MANLEY STEREO VARIABLE MU® WITH T-BAR MOD
In a world where the availability of the original USA GE 6386 tubes is dwindling, the T-Bar Mod emerges as a revolutionary solution for the Manley Variable Mu Limiter Compressor. The newer Variable Mu units use 5670 tubes, and while they sound similar up to 6dB of limiting, the 5670 version tends to sound more "squashed" beyond that point. To overcome this, Paul devised the T-Bar Mod, utilizing a pair of 6BA6 pentodes wired as single triodes to replace each dual triode 5670 (or 6386).
Key Features of the T-Bar Mod
- Precision Matching:
- Perfectly matches each phase-half section and stereo set, ensuring optimal performance.
- Low Noise and Microphonics:
- Enables selection for low-noise and low-microphonic sets at a low cost.
- Smooth Limiting Curves:
- The action of the 6BA6's closely resembles the smooth 6386 limiting curves for superior audio quality.
While the front panel may not show visible differences, the meter scaling now reflects enhanced reduction capabilities, with the left-most number at 12dB instead of 10dB.
Variable Mu Limiter Compressor: The Legendary All-Tube Solution
The Manley Variable Mu Limiter Compressor stands as an all-tube, all-transformer legend, offering a final touch of professionalism to your mix. The High Pass Side Chain mod comes standard, enhancing its versatility.
Key Features of Variable Mu Limiter Compressor
- Tube-Speak for Gain:
- "Mu" is tube-speak for gain, defining the Variable Mu as a limiter compressor.
- Remote Cut-Off Technique:
- Achieves compression through the "remote cut-off" or re-biasing of a vacuum tube.
- 5670 Dual Triode Innovation:
- The unique 5670 dual triode at the core enables peak-reducing and compression action, responding to vacuum tube rectified side-chain control voltages.
- Dual Modes for Versatility:
- COMPRESS mode (soft-knee 1.5 to 1 ratio) and LIMIT mode (starting at 4 to 1, moving to 20 to 1 for heavy limiting over 12dB).
- Creative Distortion Control:
- Distortion can be creatively used by adjusting Input and Output while using minimal or no compression.
- Stereo-Friendly Design:
- Ganged input control with separate threshold and output controls. Ideal for final mix, 2-track, or mastering limiting and compression.
- LINK Mode Brilliance:
- Stereo input control shines in LINK mode, making it unparalleled for final mix adjustments.
Elevate your music with the Variable Mu Limiter Compressor, where precision meets creativity. As one reviewer aptly puts it, "It’s like pouring a bowl of sweet cream over the mix." Indulge your music and give it the embrace it deserves.
