RSPE Audio Solutions, Los Angeles Premier Pro Audio Dealer

It looks awesome, but what is it?
Primarily, it is a voice processor which in itself is not a novel idea, but the time had come to pull out all the stops and make a truly professional high-end statement. One that covered the needs of the project songwriters and big-time major studios alike. One whose all-tube signal path could bring every instrument and overdub to life. One that, plain and simple, sounded unquestionably better than the rest, provided flexibility, simplicity, and well thought-out ergonomics. Full of features, timeless style, robust build quality, and that world-famous Manley Sound, we present to you the MANLEY VOXBOX.



Thats nice. Whats it  good for?

While  we were designing the VOXBOX we couldn't help but notice how well it works on  other instruments besides voice. There are some great settings for drums, bass, guitar, and keys and the two separate sections can be used together or  independently. Stereo using two VOXBOXes? You know we couldn’t resist  planning for that as well. There are Stereo Links for both the compressor and  the De-Ess/Limiter sections, special compression settings and super-sweet EQ  frequencies for your mix or pre-mastering. So don't just use it for voice. The  name VOXBOX represents only the beginning...


MICROPHONE  PREAMPLIFIER SECTION: The preamplifier is  a clone of a highly regarded and popular  mic pre: the Manley Mono Microphone Preamplifier! The mic input  transformer is our own  design wound in-house at the Manley Labs factory. High current 48V  Phantom power is  switchable from the front panel. A simple and effective passive BASS  CUT switch kills rumble  and reduces popping. The INPUT ATTENUATOR is a variable pad control  situated before the first  tube stage allowing the preamplifier to accommodate +4 line level  signals via the balanced LINE  INPUT and instruments via the front panel 1/4inch DIRECT  INPUT. These inputs are selected in the middle position of the  dual-function phase  invert switch. We provide both transformer balanced XLR output as well  as a transformerless  audiophile" 1/4 inch phone jack output. The Gain switch is actually a clever variable  feedback control that changes not only the gain but the  slew rate and flavour of the circuit. With it you can choose how laid  back and mellow or how  up-front and aggressive you want it to get. Headroom is a  strong point in this circuit, +31dBu capable. This is 5 to 10 dB better  than almost all other pro gear.  The music passes through only our super-clean  pure Class A vacuum tube circuitry. There are obvious advantages  to our purist approach and foremost is the un-electronic final  sound that carries emotion into the digital realm.

COMPRESSOR  SECTION: This cool compressor design is  the result of blending the control ideas  in our best selling Variable MU Compressor Limiter with the opto-isolator  approach of the Manley ELOP  Limiter. We figured out how to compress the signal  before it hit the tubes  with no detrimental effect on distortion or frequency response. This  way, it can prevent mic-pre  clipping and eliminate whole stages of electronics. This cuts the typical path of mic to tape in  half! We also pioneered new thinking in the sidechain. Rather than compromise, we developed a technique of using up to four different  time constants  simultaneously and controlling them with familiar simple attack,  release and threshold controls.  We call the approach Parametric Compression. We  developed optimum settings or presets based on the Light Dependent  Resistors of our own fast ELOP  Limiter, the quick LA-2A, the slower LA-3A and then created  more complex special settings. This extended range and method of timing delivers fresh sounds  from powerhouse punching drums to super-solid bass  yet can also emulate the way good engineers delicately ride a fader  while recording. It is transparent and liquid-smooth on vocals, easy  to use and accurate. Also rare for an opto-based dynamic processor,  this compressor works great on mixes. Of course, you’ll be  needing two VOXBOXes linked in stereo...

EQ  SECTION: Lots of folks requested that we  include the Pultec Mid Frequency  Equalizer in the VOXBOX, but they wanted MORE.... Now we’ve  extended it to 33 frequencies in 3 bands with 6 new frequencies  from 20 Hz to 150 Hz, and 6 more in the highs from 6.4 KHz  to 20 KHz. Ever notice that only EQs with real inductors have the  bottom end magic or that only Class A circuitry can keep the top  end sweet? This is for you. The EQ INPUT switch patches in the Line  Input, Preamp Output, or the INSERT return. This switch serves double-duty  acting as a bypass switch for the preamp and/or external  processors or for processing two different tracks.

DE-ESSER  & LIMITER SECTION: Designed by folks  with admittedly large gaps  between their two front teeth, (Hutch and EveAnna) the VOXBOX  combo also  includes a de-esser & peak limiter based on our original ELOP  Limiter design but with  an added passive LC network to handle the de-essing– four carefully  chosen notch frequencies from 3KHz to 12KHz. (That 3KHz setting  really tames those annoying frequencies!) The fifth position gives you a limiter which  totally mimics the famous LA-2A. This means you can  both compress pre-EQ then limit here post-EQ. Another cool feature is the ability to  insert this de-esser silently and smoothly as the music plays,  using it as needed.

The   METER is  a full size illuminated Sifam VU meter. A five-position switch shows three audio  levels: the line input, the preamp output and the final output.  It also shows compressor gain reduction and the de-esser/limiter action. Other clever  innovations incorporated into the VOXBOX  combo include warm-up muting  circuitry, extensive magnetic field containment, smart -grounding,  and silent switching.  The sum-total is more than the separate parts:  consider the reduced patching, the short path to tape and you having  this much immediate  control.

As  engineers, we choose what we use not based entirely  on features and functions– there is a sound, a texture we reach for  and the VOXBOX  combo  puts the  Manley Sound together with Your Sound.