Track. Mix. Master. Save Up to 50%.
Back to results

Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version

Stereo Tube 4-band Mastering Equalizer
Share
Item ID: MPMaster
Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version
Price:$8,399 and 00 cents
Special Financing - Ends Aug 2, 2026. $234/month with 36 month financing*

We Can Get It Fast!

While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with Manley. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated May 2026.

Add to Cart
Sales engineer photo
Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version
We Can Get It Fast!
Price:$8,399 and 00 cents
Add to Cart
Add to list
Skip to Description
Most Popular Accessories & Related Items
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

A Mastering Version of the Acclaimed Massive Passive!

The Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version equalizer features a simple, passive design - not a standard parametric design - for more natural, organic shaping. It also offers mechanically detented knobs for both Gain and Bandwidth controls, so you can easily repeat your settings. On the Massive Passive Mastering Version, both the Gain and Bandwidth controls intentionally interact, and the bands interact, as well — this creates an incredible-sounding result without sounding "colored" or "processed." Also, both higher and lower than the normal version, the Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version's filters are tailored to mastering purposes.

Premium design with passive components

As you can expect from Manley, no corners were cut with the design of the Massive Passive Mastering Version, and there's no unnecessarily complicated circuit — Massive Passive Mastering Version features basic passive components and uses only metal film resistors, film capacitors, and hand-wound inductors to sculpt the sound.

Mechanically detented knobs

Your settings are completely loggable on the Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version. Manley found a way to mechanically detent the Gain and Bandwidth controls, ensuring repeatability — without adding the extra cost and space problems that Grayhill switches would have caused.

Gain and Bandwidth controls interact, as do the bands

On the Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version, both Gain and Bandwidth controls intentionally interact, as do the parallel-design bands. You can boost a band 20dB while boosting another band at that frequency for minimal change — on most equalizers, the two bands add — so you boost 40dB into clipping. Due to this interaction, predictable step sizes are unrealistic - but the settings are repeatable when logged — and the interact bands contribute to the Massive Passive Mastering Version's excellent sound.

Specially tweaked for mastering

Here at Sweetwater, we've found the Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version is perfectly tailored to mastering needs. Its filters are both higher and lower than the regular Massive Passive. In addition, the Master Gain Trim Controls are true 11-position, 1/2dB, stepped Grayhill switches ranging between -2.5 to +2.5dB of trim, making left/right matching and calibration easier.

Manley Massive Passive Mastering Version Features:

  • All-Passive tone sculpting circuitry
  • Unique Shelf curves use the "bandwidth" control
  • Overlapping and Interleaved Frequency choices
  • Every band switchable to shelf or bell
  • Vacuum tube make-up gain and line drivers
  • Parallel symmetrical topology
  • Premium components throughout
  • HP and LP Filters plus gain trims
  • Ins & Outs Balanced XLR & 1/4" (accepts unbalanced)
  • Level +4 dBu nominal, internal switches for -10 operation
  • Bypass Switch bypasses EQ & tube circuits (not hardwire)
  • 44 Frequencies (roughly 1/4 octave spacing)
  • Frequency Range: 22 Hz to 27 Khz
  • EQ Boost/Cut Range : Maximum 11dB boost or cut
  • Nominal Q range: 1.5 to 3 (uniquely active in shelf modes)
  • Frequency Response: +/- 2 dB: 8 Hz to 60 KHz
  • Maximum Output @ 1.5% THD +37 dBv; +26dBv @ 20 Hz
  • THD & Noise (1KHz @ +4 dBu): 0.06%
  • Noise Floor (referred to +4dBu): -85 dB (A Weight)
  • Dynamic Range: 120 dB
  • Tube Complement: 2 x 12AU7, 4 x 6414
  • Power Consumption (120/240VAC): 72 watts
  • Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60Hz
  • Size (3U): 19 inches x 5.25 inches x 10 inches
  • Weight: Unit 21 lbs.

Resources

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 2-channel, Stereo
  • Tube: 2 x 12AU7, 4 x 6414 (or 5965)
  • Bypass: Yes
  • Number of Bands: 4
  • High Pass Filter: Yes, 12Hz-39Hz
  • Low Pass Filter: Yes, 15kHz-52kHz
  • Q Type: Selectable
  • Boost/Cut Range: ±11dB,
  • Freq Range High: 560Hz-27kHz
  • Freq Range Hi-Mid: 220Hz-10kHz
  • Freq Range Lo-Mid: 82Hz-3.9kHz
  • Freq Range Low: 22Hz-1kHz
  • Inputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4"
  • Frequency Response: 8Hz-60kHz (±2dB)
  • Rack Spaces: 3U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC Cable
  • Height: 5.25"
  • Depth: 10"
  • Width: 19"
  • Weight: 27 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: MMMSMP

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Reviews

Built like a tank, beautiful craftsmanship and utility
Fantastic piece of technology that was obviously borne of TLC. Just a lovely and unique equalizer. The detented knobs are perfect, easy to "program" (manually set, then later re-set to the exact same positions if necessary). I have other mastering equalizers with detented knobs, and I prefer the nice, fat, clicky MPMST knobs/switches. They're easy to set, easy to re-set, and that's just the physical aspects of this unit. It is built like an absolute tank, which isn't surprising for Manley gear.

Sonically, it is easy to fall in love with. It can be absolutely transparent and subtle. It can also radically shape the sound, though it's never unmusical to my ears. I almost always start with the MPMST. If I can master a mix only using MPMST for curve bending, I consider it a good mix! If I need to add in other EQs, I "downgrade" the mix (in my mind; not out loud!). The MPMST is my personal "gold standard" for shaping.

I'm sure the Manley team agonized over the specific frequency selections, which seem well-chosen for most material. And there is a lot of overlap between the bands, which provides a great deal of flexibility, especially for more surgical fixes. From left-to-right, and clockwise per knob:

Band#1 -- 22, 33, 47, 68, 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, 680, 1K
Band#2 -- 82, 120, 180, 270, 390, 560, 820, 1K2, 1K8, 2K7, 3K9
Band#3 -- 220, 330, 470, 680, 1K, 1K5, 2K2, 3K3, 4K7, 6K8, 10K
Band#4 -- 560, 820, 1K2, 1K8, 2K7, 3K9, 5K6, 8K2, 12K, 16K, 27K

The Q knob goes from wide to notchy when in Bell mode. Even on the most narrow setting, it never sounds like a cold "filter" to me. It sort of finesses the bands in a sweeter, breathier way. When in Shelf mode (note that EVERY band can be used in Bell or Shelf mode!), the Q knob rolls off or boosts frequencies very nicely.

If you want one of these because have a pile of cash to burn, don't buy it! You will probably be underwhelmed and disappointed. The bands on the MPMST are not extreme Moog-type filters. You won't be able to save a **** mix with this. (Combined with other EQs, sure. But by itself, it's not even meant for that.) But if the material is even halfway decent OMG! You can take a so-so mix from "meh" to PERFECT. If that's what you're looking for, this is the mastering EQ for you. It requires patience and a willingness to get to know this unit. But once you've mastered a dozen or so mixes with this, you'll start to understand how powerful this EQ is. You'll also start to think of other applications (e.g., tracking, audio repair, etc.).

It is a mastering EQ intended for mastering. Sure you can use it for not-mastering, but why spend this much money if you don't intend to use it for mastering? If you're a mastering engineer, or even an aspiring mastering engineer, the MPMST will pay for itself in more ways than one. The only maintenance you might ever need to perform is changing the valves (if ever). It will easily outlast you! It is an incredible value and a solid investment. I think it is a marvel of audio engineering.

Kudos to my longtime Sweetwater sales engineer, Richard Whittington, whom I don't credit nearly enough! He's provided great service over the years and solid advice.
Music background: Mastering engineer, studio engineer, musician
Stereo Pultec With Mid
I want to share with you my personal experience of working with this device for several years.
You will find the great depth that MP adds to the sound in very few devices
Also, Tube material does not work well in simulations and plugins. I have the UAD2 version, but it is very different and has no depth. I have not seen any company that can simulate lamp devices well.
Basically, this passive equalizer is made with very high quality similar to the high quality vintage versions
Keep one point in mind that with a lot of conversion and a lot of back and forth, you reduce the very high quality of the device
Try to use external devices in the summing chain or insert and convert only one
Music comes to life
Love this EQ. I opted for the mastering version even though I'm mostly using for final mix downs on my master buss. I don't use a DAW, rather run a couple hard disc recorders like a tape machine. This thing just makes everything sound better. Everything. Life is my best description. Songs come alive (life) when this thing is engaged. The frequencies are located well and can be bell or Shelf and are parallel. I mix through an analog SSL desk and this thing is just great on my master buss. It's pricey and built like all Manley gear, fantastic. It's a workhorse, with tone for miles, and I can't imagine working without it. I hear the regular version is better for special effects and tracking and had more dB available and slightly different eq frequency points, so if you were wanting to use it for tracking the regular version may be preferred. Mine has detents for recall, and slightly different points and slightly less boost cut dB. I won't hesitate to track with mine, at all. My master buss may not let me take it off, too cozy there. I would recommend either version, depending on your needs.
Music background: Engineer, musician, dad
The Best Musical Tool I've ever have!
I got this mastering version Massive Passive couple years ago! Not only use it for mastering, but also use it a lot for tracking. so musical, so smooth. It just like the best vanilla ice cream, sweet and smooth. when you turn the knob, all the hidden goodies underneath the ice cream all come out. When tracking, I like it on bass a lot, I can easily control the bass, bring out the picking attack or string sound I want without harshness. Anyway, the best EQ I've ever have by far
Game Changer
Once you run a mix through one of these, you will never settle for anything less!
Music background: Audio Engineer