Manley Labs Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube Equalizer owner manual Bands, Select

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2

3

4

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THE 4 BANDS

BOOST

 

22 - 1K

LOW SHELF

BOOST

560 - 27K

HIGH SHELF

OFF

BOOST

SHELF

 

OFF

BOOST

SHELF

 

 

BELL

 

BELL

CUT

 

OUT

CUT

OUT

 

CUT

BELL

 

 

CUT

BELL

GAIN

0

20

CCW = FLAT

0

20

 

DB

 

 

DB

 

BANDWIDTH

 

 

BANDWIDTH

BANDWIDTH

CCW = WIDE

 

FREQUENCY

 

FREQUENCY

 

100

150

220

 

3K9

 

 

 

2K7

5K6

 

 

 

 

68

 

330

FREQUENCY

1K8

8K2

47

 

470

1K2

12K

33

 

680

SELECT

820

16K

22

 

1K

 

560

27K

1)BOOST / OUT / CUT, TOGGLE. Each band has individual toggles to select whether that band will boost or cut or be bypassed. "OUT" is a hardwire bypass for that band. Unlike most EQs, you must select boost or cut for each band. There are several good reasons for this arrangement. First, because the boost part of the circuit is in a different place than the cut part because it is passive, this allows us to use the same components in both sections but doing essentially opposite functions. The conventional arrangement of a boost/zero/cut pot (baxandall) circuit was avoided to really make it passive. This switch also allows twice the resolution of the "GAIN" pot and a much more accurate "zero". The center detent of conventional EQs is rarely the "electrical" center of the pot so what you expect is zero is often a little EQed. This toggle allows some of us, who use dip EQ to reduce offending frequencies to verify those frequencies in "Boost" and then switch to "Cut". Finally, it allows us to bypass each band individually, without losing our "GAIN" pot setting rather than resetting a band to zero or bypassing the entire EQ.

2)SHELF & BELL. The two lowest (leftmost) bands can each be a special Low Shelf or conventional Bell shape. The two highest (rightmost) bands can each be a special High Shelf or conventional Bell shape. Shelf & Bell describe the EQ's shape. We included some diagrams to help visualize these curves. Bell curves focus their boost and cut at given frequency and the further away we get from that frequency, the less boost or cut. The bell curves on the Massivo are moderately wide and the "Bandwidth Control" does not have a lot of range and it also affects the maximum boost and cut (like a Pultec). Shelf slopes generally boost (or cut) towards the highs or lows (thus high shelves and low shelves). These are not to be confused with "high or low filters" which purely cut above or below a given frequency. Shelves also have gain or dB controls which allow you to just boost or cut a little bit if desired - filters never have these controls. The Massive Passive allows each of the 4 bands to be switched to shelf. The two mid shelves are almost the same as the outer ones but just have other (interleaved) frequency choices. For example, you can set up the mid-high shelf to start boosting at 3K3, say 4 dB, then apply another high shelf to boost 12K, say for 10 dB, which provides a few gentle gradual steps. BTW, the maximum boost in the example is 10 dB (not 14) and occurs around 20 kHz. You may notice that as you switch between bell and shelf the amount of "grab" may seem to be less in shelf. Not really, both are capable of 20 db boosts but towards the extremes that boost may be sub-sonic or super-sonic because we "spec" the shelf at the 1/2 way point (10 dB), not the 3 dB down (or up) or maximum point. When you choose frequencies closer to the mids this "effect" is much less however if the "bandwidth" is medium to narrow the "effect" is more pronounced. Most EQs don't allow one to switch from bell to shelf and don't have a functioning "bandwidth" in shelf mode and this may be understandably unfamiliar ground.

3)GAIN. This sets the boost and/or cut depth or amount and works with the BOOST, OUT, CUT, TOGGLE. FLAT is fully counter-clockwise not straight up "12:00" like most EQs. It is more like a Pultec in this regard. Maximum boost or cut is fully clockwise and can be up to 20 dB - but not necessarily. There is a fair amount of interaction with the BANDWIDTH control. The maximum of 20 dB is available in Shelf modes when the Bandwidth is CCW and is about 12 dB when the Bandwidth is CW. The maximum of 20 dB is available in Bell modes when the Bandwidth is CW and is about 6 dB when the Bandwidth is CCW. At straight up "12:00" in Bell mode "narrow" expect about 8 dB of boost or cut. In other words, you shouldn't expect the markings around the knob to indicate a particular number of dBs. Many Eqs are this way. On the other hand, this interaction is the result of natural interactions between components and tends to "feel" and sound natural as opposed to contrived.

These 4 GAIN controls have some interaction with each other unlike conventional EQs. It is a parallel EQ rather than the far more common series connected style. If you set up all 4 bands to around 1kHz and boosed all 20 dB, the total boost will be 20 dB rather than 80dB (20+ db of boost and 60 dB into clipping). This also implies, that if you first boost one band, that the next three will not seem to do anything if they are at similar frequencies and bandwidths. Virtually all other parametrics are both series connected and designed for minimal interaction, which seems to be quite appealing if you wear a white lab coat with pocket protectors ;.) Actually, there are valid arguements for those goals and there are definately some applications that require them. However, there is also a valid point for an EQ that is substantially different from the "norm", and for audio toys that have artistic merit and purpose and not just scientific interest or gimmickry. We tried to balance artistic, technological and practical considerations in the Massivo, and offer both some new and old approaches that appealed to the ears of recording engineers (and our own ears).

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Contents Manley Contents Introduction Back Panel AN Eveanna Manley Production Channel Designed by HutchFront Panel 3 44 Bands SelectPage Credits Beginnings Passive Parametric Why Passive? Why Tube Gain Stages? LOW Shelf Curves Boost and CUT with Various Bandwidths Typical Bell Curves LOW Pass Filters High 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.