Manley VoxBox

The Manley Labs VOXBOX is the all-tube channel strip for vocals, but it can also enhance all other sound sources. The VOXBOX has the same comprehensive microphone preamp concept as the award-winning Manley mono microphone preamp and offers a generous headroom and the typical sound of a Class A tube circuit. In addition, the well-balanced compressor section provides a perfect blend of the popular Manley Variable MU and the electro-optical ELOP. Together with the flexible Pultec-style mid EQ, the de-esser/limiter section and the stereo link function, these features make the VOXBOX a real workhorse for professional sound processing.

All-tube signal path:

Since the late 1980s, Manley has consistently focussed on premium all-tube products. In short, Manley really knows tubes - and the VOXBOX shows it. Manufactured in the USA, this channel strip scores with its all-tube Class A circuitry and the exceptionally high manufacturing quality typical of Manley.

Fully equipped microphone preamp section:

As the name suggests, the Manley VOXBOX is characterised by an outstanding microphone preamp section. In fact, the preamplifier circuit comes directly from the popular Manley mono microphone preamplifier and therefore has all the prerequisites for an excellent analogue sound - regardless of whether the signal is fed in via the conventional balanced XLR connection, the balanced line input or the instrument input on the front panel. With the adjustable input attenuation upstream of the first tube stage, line level signals with +4 dB or instruments connected via the DI input can be optimally levelled. The integrated 48 V phantom power can be activated via a switch on the front panel, as can an effective high-pass filter to eliminate impact noise. Finally, the intelligent amplifier circuit controls the feedback component within the tube stage and thus achieves a wide variety of sound characteristics and amplification levels. In this way, you can quickly and easily switch between different tube sounds, from restrained to direct and aggressive. This great and creative tool enables the "perfect" sound for every singer and every instrument.

Opto-Compressor:

The compressor section of the VOXBOX combines functions of the popular Manley Variable MU and the electro-optical ELOP limiter. The signal is compressed before the tube stage without any negative effect on distortion or frequency response, preventing overloading of the microphone preamplifier and eliminating the need for circuitry that would normally interrupt the signal flow of the microphone signal. In addition, Manley is the first manufacturer to use a sidechain with "parametric compression", whereby up to four different time constants are used simultaneously, which are controlled via simple controls for attack, release and threshold. The VOXBOX settings are based on the photoresistors of the fast ELOP limiter, the slightly slower LA-2A and the slower LA-3A as well as further fine-tuning by Manley. Overall, VOXBOX Compressor delivers refreshing new sounds that are perfect for drums, bass, vocals and other sources. The compressor is even recommended for processing an entire mix - the link function turns two VOXBOX units into an extremely flexible stereo device.

Equaliser in Pultec style:

The mid-range equaliser, which is based on the Pultec devices, has been significantly upgraded in the VOXBOX. It now offers three bands with a total of 33 frequencies, i.e. six new frequencies in the 20 - 150 Hz range and six in the 6.4 - 20 kHz range. With real chokes and a Class A circuit, the VOXBOX equaliser delivers a truly magical sound. The EQ input selector switch allows you to choose between line input, preamp output or insert return. The switch also functions as a bypass switch for the preamp or external effects units, allowing two audio signals to be processed.

De-esser and limiter section:

The de-esser and limiter section of the VOXBOX offers additional processing options. The peak limiter is based on the limiter circuit of the ELOP, but with an additional passive LC resonant circuit integrated as a de-esser. Four carefully selected notch frequencies are available to suppress problematic frequencies: 3 kHz, 6 kHz, 9 kHz and 12 kHz. In addition, there is a fifth switch position in which the signal is compressed before the EQ and fed to the limiter after the EQ, as with an LA-2A limiter.

VU meter:

The Manley VOXBOX is equipped with a large-format, illuminated Sifam VU meter. The associated 5-way switch can be used to select which level (line input, preamp output or main output) or value (compressor level reduction or de-esser/limiter function) is displayed.

Innovative "extras":

Manley has added a few clever "extras" to the VOXBOX that allow it to be used both on stage and in the studio. These additional functions include a switch-on delay, particularly comprehensive magnetic shielding, an intelligent earthing system and silent switching.