTMENTS 8
OPERATIONAL NOTES 9
MASTERING AND M/S MODELS 10
T-BAR MODIFICATION 11
GAIN REDUCTION CURVES 12
SPECIFICATIONS 13
TECHNICAL NOTES 14
SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS 15
BLANK RECALL SHEETS 16- 19
NOTES 20
Rev 5.2
INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!...
for choosing the Manley Laboratories Stereo Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor. This unit has
been our best selling product for many years. It is one of the very few compressors that has become a real standard in Mastering studios and contributed to most hit records over the last decade
and probably the next. “Mu” is tube-speak for gain, and Variable Mu® is our registered trademark
for this limiter compressor. It works by using the “remote cut-off” or re-biasing of a vacuum tube
to achieve compression. The precious vintage Fairchild 670 also uses this technique and is one
of few all-tube compressor to do so, that we know of. Even the side-chain has glowing rectier
bottles. How’s it work? The unique 5670 dual triode is at the center of the peak-reducing and
compression action constantly being re-biased by the vacuum tube rectied side-chain control
voltages which cause this tube to smoothly change its gain. Just like that.
LOCATION & VENTILATION
The Manley Stereo Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor must be installed in a stable location with ample ventilation. It is recommended, if this unit is rack mounted, that you allow
enough clearance on the top and bottom of the unit such that constant movement of air can
ow through the ventilation holes. There are 8 tubes inside this unit so it does run quite hot.
Good ventilation is denitely encouraged.
UNPACKING: Unpack the unit carefully by removing all the custom foam packing material and make sure that all supplied accessories are present. Carefully examine all items for any
possibility of shipping damage. All of the tubes are already installed and should have survived
the journey from our factory to your studio. They should be standing at attention in their sockets, and should show no signs of distress such as chipped glass, loose internal components or
obvious breakage. If the unit is damaged or fails to operate, notify the shipper or your dealer
or us or your local authorities immediately. Or if you suspect The Shipping People threw it off
the airplane and onto your front porch whilst ying overhead at 30,000 feet, notify the shipping
company without delay and complain to them as we only guarantee this unit to be able to survive
a drop of 23,487 feet or less.
Your Manley Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor was packed with extreme love and care, and
each box includes the following components and accessories:
a) 1 each, 6 foot IEC 3-conductor power cable
b) 1 each, Owner’s Manual (that we hope you will keep reading.)
It is prudent to retain the shipping materials for future use, as they are custom-formed for this
unit and will greatly minimize the chance of shipping-related damage should you ever need to put
your precious Variable Mu®in the careless hands of The Shipping People again. We have heard
that certain rodents might enjoy munching on the packing foam. We are sorry to report that we do
not warranty the packing foam against attack by mice, rats, or other hungry critters, hungry children, hungry neighbors, etc. Try glue traps or spring-traps loaded with peanut butter to eliminate
these unwelcome freeloaders from your property.
2
INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!...
for choosing the Manley Laboratories Stereo Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor. This unit has
been our best selling product for many years. It is one of the very few compressors that has become a real standard in Mastering studios and contributed to most hit records over the last decade
and probably the next. “Mu” is tube-speak for gain, and Variable Mu® is our registered trademark
for this limiter compressor. It works by using the “remote cut-off” or re-biasing of a vacuum tube
to achieve compression. The precious vintage Fairchild 670 also uses this technique and is one
of few all-tube compressor to do so, that we know of. Even the side-chain has glowing rectier
bottles. How’s it work? The unique 5670 dual triode is at the center of the peak-reducing and
compression action constantly being re-biased by the vacuum tube rectied side-chain control
voltages which cause this tube to smoothly change its gain. Just like that.
LOCATION & VENTILATION
The Manley Stereo Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor must be installed in a stable location with ample ventilation. It is recommended, if this unit is rack mounted, that you allow
enough clearance on the top and bottom of the unit such that constant movement of air can
ow through the ventilation holes. There are 8 tubes inside this unit so it does run quite hot.
Good ventilation is denitely encouraged.
UNPACKING: Unpack the unit carefully by removing all the custom foam packing material and make sure that all supplied accessories are present. Carefully examine all items for any
possibility of shipping damage. All of the tubes are already installed and should have survived
the journey from our factory to your studio. They should be standing at attention in their sockets, and should show no signs of distress such as chipped glass, loose internal components or
obvious breakage. If the unit is damaged or fails to operate, notify the shipper or your dealer
or us or your local authorities immediately. Or if you suspect The Shipping People threw it off
the airplane and onto your front porch whilst ying overhead at 30,000 feet, notify the shipping
company without delay and complain to them as we only guarantee this unit to be able to survive
a drop of 23,487 feet or less.
Your Manley Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor was packed with extreme love and care, and
each box includes the following components and accessories:
a) 1 each, 6 foot IEC 3-conductor power cable
b) 1 each, Owner’s Manual (that we hope you will keep reading.)
It is prudent to retain the shipping materials for future use, as they are custom-formed for this
unit and will greatly minimize the chance of shipping-related damage should you ever need to put
your precious Variable Mu®in the careless hands of The Shipping People again. We have heard
that certain rodents might enjoy munching on the packing foam. We are sorry to report that we do
not warranty the packing foam against attack by mice, rats, or other hungry critters, hungry children, hungry neighbors, etc. Try glue traps or spring-traps loaded with peanut butter to eliminate
these unwelcome freeloaders from your property.
2
MAINS CONNECTIONS
Your VARIABLE MU has been factory set to the correct mains voltage for your country. The voltage setting is
marked on the serial badge, located on the rear panel. Check that this complies with your local supply.
Export units for certain markets have a moulded mains plug tted to comply with local requirements. If your unit
does not have a plug tted the coloured wires should be connected to the appropriate plug terminals in accordance
with the following code:
GREEN/YELLOW EARTH
BLUE NEUTRAL
BROWN LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the coloured marking identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN/YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked by the letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN and YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the letter
N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the
letter L or coloured RED.
DO NOT CONNECT/SWITCH ON THE MAINS SUPPLY UNTIL ALL OTHER CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN
MADE.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Information for customers:
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have issued the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. The purpose of the Directive is the prevention of waste of electrical and electronic equipment, and to promote the reuse and recycling and other forms of recovery of such waste. As such
the Directive concerns producers, distributors and consumers.
The WEEE directive requires that both manufacturers and end-consumers dispose of electrical and electronic equipment and parts in an environmentally safe manner, and that equipment and waste are reused or recovered for their materials or energy. Electrical and electronic equipment and parts must not be disposed of with
normal household wastage; all electrical and electronic equipment and parts must be collected and disposed of separately.
Products and equipment which must be collected for reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery are marked with the following pictogram:
Small products may not always be marked with this pictogram in which case this is present in the instructions for use, on the guarantee certicate and printed on
the packaging.
When disposing of electrical and electronic equipment by use of the collection systems available in your country, you protect the environment, human health and
contribute to the prudent and rational use of natural resources. Collecting electrical and electronic equipment and waste prevents the potential contamination of
nature with the hazardous substances which may be present in electrical and electronic products and equipment.
Your MANLEY retailer will assist with and advise you of the correct way of disposal in your country.
3
INSTALLATION
Please refer to the REAR PANEL section for a full layout of the rear panel of your
Manley Stereo Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor.
1. Make sure your mains voltage supply agrees with the voltage this unit is set for.
2. Be certain that the unit has the proper fuse installed.
3. Connect the input signal(s) to the 3 pin female XLR’s on the rear panel. The
input XLR’s are TRANSFORMER COUPLED balanced wired as follows:
PIN 1: GROUND
PIN 2: (+) POSITIVE GOING PHASE
PIN 3: ( - ) NEGATIVE GOING PHASE
4. Connect a 3 pin XLR cable to the male output XLR on the rear panel. The output XLR is balanced and the pinout is wired as follows:
PIN 1: GROUND
PIN 2: (+) POSITIVE GOING PHASE
PIN 3: ( - ) NEGATIVE GOING PHASE
The output impedance is 600 Ohms nominal.
5. Connect a standard IEC mains cable to the IEC mains socket on the rear panel.
6. Check that the power is switched off on the unit.
7. Connect the IEC mains cable to a 50/60 Hz AC source of the proper selected voltage.
8. Power up the unit and allow it enough time to stabilize before using . it takes about
30 minutes for everything to stabilize and for it to warm up and sound its best.
Again, let us remind you: this unit runs pretty hot. We denitely encourage allowing
enough space around the chassis so that convection of air can occur and heat can be drawn
away from the unit. If the heat gets all trapped with no place to go, you’ll just bake up the
guts of the unit faster and you’ll be in for a re-cap years sooner than if you had some ventila-tion happening. Try to give the Variable Mu® at least an inch or two on top so that air can
ow up and away from it.
If you wish to keep pizzas warm on top of the Manley Variable Mu®, please use a plate
so the cheese does not drip down through the top cover holes into the unit. Your Warranty
does not cover damage arising from foreign (or domestic) dairy substances entering the unit.
*NOTE: As of 03/2012, units are shipping with hole plugs covering the ADJUST trimmers to discourage
inadvertent un-calibrating of the triode-to-triode balance.
4
BALANCE METER METER
FRONT PANEL
C
E
G E
C
B B
H H
A D F
A. IN / BYPASS Switched in bypass mode, (down position) all effects of the limiting circuitry are bypassed and
will not affect the audio signal. In the bypass mode , the audio signal passes from the input
directly to the output (hardwire).
B. COMP / LIMIT Selects compression ( 1.5:1) or limiting (4:1) function. Compression is soft -knee, Limit is a
sharper knee. At greater than 12dB of limiting the ratio increases (up to 20:1 maximum).
C. RECOVERY Recovery times can be selected between
D. THRESHOLD Continuously variable gain reduction threshold control.
E. OUTPUT ATTENUATE Continuously variable attenuation of output signal leaving the amplier circuitry.
F. ATTACK Continuously variable sensitivity of transient detection. Determines the necessary length of
transient to initiate gain reduction. Fast =25mS, Med =50mS, Slow =70mS. Fully counter
clockwise at the slowest setting will prevent most percussive signals from causing limiting or
compression.
G. INPUT LEVEL Stepped attenuation of input signal entering the amplier limiting circuit. 12:00 is unity.
H. GR METER Measures (in decibels) amount of reduction.
I. LINK When switched to “MONO”, left side is independent from the right side. When
switched to “LINK” both channels are reduced in gain by the same number of dB. This insures
that the stereo image is unchanged. The METERs remain independent to help set THRESHOLDs.
POWER ON/OFF Power is supplied to the unit when switched UP. Meters will illuminate.
J. HP SC IN / OUT When switched to “IN”, the side chain will not respond as strongly to low frequency content. These
switches can be used with bass-heavy music where you don’t want the bass driving the WHOLE
action of the compressor. The lter is a very gentle 6dB/octave 1-pole lter, and will typically be
down 1-3dB at 100Hz and down 4-6dB at 50Hz. As you decrease the frequency, the amount of
limiting will also decrease.
K. ADJUST Trimpot #1 for tube calibration. See p.15 for instructions.
M. METER Trimpot #2 for adjusting Meter ZERO point in LIMIT mode. See p.15 for instructions.
M M
a. VERY SLOW 8 seconds
b. SLOW 4 seconds
c. MEDIUM 0.6 seconds
d. FAST 0.4 second
e. VERY FAST 0.2 second
Determines the necessary amplitude for compression or limiting to take effect. Most extreme
effect is at the MIN (fully counter clockwise) position. The lower the threshold, the more that
gets limited.
Full attenuation occurs at the full counterclockwise position.
This control is active only in IN mode.
Turning the switch clockwise will feed more signal into the amplier, increasing TH+D
and saturation; counter-clockwise rotation will feed less signal in and sound more
transparent. *Note: until late 2011 (MSLC83273), this switch was a continuously variable
potentiometer, with which it was extremely difcult to achieve proper channel-to-channel
matching. The switched input provides a far more accurate experience for the user, as well
as being far simpler from a manufacturing standpoint.
I
J J
F
D A
5
REAR PANEL
E
I
N
P
U
T
VA RIAB LE MU
LIMITER COMPRESSOR
ALL TUBE FULLY DIFFERENTIAL CIRCUIT
TRANSFORMER COUPLED INPUT & OUTPUT
HAND CRAFTED IN USA
D
A
O
U
T
P
U
T
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT
OPEN. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL ONLY.
REPLACE FUSE WITH
SAME TYPE AND
RATING
FUSE
XLR PINOUT
PIN1: SHIELD/GROUND
PIN2: HOT/POSITIVE PHASE
PIN3: LOW/NEGATIVE PHASE
E
I
N
P
U
T
13880 MAGNOLIA AVENUE, CHINO, CA 91710
12
YOUR SERIAL NUMBER TAG IS MISSING!!
MANLEY LABORATORIES INC.
PHONE +1 (909) 627-4256
~ www.manley.comservice@manleylabs.com
B
A FUSE HOLDER Houses a standard 2 Amp SLO-BLO fuse. Replace only with the
same type and size.
B IEC MAINS SOCKET Standard 3 pin AC mains socket. See the section MAINS
CONNECTIONS for more details.
D OUTPUT XLR 3 Pin XLR BALANCED. Pin 1 - Ground
Pin 2 - Positive going phase (+)
Pin 3 - Negative going phase (-)
E INPUT XLR 3 Pin XLR BALANCED. Pin 1 - Ground
Pin 2 - Positive going phase (+)
Pin 3 - Negative going phase (-)
D
O
U
T
P
U
T
OUTPUT
TRANSFORMER
12AX7
12BH7
POWER
FUSEHOLDER
IEC RECEPTACLE
TRANSFORMER
TUBE LOCATION
REG REG
CH1 INPUT
TRANSFORMER
5670
12AL5
CH2 INPUT
TRANSFORMER
12 VDC REGULATOR
5670
12 VDC
REGULATOR
12BH7
OUTPUT
TRANSFORMER
12AX7
6
HP SC
IN
OUT
HP SC
IN
OUT
HP SC
IN
OUT
HP SC
IN
OUT
7
FRONT PANEL ADJUSTMENTS
Initial basic settings for line level use:
1 -Begin with POWER ON, BYPASS, SEP and COMPRESS
2 -Set all controls at 12:00 ( or THRESHOLD at min)
(for calibration feed in a 1Khz oscillator at 0 VU and conrm the return from the unit is actually 0 VU. Switch
from BYPASS to IN and adjust the individual OUTPUTs to also return 0 VU.)
3 -Switch from BYPASS to IN and adjust the INPUT LEVEL to get 3 to 6 dB of gainreduction on the meter
with either COMPRESS or LIMIT. Fine adjust with the Thresholds.
4 -Adjust the individual OUTPUTS to either have a comparable level with BYPASS or provide the desired level
to tape. Use the recorder’s meters. Digital recorders use Peak Meters and Analog usually uses VU meters.
Machines may use different calibrations.
If the source is “stereo” then the best method is to switch from SEP to LINK. This insures that both left and right sides
will change gain the same amount at the same time. That way a sound located in center will stay in center and not move
around. This unit uses both the channels to control the gain. That means that similar settings should be set up on both
sides. You should not just depend on adjusting one side. The usual mistake is forgetting about the LIMIT / COMPRESS
switch, so check that they match rst. Use both meters. Some compressors mix left and right then use that mono signal
to control compression with the left side controls. This makes it easy for some to adjust but its not right. We combine
the “DC” control signals not the audio.
Because Compress has lower “ratios” than Limit the Threshold will seem to have less range. Actually the range is
the same - only the result is less gain reduction. Turn up the Input.
If the source is too percussive or has loud drums in the mix: try adjusting the ATTACK and RECOVERY controls.
Sometimes fast Attack and medium Recovery helps tame drums. Conversely if the drums are “sitting pretty” then
slow the attack. Fast ATTACK & RECOVERY settings tend to reduce transients. Slower ATTACK preserves the mix
and drums should not trigger compression - overall level will.
Only the fastest settings are the only way to make this unit pump like a cheap old solid state limiter. Even then
you have to do some drastic Limiting. We designed the Variable-MU to be difcult to dial in a “bad” setting. The
control range is wide but not extreme - not zero to innity. Music before spec sheets.
Slower RECOVERY settings tend to be the most inaudible. The more bouncy the meter seems - the more likely
that limiting is audible and may be regrettable. Pumping is no longer in “fashion” now, we hear.
The Variable-MU will probably do what you actually need. The trick is to use slow Recovery and less than 5 dB of
Limit which often translates to “lower the input”. In this unit the “knee” softens as more limiting is used. This tends to
act like a compressor followed by a limiter. This is good but not perfect. Up to about 10 dB of gain reductionshould
be mostly inaudible. This is why the original name of the unit was the 10 dB Limiter. However, watch out for quiet
passages - they will get loud - a giveaway that somebody is seriously “over-compressing”. Rather than heavily limiting
the mix - Gently compress individual tracks during recording, gently compress the mix and save the nal limiting to the
mastering engineer who is probably also going to use a Variable-MU - followed by their state-of-the-art digital limiter.
That way, only the radio stations and MTV will “over-compress”. Did you know that the louder the CD, the more it is
likely to push the station’s limiters into the cringe zone. For broadcast, average loudness is often a better goal that the
loudest possible CD. It all comes out the same in the end. Controlling dynamic range is important for pop. Watch out
for big peaks in the extreme lows and highs - broadcasters use and abuse multi-band limiters. Your call...
8
OPERATION NOTES
The “MANLEY STEREO VARIABLE MU LIMITER - COMPRESSOR” is designed for multiple
purposes. The unit can be used stereo or as 2 individual channels of limiting or compression. It can be used as a
balanced line amp capable of 24 dB! of gain and as a pre-amp for low level signals. . With higher input gain settings
the unit can be used to create gentle tube distortion if desired. Modest settings will often enhance the signal in ways
difcult to describe however the range includes “tube warmth”, richness and enhanced clarity and magic. We know
several famous producers and engineers that record every possible track, and the mix and then master through these
LIMITER-COMPRESSORS.
The attack and recovery controls are important to understand. The response to transients and percussive
sounds are affected by the attack control. Recovery is the time it takes for the gain to return to normal or zero
reduction. This is called “RELEASE” on some limiters.
We can use a typical mix with dynamic vocals, drums and bass for an example. With this example a fast
attack setting will react to the drums and reduce the overall gain. If the recovery is very fast then the gain will return to
normal quickly. This will have an audible effect of reducing some of the level and attack of the drums in the mix. As
the recovery is set slower the gain changes that the drums cause might be heard as “pumping”. Now these gain changes
caused by the drums are pulling down vocals, some bass and causing volume changes. Slower recovery settings will
usually keep the gain changes more inaudible but will also lower the perceived volume. A slow attack setting will tend
to ignore drums and other fast signals but will react to the vocals and bass in our example. A slow attack might also let a
hard kick drum transient distort the next piece of equipment in the chain. We have set up the unit so that medium settings
of both controls provide good gain control and little change in mix values.
LIMITING OR COMPRESSION
Two basic rules of thumb with any compressor or limiter should be reminded.
Typical amounts of gain reduction shown by GR meter should be 2 to 6 dB. The more that the needle swings the
more likely the gain changes will be audible. Listen for objectionable “pumping” with fast settings.
Use your ears to determine optimum settings more than the meters. Some limiters add unpleasant artifacts with
any reasonable looking setting. This limiter may give some magic at unexpected settings. It may help to use the bypass
switch to compare the original input with the processed output to verify that an improvement is real. Then, because the
peaks are reduced, the nal output can be adjusted a little louder than the input.
It should be borne in mind that the intended usage, and function therefore, is very different between limiting and
compression. In limiting mode we are seeking to control PEAK overshoots or the ‘ceiling’ level as inaudibly as possible,
normally in the 2 to 4 dB area. By using compression we seek to “fold in” a ratio of, say, 20 or more into 10 dB. Both
limiting and compression can produce the effect of increasing the average levels and background noise - depending on
the degree or amount of limiting / compression used. Because dynamic range and peaks can be reduced, often overall
loudness can be increased at the output. This is called GAIN MAKE-UP on some compressors and is simply the
OUTPUT ATTENUATOR with this unit. Limiters often are designed for very fast attack times only. This assumes that
the unit will almost always be used to prevent electronic clipping or overload. Typically the release with these is slow
to prevent audible damage to the mix. With this unit you can adjust the attack, release and even the overload point in
musical ways. Distortion can be creatively used by turning up the INPUT and turning down the OUTPUTs while using
very little or no COMPRESSION. The cleanest settings are easiest to set up and most recommended for mixes. Set the
THRESHOLD near “MIN”, set the ATTACK near “FAST” and adjust the INPUT for 2 to 4 dB of LIMITING, then
adjust the OUTPUTS to reach the levels you want or by comparing with BYPASS. You can ne tune the ATTACK,
RECOVERY and THRESHOLD to taste from this. Compression with this unit begins at the same threshold so to
achieve similar amounts of gain reduction you may have to turn up the INPUT or turn the THRESHOLD to “MIN”. We
also suggest while in “LINK” that both channels are set up the same or similar. LINKing with one channel in LIMIT and
the other in COMPRESS will not work.
The gain control chain is technically called a feedback circuit. Most modern compressors use a feedfoward circuit
which sounds unmusical to us but for features sake usually offers a Ratio control. Some engineers get great results from
blending the output of the limiter with the “straight” signal. This trick obviously is easier to do on individual tracks and
sounds like a very gentle compressor that lifts quiet sections.
9
NOTES ON MASTERING MODIFICATIONS
The Mastering Version of the Variable MU Limiter Compressor uses expensive Greyhill rotary switches with gold
contacts where conductive plastic pots were used. The steps are determined with a large number of 1% precision metal
lm 1/2 watt resistors. The best conductive plastic pots only have 10% or 20% tolerance. The ten fold improvement in
precision helps a great deal in left-right matching. There is a subtle audible improvement with stepped switches as well.
Audiophile HI-FI often uses that technique to wring the last drop of performance out of a pre-amplier. And I bet you
wanted stepped switches mostly for resets.
The INPUT LEVEL is a ve position switch with a generic optimum setting of “0” in the 12:00 position. Each step in
either direction is 2 dB. For reference, Unity Gain is “0”.
The Output Attenuators are in half dB steps. Reference Unity is -11.5 or fully counter-clockwise. You might think of
these as “gain makeup”. They are marked technically, in that “0” or fully clockwise has zero attenuation in the circuit.
The tube circuit actually has 15.5 dB of gain. The Input attenuator at “0” removes 4 dB and the Output attenuator
removes the last 11.5 producing “unity”. With a little compression the “gain make-up” available with the Output Attenu-ator is very handy.
The Threshold is in half dB steps calibrated to LIMIT mode. In Compress the steps are approximately 1/4 dB. There are
24 steps so LIMIT gets a 12 dB range and Compress has a 6 dB range of adjustment. In some cases it is common to use
the Input Attenuator to nd a good starting point. Some Mastering engineers nd using the combination of Input, Output
and Threshold to achieve a little different “drive”. Another good reason for stepped gains.
The Attack Time has been slightly extended in both directions compared to a regular Variable-MU and divided into 11
steps. The approximate values are: CW (fast)15mS, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90mS (slow) CCW.
The Recovery has always been a 5 position switch. The times are: 200mS, 400mS, 600mS, 4S, 8 Seconds.
NOTES ON M/S MODIFICATIONS
The M/S modication allows various approaches to Mid/Side recording, playback and processing. There are separate
switches for both input and output. Normal STEREO operation is with both switches pushed towards the right. M/S
mode is with the switches to the left. The left switch changes the way the transformer inputs are wired (instead of an
“active circuit”) to derive M/S. The right switch changes the output wiring.
When both the Input and Output switches are in M/S, then if one feeds normal left and right signals - the output will
also be left and right. The signal would be “encoded” then “decoded”. This can be useful because the compressor can
process mid and side differently. Now the “Channel One” Threshold, Attack and Recovery are for the mid, sum or mono
part of the sound - “Channel Two” Threshold, Attack and Recovery are for the side or difference part of the sound. If
the Link switch is SEP then adjustment of “width” is possible using the Threshold controls and some gain reduction. To
“widen” simply compress more in Channel One. In LINK mode the adjustment of width is not possible but one can use
more of the “Mid” (or “Side”) to control overall Limiting. This is useful for material meant for stereo broadcast. FM
splits the signal into M/S and transmits as M/S. Broadcast engineers are generally more concerned that the mono component is solid because it transmits much further - and that relates to audience size and perceived quality.
To “decode” mics in the M/S conguration one can either switch the input or output to M/S. Generally the input would
be switched to M/S and the compressor and all after it will now have left and right.
To “encode” program for FM broadcast and bypass the transmitter encoder, either the input or output switches can
be used. If the unit is to be used for compression then it is normal to follow the output with a very good Limiter. This
approach sounds louder and less “processed” than multi-band processors. It also allows a ner degree of control to the
critical mono signal.
10
NOTES ON THE T-BAR MODIFICATION
INTRODUCTION
The Manley Variable Mu® has been in production for some years now and has become an indispensable tool in studios since
its inception. These units operate on the same principle as several top-notch vintage tube limiters, and the original Manley
version indeed used the same 6386 input tube as the Fairchild, Gates, and others. This tube is the one that actually performs
the gain reduction; it, more than any other component, determines the sonic signature of these units.
HISTORY
The 6386 dual triode was designed as a cascode RF/IF gain-controlled amplier, and as such, had many characteristics ideally
suited for use as a gain-controlled audio amplier. However, it seems this tube was used more in commercial/industrial appli-
cations rather than high volume consumer applications (like in radios and TV’s). Also, it appears that none of these have been
manufactured in recent years. The combination of these two factors means that present supplies of 6386 tubes are quite limited,
expensive, and in many cases unusable due to poor matching, high noise, or microphonics (which may not have been issues for
the tube’s original intended use). Manley decided in June of 1996 to begin using a type 5670 dual triode which were similar,
importantly sharing the same pin-out as the 6386 and available in sufcient quantities to allow for testing and matching.
ENTER NEW TUBE TYPES
The 5670 equipped Variable Mu’s were well received, and retained many of the characteristics that made the original version
of the Variable Mu® popular. They did sound different than the original, especially when pushed past 6dB or so of limiting.
Even though some people even preferred the new version with the 5670, it was felt that it would be worthwhile to give the
users the ability to return to the traditional sound without resorting to use of an esoteric (or unavailable) tube. We also wanted
to furnish an alternative replacement for the 6386 in older units. The goal was to nd a tube that was 1) nearly identical to the
6386 in performance 2) manufactured (or being manufactured) in large quantities 3) able to be retrotted into existing units
(in the eld, if at all possible). This was a tall order, as other available remote-cutoff dual triodes (such as the 6BC8 and 6ES8)
are not close enough in characteristics to be used as a direct replacement. Enter the 12BA6, which is a remote-cutoff single
pentode. Wired as a triode, this tube has characteristics very close to the 6386 as conrmed by a Tektronix 570 curve tracer, and
by A-B listening tests. These tubes were manufactured in large quantities for use as gain-controlled IF ampliers in common
radio receivers. The hitch: the 6BA6 (or 12BA6) is a single-section tube; the 6386 is a dual!
ENTER THE ADAPTER BOARD
So why not use two 12BA6 tubes to replace one 6386? There is enough room inside the unit to accommodate two tubes; the
pair will directly replace a 6386 in an older unit or a 5670 in a newer unit with only minor modications. The other advantage
to this approach is that the tubes can be tested and installed as a matched pair. We have numerous examples of 6386’s where
the two triode sections inside do not match each other within a usable range and there is nothing we can do about it because
the two triode halves are locked inside the bottle. So what we did was to design a 1”x 2” circuit board that has two sockets for
the 6BA6 or 12BA6 tubes (“6” or “12” depending on the heater voltage) that plug in where the original tube went. Of special
importance in using two single element tubes to replace a dual element tube is the ability to match and select very well matched
tubes not only for each channel’s two phase-halves, but also for both channels. This factor alone, especially when considering
that there are really no decent 6386 tubes left, allows the “T-Bar Mod” units’ performance to easily exceed the older units.
SOUND COMPARISON: In direct A-B comparisons, the 6BA6/12BA6 version sounds nearly identical to the 6386. Comparing to the 5670, the 6BA6/12BA6 sounds less “squashed” as the amount of limiting is increased; consequently, it is possible
to obtain more limiting with fewer artifacts than before. Performance at faster attack times is enhanced as the 6BA6/12BA6
tubes can be better matched than before with the dual-triode tubes.
Contact our Service department for information regarding the T-BAR upgrade. The upgrade can be performed by our Arizona
Service Department, we can also supply just the kit with tting instructions for installation in the eld by a qualied technician.
For further info please contact our service department: www.manley.com/service.php
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SPECIFICATIONS
- MANLEY input & output transformers with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases with at frequency response from 20Hz-25kHz
- BALANCED INPUTS & OUTPUTS (600 Ohms)
- Fully differential ALL-TUBE circuitry using one each 5670, 5751, 12BH7, & 12AL5 per channel (T-BAR mod replaced 5670’s with 2 pairs of 6BA6’s)
- Independently regulated B+ and Heater supplies
- Hard-wire BYPASS switch
- INPUT LEVEL switch: -8, -4, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +4, +8dB
- 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 Side Chain Filter: 6dB per octave, approximately -3dB at 70Hz.
- 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 oor: -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 Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60Hz
- Dimensions: 19” x 3 1/2” x 10” (chassis occupies 2U). Power transformer protrudes 3.5” from
the rear of the chassis
- Shipping Weight: 23 lbs.
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TECHNICAL NOTES
TUBE LIFE
As with all tubes, their quality degrades with age. This is due to cathode emission, a natural process found in all tubes.
We recommend that you have your unit checked every 4-5 years, depending on usage, usually the limiter will require retubing after this time has elapsed. Furthermore, any adjustments such as meter calibration should be performed when the
unit has sufciently ‘warmed up’.
Almost all compressors have only two “gain” controls of a possible three: Input, Threshold and Output. With all three
theoretically one is redundant. Utilizing a Dual Input has confused some “engineers” when it was needed for two different
sounds. Simply nd a good compromise position on the INPUT LEVEL and use the Threshold and Output as usual. The
Input control is very useful with stereo material - try it - but it is not meant to be used for stereo “fades”. Use it to set up a
general level and nal tweaking.
OPERATION
The principle of operation of this unit is based around a 5670 variable-mu (variable gain) double triode operating in a
fully balanced or symmetrical circuit.
Because of the need to preserve symmetry, a balance-adjustment pre-set potentiometer is placed on the vertical circuit
board adjacent to the 5670 variable-mu double triode. This control is set so that the two individual triodes amplify
equally. (See Adjustments Section).
The benets of utilizing a variable-mu vacuum tube as the ‘heart’ of the limiting (or compression) function is that a
widely varying range of input signals can be handled in a rapid-acting fashion without introducing harmonic distortion unless the operator / engineer wishes to do so for creative reasons.
As with all compressor limiters there will be little change of gain reduction with various settings of ATTACK and
RELEASE controls using a sine wave source. With music there will be changes in the amount of gain reduction with
changes of these controls.
SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS
A complete re-calibration is typically only required when the unit has new tubes installed; most of the adjustments (with
the exception of Steps 1 and 6) affect nothing but calibration of the meters. However, the front-panel DC Balance adjustment in step #1 should be checked periodically (every 6 months or so) as this can affect the distortion level of the unit.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Digital multimeter
Steady-state signal source (audio signal generator, console test tone) capable of generating +4dBm into 1kOhm load
Meter or other means of measuring audio signal level in decibels (multimeter with a decibel scale, console meter, ProTools meter, etc.)
Trimpot adjustment tool, Spectrol/Vishay #008T00 , or equivalent (a tiny athead screwdriver will sufce)
INITIAL SETTINGS:
Refer to labeled front panel drawing on page 6 for control locations.
In/Bypass switch: IN
Comp/Limit: LIMIT
Recovery: FAST
Threshold: FULL CW
Output Attenuate: FULL CW
Attack: FULL CW
Input Level: FULL CCW (initial setting only)
Link-Sep: SEP
HP side-chain: OUT
(continued on next page)
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ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE:
Turn the power on and allow a minimum of 45 minutes to warmup before attempting calibration. If new tubes have been
installed, nal calibration should be done after a minimum of 8 hours burn-in time, in order to stabilize the tubes. Connect the
signal source to the input of the unit, and the output metering device to the output of the unit (note that this is balanced input/
output, to utilize an unbalanced meter/signal generator, input the signal “hot” side on XLR pin 2; pins 1 & 3 are connected
together and are “ground”).
Refer to the diagram below. Perform the adjustments in the order indicated:
1) DC BALANCE: set the digital multimeter to read DC VOLTS on it’s lowest scale (usually 200mv). Adjust trimpots to
indicate 0Vdc +/- 10mVdc.
Connect the digital multimeter to the test points X7,X8 for left channel adjust VR3.
Connect the digital multimeter to the test points X22,X23 for Right Channel adjust VR11.
2) METER ZERO, LIMIT MODE: Adjust Meter Zero trimpots so that the front panel meter reads “0”.
Left Channel: VR4 - Right Channel: VR12
3) METER ZERO, COMPRESS MODE: Switch the “Compress/Limit” switch to “Compress” to set the meter to read “0”.
Switch back to limit to conrm there is no meter movement between modes.
Left Channel: VR5 - Right Channel: VR13
4) CHANNEL GAIN BALANCE (MSLC82600 and up; no gain adjust on older units): Set “Dual Input” control to
zero dB. Monitor the right channel output signal from the unit, and adjust the signal generator to obtain an output level of +10
to+12dBm at the output XLR. Advance the “dual input” control beyond 12 o’clock if necessary. Using the right channel level as
a reference, now measure the output of the left channel. Adjust trimpot “VR6” so that the channels match levels.
5) METER GAIN REDUCTION ACCURACY: Set to “limit” mode. Establish a reference level with the external meter as in the
previous step, and turn the “threshold” knob CCW to obtain an actual 6dB gain reduction at the output of the unit.
Left Channel:
Adjust trimpot “VR9” so that the unit’s meter reads “6”. Now turn the “threshold” control back to full CW, and re-zero the meter
with trimpot “VR4”. Since trimpots “VR9” and “VR4” are interactive, this may require a few iterations to obtain an accurate
reading on the unit’s meter. Repeat this step as necessary.
Right Channel:
Adjust trimpot “VR18” so that the unit’s meter reads “6”. Now turn the “threshold” control back to full CW, and re-zero the
meter with trimpot “VR12”. Since trimpots “VR18” and “VR12” are interactive, this may require a few iterations to obtain an
accurate reading on the unit’s meter. Repeat this step as necessary.
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NOTES
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8
6
4
2
Designed & Handcrafted in USA
0
SLOW
Manley Laboratories, Inc.
SLOW
13880 Magnolia Avenue
Chino, CA 91710 USA
T: +1 (909) 627-4256
RECOVERY
FAST FAST
OUTPUT RECOVERY
0dB
-1 +1
-2
-3
-4
HP SC
-8
IN
www.manley.com
LIMIT
THRESHOLD ATTACK
MONO
IN
BYPASS
VA RIAB LE MU
LIMITER COMPRESSOR
ALL TUBE FULLY DIFFERENTIAL CIRCUIT
TRANSFORMER COUPLED INPUT & OUTPUT
HAND CRAFTED IN USA
Rev 5.2 ZF 2016
Rev. 4.1 ZF 2015
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT
OPEN. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL ONLY.
COMPRESS COMPRESS
MIN MAX
SLOW
FAST
POWER
METER METER
YOUR SERIAL NUMBER TAG IS MISSING!!
MANLEY LABORATORIES INC.
13880 MAGNOLIA AVENUE, CHINO, CA 91710
PHONE +1 (909) 627-4256
service@manleylabs.com ~ www.manley.com
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