The guts – Manley Labs STEREO EQ User Manual

Page 17

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1) To Open:There should be little or no reason to open the Mini Massive - No user servicable parts, no tubes to change and
about the only reason to take the top off is unity gain adjustments. One can access the fuse on the back panel power connector
without removing the top. A few Phillips head screws hold the perforated top in place and when these are removed the top should
easily slide back. Other than mains voltage at the power switch and towards the right side of the mains transfomer box, there
are no high voltages or currents but mains voltages can be dangerous so caution cannot be over-emphasized. A trained service
technician is generally the best choice for any service or adjustments. The active gain blocks, the Rapture amps, are potted in
epoxy after critical part numbers are scraped off, but a trained service technician can easily replace a module if needed. They
are definately not interchangable with other epoxied gain blocks.

2) Replacing a fuse. The fuse is located in the IEC power connector on the back panel. Disconnect the power cable first to
prevent any chance of getting a shock. A little rectangular plastic panel needs to be gently pryed open and the fuse becomes
exposed. This is a xyz miniture size fuse and is 2 amp for 100 and 117 volt AC countries and 1 amp for 220 and 240 volt countries.

3) Changing AC MAINS VOLTAGE: This operation really does require a technician. For 117 volt AC power there are circuit
board traces that pre-select the proper transformer taps. For 100 volt / 200 / 220 and 240 volt AC power these traces need to
be cut and jumpers soldered in at appropriate pad locations. Manley does this for each destination that a Mini Massive is shipped
to and most international Manley / Langevin dealers are capable of making the change if needed. Part of the reason we did this
is to discourage some grey market sales. However the following page does show this section of the board in detail and what
traces need to be well cut and where jumpers need to be soldered for various AC line voltages.

4) Adjusting unity gain. There are only two trim pots in the Mini Massive and they are located towards the back of the unit.
The left one is for the left side or channel 1, and the right one adjusts the right side. Be sure that each band is in bypass on the
boost/out/cut toggles and the master bypass is not in bypass (green LED). Also be sure that the back panel toggle that sets
interface or I/O level is properly set. Feed the Mini Massive with 1 kHz at an appropriate level (typically +4 dBu or dBm) and
adjust the trim pots for the same level coming out the Mini Massive. Check using the master bypass switch and there should
be less than .1 dB level change, and if the is .01 dB change stop adjusting already. There may be .1 dB level change just due
to the varieties of loading and source impedances in normal studio situations anyways, and that is better than normal. The trim
pots only have a few dB of range and are only meant for unity gain adjustment with the Mini set flat.

5) Adding the transformer option. Again this should be done by a trained tech or the dealer because it requires soldering in
two Manley transformers, adding a switch and a jumper wire. It also requires testing and probably re-tweaking unity gains.
Manley will supply a kit with the needed parts and detailed instructions for those who decide to retrofit an existing Mini Massive
with this option. Best to order it initially with or without it though. The switch does allow transformer bypass.

17

THE GUTS

GAIN TRIM LEFT

GAIN TRIM RIGHT

30

30

30

30

AC

MAINS

VOL

T

AGE

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