Manley MIC EQ 500 COMBO - Manual (Page 3)

INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!...
for choosing the Manley Laboratories "MIC EQ 500 COMBO". Designed by David Manley, The
MIC EQ 500 COMBO uses the best available parts with the, cleanest, signal path possible. This preamp
features a new fully differential Mic preamplifier with transformer coupled input and output. This circuit
is similar to the Manley Variable Mu Limiter/Compressor and is considered the finest line amplifier
currently being built. 48 volt Phantom power is available and switched from the front panel. The switch
is a safety type that must be pulled to toggle. Gain is variable from zero to +55 dB (46+9). There is also
a line stage with EQ and variable gain. Like our Pultecs, we chose to model this EQ after an existing
vintage design. This EQ is highly praised by Mastering engineers and collectors of the best audio gear.
The original passive EQ was designed by Arthur Davis who seems to have worked for Altec Lansing,
Cinema Products, Universal Recording and Langevin... always taking his seminal design along with him.
The complexity of the switching (using Greyhill custom build gold contact switches in our reincarnation)
is solely for the purpose of having no more than 3 components in the signal path (1R, 1L, 1C) at any
given moment for maximum signal purity. True, there are many equalizers around with more doo-dat
knobs but they sacrifice a great deal of musicality for the sake of "more buttons". The feature we hold as
singularly important is "sonic beauty" because without this an equalizer with 128 knobs is not worth
using. Passive equalizers do not boost the signal. There is an insertion loss of about 10 dB in the passive
EQ. To return the signal to "unity gain" and simulate boosts we have added our differential amplifier
which then allows variable gain.
The input / output structure of the MIC EQ-500 COMBO allows unusual flexability. One can
"insert" compressors and gates before or after the EQ, One can use the MIC PRE for "direct to tape"
recording and use the variable gain and EQ for monitoring. If the user desires, the unit can be pushed to
distort by turning up the MIC GAIN and turning down the LINE GAIN. The built in VU meter is useful
for any of these purposes.
Thank you again, and please enjoy!
GENERAL NOTES
LOCATION & VENTILATION
The Purist Preamplifier must be installed in a stable location with ample ventilation. It is recommended,
if this unit is rack mounted, that you allow enough clearance on the top and bottom of the preamp such
that a constant flow of air can flow through the ventilation slots. We also recommend that the unit not be
'sealed up" in a 2U road case as these will not provide the neccessary ventilation.
WATER & MOISTURE
As with any electrical equipment, this preamplifier should not be used near water or moisture.
SERVICING
The user should not attempt to service the preamplifier beyond that described in the owner's manual.
Refer all servicing other than tube replacement to Manley Laboratories.
SPECIAL NOTES
Tubes may become loose during transit. Straighten and press down each tube before plugging the unit
into the mains socket. Furthermore, do not touch the tubes after the unit has been switched on, as the
tubes do become very hot during operation. Be aware that high voltages exist in this unit and that at least
15 minutes should be allowed for capacitors to discharge after power is turned off.
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