Manley Variable Mu Stereo Limiter Compressor - Mastering Version Reviews
The Manley Variable Mu Mastering Version is the perfect addition to any professional mastering facility. In fact, having been deployed on countless hit records since its introduction, it’s quickly become an industry-standard mastering tool. Unlike the standard version of this 2-channel, all-tube, transformer-coupled limiter/compressor, which uses smooth-moving pots, Manley specified precision rotary switches with detented steps for the Variable Mu Mastering Version to facilitate precise left/right channel matching and settings recall. Anyone who has heard the classic Fairchild 670 limiter in action has an inkling of the Variable Mu’s capabilities, but the sound is even sweeter with the Variable Mu. A modern all-American legend, the Variable Mu Mastering Version fortifies your mixes with glue and punch, crystallizing them into professional, radio-ready product that blasts right out of the speakers.
Earn $330 back in Bonus Bucks† OR pay $275/month with 24 month financing*
$330 Earn $330.00 back in Bonus Bucks† on this purchase when you use your Sweetwater Credit Card without financing. Select your offer in checkout. Terms
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Highest Rated Reviews
100% Worth the Money
In this day and age with lots of plug-ins if you're going to buy hardware I believe in buying the best special sounding units. This has that something special. If you are not an audio perfectionist or have not been into the mixing in mastering for a while then don't buy this, BUT if yes then this will blow your mind. It glues like no other, brings a depth and color that is so musical and pleasing. I think the high pass and the mastering version are worth paying for. The T bar mod I don't feel like I really need. Unit sounds amazing as is. I highly recommend pairing this with an SSL or VAC type compressor to add punch to the mix and this one to add more glue and a bit of calmness. I work entirely in the box but have this piece, a bettermaker mastering compressor, and a Massive Passive EQ. I mix through them with all settings off, adjust later, and feel very happy with the outcome. I am just a home studio musician who loves music. If I did this for a living I would probably add a few more pieces. Highly recommend
Essential Piece
I have a unit with the M/S and TBAR factory mods, and it gets used on every mastering project that comes through my studio. The sound is amazing and smooth, and it glues everything together perfectly.
My unit developed an issue with the gain stepper, and I was able to get it serviced quickly and with no hassle at all and is now good as new.
(One warning: the unit does get HOT when in use. There are actual tubes in there, folks!)
WOW... WOW... WOW !!!
Firstly, let me congratulate my sales consultant Brad Thomsen!
I was close to forever kissing Sweetwater goodbye until he was able to help me get the professional service that I require in the high stakes audio engineering and music production field.
I compose and produce music for television (200+ shows) and don't want any open boxes or lackluster delivery. I know what I want ... and there are few people that can offer words of wisdom.
In this world of software plugins and artificially modeled "crap a la crap"... true analog gear rules!
If you have the budget to afford a $5000+ mastering unit then this is certainly well worth the price of entry!
If you don't understand signal flow or TUBES then this unit is NOT for you. On the other hand, if you know your audio engineering and are dedicated to the craft.... then this unit is a no brainer and requires your immediate attention!
Long story short... if you have the money... and want the best audio mastering...then purchase this unit!!!!
- Michael
