ManleyVOXBOX Reference Channel Strip

Manley VOXBOX

Layering several of Manley's classic studio tools into one stellar rackmount unit, Manley's VOXBOX is a reference channel strip that offers pristine tube processing that's worth every penny. In a familiar channel strip layout, the VOXBOX features an input and preamp section, a flexible compressor, a Pultec-style EQ, and even a de-esser that can also act as a limiter. Starting with the preamp section, VOXBOX was made as the vocalist's choice for an all-tube experience, featuring a balanced XLR input sporting Manley transformers that can power condenser mics via +48V phantom power, invert the phase, and even apply fixed high pass filtering at 80Hz or 120Hz to clean up low-end rumble. Although named as a box for vocalists, the VOXBOX is anything but exclusive when it comes to amplifying and processing signals. Easily utilize its Hi-Z input for your guitars, basses, and keyboards and even the dual line-inputs that support both balanced and unbalanced signals.

Rather than adding gain to your signal, the Input and Gain controls respectively act as a variable pad to control how much signal comes through and a set amount of gain applied to the signal. The Gain options provided not only increase the Gain by the specified number of dB, but each +5dB increment actually affects the slew of the tube circuitry, bringing forth the sound with more impact or bringing things back to a mellow state. Before hitting the first tube-circuit stage, the preamp can go through Manley's famous ELOP compressor in a new softer and fixed 3:1 ratio. As found in their SLAM! compressor, VOXBOX's compressor section features a smooth variable threshold control alongside attack and release parameters, each providing one of six settings ranging from fast to slow.

Though the signal moves on to the EQ from the first tube circuit, you can inject other processing via the insert input that sits next to the preamp output. Of course, you could run in series from preamp output to the insert input, however, the EQ input switch and said I/O can serve as a way to also bypass the preamp section for line level signals as well as process another signal completely separately from what the preamp is processing. That said, looking at its implementation, VOXBOX's EQ takes inspiration from the classic Pultec EQ and expands upon its frequency range. With the low and high peaks adding up to +10dB and the mid-dip subtracting up to -10dB, each band has eleven selectable frequency centers ranging their respective frequency zones. Before hitting the second and final tube stage, VOXBOX's EQ passes through a selectable de-esser that offers four center frequencies for ducking purposes, as well as a fifth option for applying a 10:1 ratio limiter. All of the de-esser's options respond to a variable threshold control for ease and flexibility, and the limiter option acts much like an LA-2A in that regard with both compressor and de-esser featuring opto-processing technology.

Easily monitor a number of different points within the signal chain via the Sifam VU Meter, offering levels of the compresser's gain reduction, the line input level, the preamp output level, the EQ output level, and the de-esser/limiter action. When in use with another Manley VOXBOX, both the de-esser and compressor can run in a linked stereo mode for accurate compression across both channels. Providing two layers of tube amplification, transformer and transformerless I/O options, and layers of Manley's renowned studio effects, the VOXBOX is a one-of-a-kind channel strip for any artist or studio engineer looking for a big and bold sound.

VOXBOX Features

• Reference channel strip for voice and beyond
• Solid build and large and simple parameter controls
• Mono mic preamp processing balanced signals through MANLEY transformers as well as a front-panel Hi-Z input and balanced or unbalanced line level input
• Mic preamp includes selectable +48V phantom power as well as an engageable passive high pass filter at 80Hz or 120Hz
• Mic preamp phase inverter switch combined with line/instrument selector switch
• Input control acts as a variable pad before compression and first tube stage
• Preamp tube gain control applies +40dB to +60dB of gain in +5dB increments
• Gain switch setup in a feedback loop to give different flavors of slew in the circuit
• ELOP opto-based compressor set to a 3:1 ratio with customizable threshold, attack, and release
• Attack and release have six time settings each, labeled as fast, med fast, medium, med slow, and slow
• De-esser with variable threshold and four frequency center positions (3K, 6K, 9K, and 12K) as well as a limiter position that acts much like an LA-2A
• Link/Separate switch for stereo-linking both the compressor and de-esser
• EQ features a Pultec-esque EQ with extended frequency options, offering low bell +10dB (20Hz-1kHz), mid bell -10dB (200Hz-7kHz), and high bell +10dB (1.5kHz-20kHz)
• EQ input switch for processing the direct line input, the preamp output, or even after the insert return
• Outputs include preamp out and EQ out with an insert point, all of these utilizing both balanced and unbalanced I/O
• Illuminated Sifam VU meter with a five-position metering switch, showing compressor gain reduction, line input level, preamp output level, EQ output level, and the de-esser/limiter action