Manley Variable MU Stereo Audio Compressor Limiter
Buy The MANLEY VARIABLE MU(R) LIMITER COMPRESSOR
Elevate Your Sound with the Variable MU Limiter Compressor
Discover the pinnacle of tube-based dynamics processing. The Manley Stereo Variable MU Compressor/Limiter harnesses the legendary warmth and smoothness of vacuum tubes to deliver unparalleled control over your stereo mixes, bus processing, and mastering chains. This isn't just a compressor; it's a signature piece of analog tone.
The Heart of Smooth Dynamics: Variable-MU Tube Technology
At its core, the Variable MU uses a 5670 dual triode tube for gain reduction. Unlike other designs, our proprietary circuit constantly re-biases the tube in real-time using a vacuum tube-rectified sidechain. This results in exceptionally smooth, musical compression without harsh artifacts, making it a favorite for adding glue, weight, and character.
Versatile Control:
- From Subtle Glue to Aggressive Limiting
- Choose the perfect dynamic response for any material:
- Compress Mode: Features a gentle soft-knee 1.5:1 ratio, ideal for transparently gluing stereo mixes, vocals, or acoustic instruments.
- Limit Mode: Engages a sharper knee with ratios from 4:1 to 20:1 (softening at higher settings) for assertive peak control and mastering-level limiting.
Intelligent Features for Flawless Performance
Sidechain High-Pass Filter: A 6 dB/octave filter (1-pole) reduces the compressor's sensitivity to low frequencies. This prevents audible "pumping" on bass-heavy material, ensuring a tight, clean result.
Independent or Linked Stereo Operation: Inputs are ganged, but each channel has its own threshold and output control. Engage the Stereo Link switch for perfect, phase-coherent stereo imaging-making it a masterful tool for 2-track mixes and mastering.
Creative Sound Shaping: Push the input and lower the output with minimal compression to saturate the transformers and tubes for rich harmonic distortion and vintage character.
Built in the USA to Last a Lifetime
Crafted with pride in our California workshop, the Variable MU is built for a lifetime of studio service.
Premium Components: Features custom Manley input and output transformers with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases for superior sound.
Robust Construction: Housed in a durable 2U steel chassis with a CNC-machined 1/4" faceplate and laser-engraved panels.
Clear Monitoring: Large, illuminated Sifam VU meters clearly display gain reduction in dB.
Technical Specifications & Features:
- Circuit Type: Variable-MU (Remote-Cutoff Tube) Compression
- Tubes: (1) 5670 Dual Triode, (1) 6AK5 (EF95), (2) 6AL5 (EA3), (1) 12AT7
- Transformers: Proprietary Manley input & output with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases
- I/O: Balanced XLR inputs & outputs (600 ohm)
- Power Supply: Independently regulated B+ and heater supplies
- Bypass: Hardwire true bypass switch
- Input Attenuator: -8 to +8 dB in 1 dB steps (Greyhill switch)
- Attack Time: Variable, 25 to 70 ms
- Threshold: Continuously variable control
- Recovery Time: 5-position switch (.2, .4, .6, 4, 8 seconds)
- Compression Ratio: 1.5:1 (soft knee)
- Limiting Ratio: 4:1 to 20:1 (sharp to soft knee)
- Sidechain HPF: 1-pole, 6 dB/octave (~1-3 dB attenuation at 100 Hz)
- Stereo Link: Engages true stereo coupling
- Metering: Large illuminated Sifam meters for gain reduction
- Power: Includes IEC power cable
- Made in: USA
Experience the Manley Legacy. The Stereo Variable MU is more than studio gear-it's an investment in timeless, musical sound.
