{"product_id":"manley-variable-mu-compressor-limiter-184935","title":"Variable MU Compressor\/limiter","description":"\u003ch3\u003eA Modern Classic in Mastering in the Tradition of Great Tube Compressors\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Manley Variable Mu is one of those rare dynamic processors that have transcended the status of \"good compressor\" to become a lasting studio reference. Its name comes from the term \"Mu,\" which in tube circuit language refers to gain. The \"Variable Mu\" principle corresponds to a compression technique where the bias of a tube can be varied to control gain reduction in a progressive, organic, and particularly pleasant way on complex sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis approach harkens back to the spirit of legendary all-tube dynamic processors like the highly sought-after Fairchild 670, known for exploiting this type of gain reduction behavior. Without trying to \"clone\" a vintage machine, the Variable Mu fits into this tradition: dynamic control that favors texture, coherence, and a sense of depth, with a sonic signature made for stereo mixing and mastering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho and What Studio Uses?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis stereo limiter\/compressor is primarily aimed at mastering studios, mixers, and producers who want a high-level tool on the master bus, on stems (drums, music, vocals), or in group processing. Where a VCA compressor might seem more \"surgical\" and a FET more aggressive, the Variable Mu targets controlled dynamics with a sense of continuity: the signal remains large, stable, and easier to finalize.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn practice, it excels when you want to tighten the low end, smooth peaks, provide a sense of glue between elements, or add subtle harmonic density. In gentle compression mode, it supports the program; in limiting mode, it becomes a true musical safeguard to hold a level, prepare a capture, or secure a chain of downstream processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Features: Fine Control Designed for Mix Bus and Mastering\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eThe \"Variable Mu\" Core: Natural and Progressive Gain Reduction\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003efully tube differential circuit\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed to offer smooth gain reduction, with a compression feel that is less \"mechanical\" when working on a full mix. This style of compression is particularly useful when you want to preserve credible transients, keep the stereo image stable, and avoid obvious pumping effects on dense arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTwo Modes: COMPRESS for Musicality, LIMIT for Control\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Variable Mu offers two approaches: a \u003cstrong\u003eCOMPRESS\u003c\/strong\u003e mode at \u003cstrong\u003e1.5:1\u003c\/strong\u003e for gentle program compression, and a \u003cstrong\u003eLIMIT\u003c\/strong\u003e mode adjustable from \u003cstrong\u003e4:1 to 20:1\u003c\/strong\u003e when the goal is to lock down dynamics more tightly. The \u003cstrong\u003evariable threshold\u003c\/strong\u003e allows precise adjustment of the gain reduction entry point to dose the amount of control without losing the mix's intent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eControlled Timing: Adjustable Attack and Release Positions\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn mastering, timing is critical: too fast, and the sound closes up; too slow, and peaks pass uncontrolled. Here, the \u003cstrong\u003eadjustable attack\u003c\/strong\u003e (from \u003cstrong\u003e25 ms to 70 ms\u003c\/strong\u003e) lets you choose between more punch or a rounder feel. The \u003cstrong\u003erelease time\u003c\/strong\u003e is selected via a \u003cstrong\u003e5-position switch\u003c\/strong\u003e (0.2 s, 0.4 s, 0.6 s, 4 s, 8 s), very practical for adapting to tempo, style, and transient type (kick\/snare, piano attacks, vocal consonants, etc.).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eProfessional Connectivity, Manley Transformers, and Linking Options\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced inputs and outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e (600 Ohms) and \u003cstrong\u003eManley input\/output transformers\u003c\/strong\u003e contribute to the solidity and stability of the processing while ensuring a stated flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 25 kHz. For serious stereo work, a \u003cstrong\u003estereo linking\u003c\/strong\u003e switch preserves left\/right balance. For advanced setups, it is possible to \u003cstrong\u003elink multiple units\u003c\/strong\u003e for Surround use (special user command).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor operational comfort, there is a \u003cstrong\u003ephysical bypass\u003c\/strong\u003e (ideal for unambiguous A\/B comparison), a \u003cstrong\u003esilent conductive plastic input attenuator\u003c\/strong\u003e on each channel, and large \u003cstrong\u003eilluminated Sifam VU meters\u003c\/strong\u003e for quick visual monitoring during sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e@media(max-width:632px){table[data-wb-spec]{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(0,1fr)}table[data-wb-spec] colgroup{display:none}table[data-wb-spec] tbody,table[data-wb-spec] tr{display:contents}table[data-wb-spec] td{display:block;overflow-wrap:anywhere;grid-row:var(--wb-l);background-color:var(--wb-lb)}table[data-wb-spec] td[data-r]{grid-row:var(--wb-r);background-color:var(--wb-rb)}table[data-wb-spec] td[colspan=\"2\"]{grid-column:1\/-1}table[data-wb-spec] td:empty{display:none}}\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ctable data-wb-spec style=\"width:100%;table-layout:fixed\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:1;--wb-r:12;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e20 Hz to 25 kHz (Manley input and output transformers with nickel-plated mu-metal wiring)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTube set per channel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e5670, 5751, 7044, and 12AL5 (one of each type per channel)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:2;--wb-r:13;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum gain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e35 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBias voltages and filament heating\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eseparately regulated\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:3;--wb-r:14;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum output level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e+30 dBu (26 V RMS)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs and outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003ebalanced (600 Ohms)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:4;--wb-r:15;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e26 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttenuator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eon both inputs, silent conductive plastic\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:5;--wb-r:16;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal harmonic distortion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003evalue not disclosed\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVU meters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003elarge illuminated Sifam VU meters\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:6;--wb-r:17;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelease time (5-position selector)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e0.2 s, 0.4 s, 0.6 s, 4 s, 8 s\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStereo linking\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003evia switch\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:7;--wb-r:18;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable attack time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e25 ms to 70 ms\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-unit linking\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003epossible for Surround mode use (special user command)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:8;--wb-r:19;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThreshold adjustment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003evariable\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower consumption (120\/240 V AC)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e80 Watts\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:9;--wb-r:20;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eLIMIT (4:1 to 20:1) or COMPRESS (1.5:1)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e48.3 x 8.9 x 25.4 cm (2U)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:10;--wb-r:21;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBypass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003ephysical\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e10.4 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:11;--wb-r:22;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCircuit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003efully tube differential\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r colspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Manley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54358042837267,"sku":"184935","price":4699.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/0872\/6803\/files\/6f7c08ef5d2b0c5125a22e34c071057cc27b1459_MANLEY_VARIABLE_MU.jpg?v=1792547269","url":"https:\/\/woodbrass.shop\/products\/manley-variable-mu-compressor-limiter-184935","provider":"Woodbrass.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}