Manley VoxBox Tube Mic Pre Opto Compressor Pultec EQ De-Esser Limiter

The Manley Voxbox is primarily a voice processor which in itself is not a novel idea, but the time had come to pull out all the stops and make a truly professional high-end statement. One that covered the needs of the project songwriters and big-time major studios alike. One whose all-tube signal path could bring every instrument and overdub to life. One that, plain and simple, sounded unquestionably better than the rest, provided flexibility, simplicity, and well thought-out ergonomics. Full of features, timeless style, robust build quality, and that world-famous "Manley Sound"

Mic Pre Amp Section

The preamplifier is a clone of a highly regarded and popular mic pre: the Manley Mono Microphone Preamplifier! The mic input transformer is Manleys own design wound in-house at the Manley Labs factory. High current 48V Phantom power is switchable from the front panel. A simple and effective passive BASS CUT switch kills rumble and reduces popping.

Compressor Section

This cool compressor design is the result of blending the control ideas in our best selling Variable MU Compressor Limiter with the opto-isolator approach of the Manley ELOP Limiter. We figured out how to compress the signal before it hit the tubes with no detrimental effect on distortion or frequency response. This way, it can prevent mic-pre clipping and eliminate whole stages of electronics. This cuts the typical path of mic to tape in half! We also pioneered new thinking in the sidechain. Rather than compromise, we developed a technique of using up to four different time constants simultaneously and controlling them with familiar simple attack, release and threshold controls.

EQ Section

EQ SECTION: Lots of people requested that we include the Pultec Mid Frequency Equalizer in the VOXBOX, but they wanted MORE.... Now we've extended it to 33 frequencies in 3 bands with 6 new frequencies from 20 Hz to 150 Hz, and 6 more in the highs from 6.4 KHz to 20 KHz. Ever notice that only EQs with real inductors have the bottom end magic or that only Class A circuitry can keep the top end sweet? This is for you. The EQ INPUT switch patches in the Line Input, Preamp Output, or the INSERT return.

De-Esser and Limiter Section

Designed by folks with admittedly large gaps between their two front teeth, (Hutch and EveAnna) the VOXBOX combo also includes a de-esser & peak limiter based on our original ELOP Limiter design but with an added passive LC network to handle the de-essing four carefully chosen notch frequencies from 3KHz to 12KHz. The fifth position gives you a limiter which totally mimics the famous LA-2A. This means you can both compress pre-EQ then limit here post-EQ. Another cool feature is the ability to insert this de-esser silently and smoothly as the music plays, using it as needed

The Meter

The Meter is a full size illuminated Sifam VU meter. A five-position switch shows three audio levels: the line input, the preamp output and the final output. It also shows compressor gain reduction and the de-esser/limiter action. Other clever innovations incorporated into the VOXBOX combo include warm-up muting circuitry, extensive magnetic field containment, smart -grounding, and silent switching. The sum-total is more than the separate parts: consider the reduced patching, the short path to tape and you having this much immediate control.

VoxBox Features

• MANLEY transformers with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases
• 2 Kohm MIC INPUT Z w/High current 48V Phantom power built-in
• Hi-Z (100K) Direct Instrument Input
• LINE & INSERT INPUTS (balanced XLR & 1/4")
• PREAMP & EQ outputs LO-Z (50W)
• Transformer balanced XLR outputs
• Transformerless unbalanced 1/4"outputs
• STEREO LINK for Compressor & De-esser/Limiter
• SIDE CHAIN MONITOR for De-Esser
• Large ILLUMINATED Sifam METER with FIVE readout modes