Manley Labs Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube Equalizer owner manual Translations

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Translations

This is just a few commonly used musical terms translated into technical terms or specific Massive Passive techniques. Note that these are fairly loose descriptions and definitions. Your mileage may vary.

Bottom, Fat

the deep lows

for more:

bell boost below 100Hz or use any low shelf up to even 330Hz. When you use a shelf this high, you

 

should experiment with the bandwidth control more towards straight up or towards narrow.

Tubby

probably too much lows.Try removing somewhere between 82 to 220.

Sibilance

between 5kHz and 8kHz for men & between 6kHz and 10kHz for women

for less:

Bell cut at these freqs or Shelf boost with mid to narrow bandwidth freqs from 4700 to 27K to get more

 

air and ultra-highs while removing sibilance. The exact frequency and bandwidth depends on the singer

 

or source. The typical problem either is a gap in the singer's teeth (that a little chewing gum or wax in

 

the gap may help) or HF distortion typical in many mics and low budget gear. It is better to cure the

 

problem at the source rather than later resort to yet more EQ and de-essers.

Nasal, Squawk

corresponds to too much mids. A Bell cut between 820 and 1500 should help.

Honk

much like "nasal" but probably a little lower. Probably between 400 and 800.

Muddy

usually corresponds to too much low mids and not enough highs. First try bell dipping 220 Hz to 440 Hz

Presence, Edge

usually upper mids, ie 2200 to 4700

for more:

try a gentle bell boost at 3300 to start.

Air

the extreme highs like 16kHz or 27kHz. With this EQ you can also try any of the shelves above 6800

 

and experimenting with the bandwidth control.

Telephone Sound

First try deep shelf cuts using the two mid bands set approximately for 390 and 4700. Experiment with

 

the bandwidths and frequency selects. Try adding the 220 and 6K filters last rather than first.

Attack

usually the upper mids but depends on the instrument. For example on drums and bass for more attack

 

try boosting 2200 Hz, for piano try 4700 or 5600. Limiters usually remove some of these transient heavy

 

areas and may seem to dull the attack. The cure for that is longer "attack times" on the limiter.

Thump

corresponds to the deep lows like between 33 and 68.

Warmth

many vague meanings depending on who said it and in regards to what instrument. You can try adding

 

low mids anywhere below 330 (try 250) or removing the extreme highs (try the 18K and 12K filters).

 

Lately some people mean the sound is too clean or "digital". You can use a combination of shelf boost

 

and shelf cut on the two lowest bands to drive the EQ section hard then restore it to reasonable levels and

 

flatness. You can also try hitting the EQ with a boosted signal and turning the return point down. The

 

usual culprit is too many cold crispy synths and samplers and you likely can't change that decision easily.

 

We include a "preset" near the back page that gives the maximum THD if you want to try this approach.

Pop

with vocals usually means the excessive "P"s and "B"s when the singer is on-axis and close to the mic.

 

First try a "popper stopper" or equivilant and/or try swivelling the mic so that it points to the singers

 

shoulder and use the 120 or 68 filter. With snares it can mean the fundamental anywhere from 330 to 1200

 

Hz depending on the drum.

"FM DJ"

Lots o' lows and highs. Try dipping mids first. The trick is to start with a real DJ and use a little EQ.

"Old British"

Clear some muddiness by removing some 220 to 470 and boost a bit of presence around 2200 to 4700.

 

An alternative technique is boosting the "defining character" or "note" of each instrument which entirely

 

depends on the instruments. Best to do it without "solo's" and in the mix.

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Contents Manley Contents Introduction AN Eveanna Manley Production Channel Designed by Hutch Back Panel3 4 Front PanelSelect 4 BandsPage Credits Beginnings Passive Parametric Why Passive? Why Tube Gain Stages? LOW Shelf Curves Boost and CUT with Various Bandwidths Typical Bell Curves High Pass Filters LOW Pass FiltersGuts DIP Switch Settings Equalizers EQ Technique Page Page Page Miscellaneous Techniques Translations TROUBLE-SHOOTING Page Mains Connections Specifications Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube Equalizer Warranty Warranty Registration Manley Templates for Storing Massive Passive Settings

Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube Equalizer specifications

The Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube Equalizer stands as a hallmark in the world of high-end audio processing, renowned for its unique design and exceptional sound character. This equalizer embodies the brand's commitment to quality and sonic integrity, making it a coveted piece of equipment for professional audio engineers and enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the Massive Passive is its all-tube signal path. Utilizing vacuum tubes, the equalizer imparts a warm, rich tone that is often described as “musical”. This tube-based design works in conjunction with a passive equalization topology, which means that rather than boosting frequencies through active components, it relies on a network of inductors and capacitors, preserving the audio signal's purity while allowing for versatile tone shaping.

The Massive Passive is equipped with a wide range of frequency bands, allowing engineers to tailor their sound precisely. It features a dual-channel configuration with controls for both left and right channels, enabling stereo adjustments that maintain phase coherence. Each channel includes numerous frequency selections across both low and high ranges, granting access to numerous filtering options that highlight or attenuate specific frequencies as required.

An essential aspect of the Massive Passive is its innovative design, characterized by high-quality components, including Manley’s custom-designed transformers and circuit boards. These components are engineered to minimize noise and distortion, ensuring that the equalization process does not compromise the integrity of the source material. Users can enjoy the convenience of both low-frequency and high-frequency adjustments, as well as the ability to boost or cut with a substantial range, from a subtle touch to significant alterations.

One of the intelligent aspects of the Massive Passive is its 'bypass' feature. This allows users to seamlessly compare the processed sound against the original audio, making it easier to make informed decisions on adjustments. The build quality of the unit is also remarkable, showcasing a robust chassis that is both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly durable, signifying Manley Labs’ attention to detail.

Ultimately, the Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube Equalizer encapsulates the essence of analog warmth and precision in audio processing. By integrating sophisticated engineering with user-friendly controls, it provides both professional and home studios with the tools necessary to achieve that sought-after sonic richness, making it a top choice among discerning audio professionals.