Manley Labs Langevin Dual Vocal Combo guide

A B C D E F G H I H G F E D C B A

INPUT

80 Hz

L.F.

EQ IN

H.F.

12 KHz

POWER

80 Hz

L.F.

EQ IN

H.F.

12 KHz

INPUT

PHANTOM

OFF

PHANTOM

Inc.

(PULLON)

Laboratories

ATTENUATE

40 Hz

-10

+10

EQ OUT

-10

+10

8 KHz

DUAL VOCAL COMBO

40 Hz

-10

+10

EQ OUT

-10

+10

8 KHz

ATTENUATE

DIRECT

GAIN

REDUCTION

METER

REDUCTION

GAIN

DIRECT

Manley

INPUT

OUTPUT

SEP

LINK

LIMITER

BYPASS

REDUCTION

BYPASS

J K L M N

N M L K J

The Dual Vocal Combo has 2 channels which are mirror images of each other and is further divided into top and bottom sections which correspond to the Mic Pre with EQ and the Opto-Limiter Sections. Don't let the mirror image aspect confuse you!

A)INPUT ATTENUATE. This is the basic GAIN control which can also be considered MIC GAIN or INPUT

LEVEL. The range is from "off" to 50 dB of gain. Don't be afraid of turning this knob as loud as is needed. It is the first component (other than the mic transformer) in the signal path so exceptionally loud signals can be attenuated enough to prevent clipping in almost all situations.

B)80 Hz / 40 Hz. Sets the corner frequency for the L.F (Low Frequency) Shelf EQ. Mostly frequencies below the setting get affected but the gentle slope means that some frequencies higher than the corner also get boosted or cut.

C)L.F. How much boost or cut is applied to the lows. The range is from -10 dB to +10 dB. It is intended as a safe, smooth basic tone control and not as a comprehensive 'do everything' EQ but is very effective at compensating for the proximity effect from Cardioid pattern mics.

D)EQ IN / EQ OUT. EQ OUT Bypasses the EQ stage and EQ IN allows boosting and cutting.

E)H.F. How much boost or cut is applied to the highs. The range is from -10 dB to +10 dB. Also intended as a safe, smooth basic tone control and very effective for adding that 'air' or 'sparkle' when needed.

F)12kHz / 8 kHz. Sets the corner frequency for the H.F (Low Frequency) Shelf EQ. Mostly frequencies above these points get boosted or cut but some effect is still heard below these points. Watch out for sibilance problems.

G)PHANTOM POWER. Puts 48 volts on the mic XLR connector to power certain mics. The LEDS (H) next to the switches will glow when PHANTOM power is ON. THIS SWITCH MUST BE PULLED TO TOGGLE.This is to prevent accidents like blowing your speakers. ALWAYS turn down the INPUT ATTENUATE before hitting this switch. Mic signals are typically one hundredth of a volt and phantom is 48 volts so expect it to POP unless the INPUT is turned down. The big POP can also happen if you change a mic, mic cable, mic patch, etc. Turning down the monitors, headphone levels, etc is the alternative but get into the habit of turning it down with mics even when you aren't using Phantom. Also note that if you have slightly intermittant or dirty connectors in the mic path, that noises will be far worse.

Phantom power is only required for solid state condensor mics and not dynamic mics, tube mics and especially not for old ribbon mics. Some vintage ribbon mics can be damaged with Phantom. FET condensor mics will generally be silent without phantom. With most mics, phantom power will have no effect, not make them sound worse, unless there are dirty connectors.

I)POWER ON / OFF. When power is turned ON the VU Meters will glow. If not, then make sure the power cable is plugged in or the fuse has not blown.

Langevin Dual Vocal Combo specifications

The Manley Labs Langevin Dual Vocal Combo is a premium vocal processing unit that combines vintage warmth with cutting-edge technology. Designed for both professional recording studios and home setups, this unit stands out with its ability to enhance vocal tracks dramatically while preserving their natural character.

One of the standout features of the Dual Vocal Combo is its dual-channel architecture, which allows engineers to process two vocal signals simultaneously. This is particularly useful when recording duets or layering harmonies. Each channel is equipped with a dedicated mic preamp, providing individual control over gain, EQ, and compression, thus offering flexibility for different vocal styles and recording environments.

The mic preamps in the Langevin Dual Vocal Combo are renowned for their low-noise performance and ability to handle high sound pressures without distortion. With high-quality discrete components, the preamps deliver a warm, rich tone that enhances the clarity and presence of vocals. The unit also incorporates a high-pass filter to eliminate unwanted low-end rumble, which helps to focus the vocal sound in the mix.

Another significant feature is the built-in optical compressors. These compressors are designed to provide smooth, transparent dynamic control, allowing for a more polished final sound. The optical design ensures that the compression is musical and responsive, providing the ability to gently tame peaks without squashing the dynamics of the performance.

The EQ section of the Dual Vocal Combo comprises four bands of equalization, with both boost and cut capabilities. This flexibility enables engineers to sculpt their vocal tracks precisely, enhancing desired frequencies while reducing any harsh elements. The frequency selections cover the full vocal range, making it versatile for various vocal tones.

The Dual Vocal Combo also features an intuitive user interface, making it easy to navigate adjustments. Its robust construction ensures durability, suitable for constant use in a studio environment. With the signature Manley design aesthetics, it adds a touch of professionalism to any recording setup.

In conclusion, the Manley Labs Langevin Dual Vocal Combo is an exceptional choice for vocal processing. With its dual preamps, high-quality compression, extensive EQ options, and user-friendly design, it caters to the needs of both amateur and seasoned professionals looking to elevate their vocal recordings. Whether for tracking, mixing, or live performance, this unit proves to be an invaluable asset in any audio arsenal.