MANLEY STEREO VARIABLE MU® MASTERING VERSION WITH MS MOD
MS Mod and Mastering Version: Precision, Flexibility, and Width
MS Mod for Enhanced Stereo Imaging: The Manley Variable Mu Limiter Compressor, renowned for its role as the "glue" in audio production, has been taken to the next level with the MS Mod (Mid-Side Mod). This modification transforms the left channel into the "middle" and the right into "sides," allowing for independent compression of each phase component. This means you can compress the in-phase elements like vocals, kick, snare, and bass while keeping the out-of-phase information intact, resulting in a super-wide stereo image. The MS Mod adds a new dimension to the Variable Mu, giving engineers greater control over the stereo field.
Mastering Version with Detented and Loggable Steps:
In response to the demands of mastering engineers, Manley Labs offers a Mastering Version of the Variable Mu Limiter Compressor. This version incorporates detented and loggable steps achieved with 1% metal film resistors on sealed gold-contact Grayhill switches. The Mastering Version provides enhanced precision and repeatability, crucial for mastering applications where precise control is paramount. Stepped controls include Input Level, Output Attenuators, Threshold, Attack, and Release, offering mastering engineers a wealth of options for fine-tuning their settings.
Key Features of the MS Mod and Mastering Version
- MS Mod for Stereo Imaging:
- Transforms left channel to "middle" and right channel to "sides."
- Enables independent compression of in-phase and out-of-phase components.
- Ideal for creating a super-wide stereo image.
- Mastering Version with Detented Steps:
- Stepped controls for Input Level, Output Attenuators, Threshold, Attack, and Release.
- 1% metal film resistors on sealed gold-contact Grayhill switches.
- Enhanced precision and repeatability for mastering applications.
- Input Level Control:
- Five-position switch with a generic optimum setting of "0."
- Each step in either direction is 2 dB.
- Reference Unity Gain is at "0."
- Output Attenuators:
- Half dB steps ranging from -11 to 0.
- Reference Unity is -11.5 or fully counter-clockwise.
- Gain makeup controls for fine-tuning.
- Threshold Control:
- Half dB steps in LIMIT mode (24 detents) and approximately 1/4 dB steps in COMPRESS mode.
- Threshold ranges from -11 to +1 in LIMIT and -11 to +1.5 in COMPRESS.
- Attack and Recovery:
- Extended Attack Time in 11 steps.
- 5-position Recovery switch for tailored release times.
- Mono-Friendly Design:
- Ganged input control with separate threshold and output controls.
- Suitable for both stereo and mono applications.
- LINK Mode:
- Takes advantage of the stereo input control for final mix, 2-track, or mastering limiting and compression.
- Adds warmth and cohesiveness to the mix.
The combination of the MS Mod and Mastering Version elevates the Variable Mu Limiter Compressor to new heights, offering engineers unparalleled control, precision, and flexibility in shaping stereo imaging and mastering applications.
