Manley Massive Passive XXV Stereo Tube EQ – 25th anniversary edition
Since its debut in 1998, the Manley Massive Passive has been skillfully shaping sounds around the globe. In celebration of Manley Labs’ 25th anniversary, a special XXV Limited Edition is being released, featuring a unique deep cobalt blue faceplate and custom laser-engraved artwork. This exceptional unit is limited to a mere 100 pieces worldwide!
The Massive Passive Stereo Tube EQ is a dual-channel, four-band equalizer accompanied by supplementary high pass and low pass filters. Its passive nature is attributed to the absence of active circuitry in the tone shaping component of its innovative design. The sound is sculpted solely by metal film resistors, film capacitors, and hand-wound inductors, similar to a Pultec EQ on overdrive. Manley’s ultra-strong, ultra-high-headroom all-tube make-up gain amplifiers take your music to a whole new level. It’s no wonder “Massive” captures the essence of this monstrous device – you simply have to experience it for yourself.
Crafting a natural and organic acoustic tone can only be achieved with an equalizer that applies equally natural methods. The Massive Passive makes use of basic passive components, taking advantage of their inherent properties rather than forcing an intricate circuit to achieve an arbitrary technical or scientific aim. Manley understands that recording and mastering equalizers are tools utilized by artists for creative purposes, and strikingly, this design leans more towards the artistic than the scientific aspect. The Massive Passive is designed to cater to both extremes, from the most severe EQ necessary for tracking to the subtlest nuances for vocals and mastering. Drawing inspiration from the very best of Pultecs, select console EQs, parametrics, and graphics, this equalizer sets itself apart from the rest by allowing double the EQ with only half the coloration. It uniquely allows for substantial high-frequency boosts without sibilance issues and unparalleled richness without muddiness. Naturally, this deviation results in some peculiar quirks and idiosyncrasies that will surely ignite your creativity and sense of sonic exploration.
FEATURES:
- All-Passive tone sculpting circuitry
- Unique Shelf curves use the “bandwidth” control
- Overlapping and Interleaved Frequency choices
- Every band switchable to shelf or bell
- Vacuum tube make-up gain and line drivers
- Parallel symmetrical topology
- Premium components throughout
- Passive HP and LP Filters plus gain trims
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Ins & Outs Balanced XLR & 1/4″ (accepts unbalanced)
- Level +4 dBu nominal, internal switches for -10 operation
- Bypass Switch bypasses EQ & tube circuits (not hardwire)
- 44 Frequencies (roughly 1/4 octave spacing)
- Frequency Range: 22 Hz to 27 kHz
- EQ Boost/Cut Range : 20 dB boost, 20 dB cut
- Nominal Q range: 1.5 to 3 (uniquely active in shelf modes)
- Frequency Response: ±2 dB: 8 Hz to 60 kHz
- Maximum Output @ 1.5% THD +37 dBv; +26 dBv @ 20 Hz
- THD & Noise (1 kHz @ +4 dBu): 0.06%
- Noise Floor (referred to +4 dBu): -85 dB (A Weight)
- Dynamic Range: 120 dB
- Power Consumption (120/240 VAC): 72 watts
- Unit is factory set for 100 V, 120 V or 220-240 VAC operation for original destination country’s mains voltage
- Operating Mains Voltage changeable with power transformer changeover switch and fuse value change
- Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60 Hz
- Size (3U): 19″ x 5.25″ x 10″
- Weight: Unit 21 lbs. Shipping Weight: 27 lb