Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip

Manley Labs VOXBOX Tube Channel Strip Overview Manley’s all-tube VOXBOX channel strip may be the ultimate speech processor, but it also can optimize nearly any source fed into it. The VOXBOX’s fully featured microphone preamplifier design is based on Manley’s famous Mono Microphone Preamplifier, which provides enough headroom and Class A vacuum tube tone. Furthermore, the smooth compressor section combines Manley’s best-selling Variable MU with ELOP’s opto-design. All of these functions, together with a versatile Pultec-style mid-frequency equalizer, de-esser/limiter section, and Stereo Link function, make the VOXBOX a genuine studio workhorse. The VOXBOX is equipped with five of Manley’s famed proprietary transformers and speaks with an aggressive, commanding tone. If you’re looking for a high-quality, reference-grade channel strip, look no further. All-tube signal route Since the late 1980s, Manley has been dedicated to producing high-quality, all-tube gear. In short, Manley understands tubes—and they bring their substantial knowledge in tube circuit design to bear on the VOXBOX. This USA-made channel strip has all-tube, Class A vacuum tube electronics, as well as the extraordinarily strong build quality that Manley is known for. Full-featured microphone preamp section The Manley VOXBOX is a microphone preamplifier that provides excellent analog tone for signals entering through balanced mic, balanced line, or 1/4″ front-panel instrument inputs. It features a high-current 48V phantom power switch, a 3-position highpass filter switch to eliminate rumbling, and a 5-position gain switch for adjusting drive levels and slew rates. The preamplifier allows users to quickly and easily change tube tonal flavors, allowing them to find the optimum sound for each performer or instrument. The preamplifier also features AI shortening for enhanced performance. Opto-compressor The VOXBOX compressor is a revolutionary device developed by Manley, combining elements from their popular Variable MU and the ELOP limiter. It compresses signals before they enter tubes without compromising distortion or frequency response, reducing mic-pre clipping and eliminating whole stages of electronics. Manley also introduced a “Parametric Compression” approach, allowing up to four alternative time constants to be used simultaneously and controlled with simple attack, release, and threshold settings. The VOXBOX’s inbuilt presets are based on Light Dependent Resistors from their ELOP limiter, LA-2A, LA-3A, and other Manley-tuned parameters. It delivers new sounds suitable for drums, bass, and vocals, making it an excellent choice for running full mixes. Pultec-style Equaliser Manley upgraded their Pultec-style Mid Frequency Equaliser for the VOXBOX. It now covers 33 frequencies over three bands, including six new frequencies from 20-150Hz and six new frequencies from 6.4-20kHz. The VOXBOX Equaliser, which uses actual inductors and Class A circuitry, is designed to provide that wonderful sound. An EQ input switch allows you to patch in the line input, preamp output, or insert return. The switch also functions as a bypass switch for the preamplifier or external processors when processing two distinct tracks. De-esser and limiter section The VOXBOX’s de-esser and limiter portion provides you with even more control over the source. The peak limiter is based on the ELOP limiter architecture, with Manley adding a passive LC network to handle the de-easing. To control troublesome frequencies, four carefully determined notch frequencies are used: 3kHz, 6kHz, 9kHz, and 12kHz. A fifth setting provides an LA-2A-style limiter, which compresses before EQ and limits after EQ. You may even insert the de-esser while the song is playing, allowing you to utilize it just where necessary. Switchable VU meter The Manley VOXBOX is equipped with a full-size, lighted Sifam VU meter. The integrated 5-position switch allows you to choose between monitor line input, preamp output, and final output audio levels, as well as compressor gain reduction and de-esser/limiter action. Innovative extras Manley included a few innovative additions in the VOXBOX, such as warm-up muting circuitry that can be turned off with an internal switch, making the VOXBOX suitable for both studio and stage use. Other useful features include substantial magnetic field confinement, smart grounding, and quiet switching. Overall, the Manley VOXBOX is a signal-processing powerhouse that should be seriously considered if you’re seeking a reference-grade channel strip with extreme versatility. Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Specifications:  Five Manley transformers with nickel laminated and mu-metal enclosures.  High-current 48V Phantom power and a 2K ohm microphone input  Mic preamp gain ranges from 40-60 dB.  High-Z (100k ohm) DI instrument input.  Inputs include balanced XLR and 1/4″ connectors.  Preamp and EQ outputs (balanced XLR and 1/4″).  Transformer balanced XLR outputs.  Unbalanced 1/4″ outputs with no transformers.  Stereo link between compressor and de-esser/limiter.  De-Esser Side Chain Monitor.  Large, lighted Sifam meter with 5 reading modes.  THD N (1kHz @ 20dBu) = 0.3%.  Maximum output is 31dBu.  Durable 3U rackmount chassis.  The dimensions are 19″ x 5.25″ x 10″.