All-tube preamp with DI, hand-built with custom components, just like the Manley Mono Mic Pre times
two.
The Manley DMMP Dual Mono Microphone Preamp is an all-tube microphone primarily intended for use with
modern capacitor (condenser) microphones. Now, 40 to 60dB gain, enough for most ribbon mics, is selectable in precise 5dB
steps by varying the amount of overall negative feedback on the GAIN switch. This is a very interesting feature, allowing
you to change the slew rate (speed), placement, and tonal balance of the sound from mellow and "tubey-er" through to faster,
punchier, and more aggressive.
Tube complements include 1 x 12AX7EH hand-selected for lowest noise, and 1 x 6414
per channel for each high-current output stage. Each tube preamp in the Manley DMMP is painstakingly hand-wired using silver
solder and audiophile-grade components. Double-shielded custom-built power transformers and custom-built high-capacity reservoir
capacitors demonstrate Manley's modern power supply design approach.
When you need to get your tunes through some
tubes before hitting a sterile digital recorder, the front-panel 1/4" Direct Input jack lets the Dual Mono Mic Pre serve double
duty as a pure tube line stage for instruments such as bass, drum machines, and keyboards. Total gain in this mode becomes
20dB less than indicated on the Gain switch. Both transformer-coupled balanced, and direct (via humongous metalized film MultiCaps)
capacitor-coupled unbalanced outputs are provided giving you the choice of audiophile/purist or big iron sounds. Perennial
shoot-out winners, Manley single-ended preamp designs have become favorites among top engineers and home recordists looking
for "that rich Manley sound with the tight bass and the top end that goes on forever" which begs to go direct to tape. It's
a BIG sounding mic preamp.
What's so cool about variable Feedback?
The Manley tube microphone preamp's global negative feedback takes a small portion of the output signal and re-injects
it back into the input stage, which greatly improves linearity and distortion performance of an amplifier. A tasteful amount
of negative feedback is the key: too much and you're into poor transient response and phase shift problems. Manley generally
uses somewhere between 4 to 14dB of feedback in their line preamplifiers. Within that window is a definite point of maximized
stability with optimum sonic performance, giving you the choice of where you want to be. Changing the amount of feedback alters
the overall gain of the amplifier as well as the slew rate (speed).
In the context of a hifi amplifier or preamplifier
with the Variable Feedback feature, EveAnna (Manley) uses variable feedback to suit different CD's and recording styles when
she's listening to music at home. "For the most part I keep the variable feedback controls around the middle but sometimes
when I'm playing a CD which is kind of harsh and aggressive sounding or I just want to mellow out, I just turn those controls
down and apply more feedback to get a smoother, richer texture. But when I'm the one in the aggressive mood, I crank 'em up
for a faster, punchier sound. The bass gets tighter and the top end sizzles. Vocal placement; is more forward. And, oh yeah,
it gets louder too!"
The "GAIN" switch on the pro studio Manley Mono Mic Pre, as well in the micpre section of the
Manley VOXBOX is actually a variable feedback switch offering a range of 20dBs of global negative feedback in five settings
of 5dB steps to alter how much variable feedback is applied around the tube circuit. This GAIN switch can be used in the higher
55 and 60dB settings (in conjunction with turning up the Input Attenuator) to achieve maximum amplification for quiet singers
or lower output ribbon mics. With most "normal" condenser mics and applications, the GAIN switch setting can be chosen at
will for sonic variety for a "more tube-y" sound in the lower 40 or 45dB settings, straightforward sounding middle positions,
or more aggressive punchy sounds in the higher gain positions. There is no right or wrong with this switch. Have fun playing
around with the Manley All Tube Mic Preamps—it will bring you some interesting results.
Manley DMMP Dual Mono Tube Mic Preamp Features:
- Manley input & output transformers with nickel laminations in mu-metal cases
- Flat frequency response from 10Hz–60KHz
- Mic input Phase Reverse switch
- 2400 ohm mic input Z; 48V phantom power built-in
- Hi-Z (100k ohm) ¼" Direct Input
- Noiseless conductive plastic Input attenuators
- Adjustable Feedback / Gain switch selects 5dB steps between 40 to 60 dB of gain
- Hi-current drive <50 ohm LO-Z ¼" & XLR outputs
- Auto Mute with warm-up delay for power up/down
You most important tracks deserve the Manley Dual Mono Mic Preamp.
Manley DMMP Dual Mono Tube Mic Preamp Specifications:
- <0.05% THD @ 1Khz S/N ratio: 80dB
- Equivelent Input Noise: -125dB
- Max. input (with input pad fully open): 450mV
- Max. output: +32dBu
- Max. output (into 600 ohm load): (+15dBm)
- Power consumption: 36 watts
- Mains Voltage Frequency: 50 – 60Hz
- Dimensions: 19" x 1-¾" x 10" (occupies 1 rack space)
- Shipping Weight: 12 lb.