My dream gear is actually not pro audio, but music related. Once, many years ago, I played a 5-string fretless Tobias bass in a music shop and it was such a beautiful experience. So smooth, so warm. It was sold by the time I had a chance to visit. I still think about it!

Someday...

Posted by: @potteraudio

My dream gear is actually not pro audio, but music related. Once, many years ago, I played a 5-string fretless Tobias bass in a music shop and it was such a beautiful experience. So smooth, so warm. It was sold by the time I had a chance to visit. I still think about it!

Someday...

Ooo, that does sound delightful. And we're here to talk about all gear 🙂

OK, so, I've been watching videos about Manley Labs after reading about owner EveAnna Manley and her amazing journey through audio...

I now need a Manley Force 4-channel Tube Tube Mic Preamp...

I watched a video about recording drums the Glyn Johns way with this thing and I was blown away. Granted, drum legend Kenny Aronoff was part of the demo, but still! I can dream. As a drummer, with a DIY set-up, and limited mics at home, this sound was just gorgeous. 

Holy smokes, though, it's about $2500, so I don't think it's in the realm of possibility for me... yet. One day, I will actually save the money I use on DoorDash and GoPuff and use it on gear!

Anywho, about the Force:

The Manley Force Quad Mic Preamp uses a topology based on Manley's CORE mic pre section. It sports the same input level control and switch arrangement (minus one mic/line input). It also borrows the CORE's mic input transformer and 12AX7 vacuum tube gain stage. The main technical difference between the two units is the MOSFET White Follower, new to Manley. It also employs the same Entrodev switched mode PSU as the CORE.

The Force will be with me. 

Specs:

Four-channel mic preamp
• Features per channel:
  • Microphone Input (XLR)
  • hi-Z Instrument Direct Input (TRS)
  • 7-LED Peak Level Meter
  • Main Output (XLR)
  • Microphone Pre selectable gain switch 40dB or 50dB
  • 60dB available via internal jumper
  • 120Hz Highpass Filter switch
  • Polarity Invert switch
  • 48V Phantom power switch
  • Input Level Attenuator (Variable Pad)
  • Manley Microphone Input Transformer
  • Class A Vacuum Tube Gain Stage
  • MOSFET White Follower output stage
• Warm-up mute timer circuit
• 2U rackmount chassis
• Front panel power LED (flashing during start-up)
• Front panel push button power switch

If you're wondering about the CORE:

-Manley mic pre, followed by a 3:1 ELOP style compressor for effortless dynamic control. Baxandall EQ, and the fast-attack brickwall FET limiter that protects your converters from clipping. 

Basically, you get the quality of the Manley VoxBox (which I also now need; has anyone used the UA plugin based on the VoxBox?) at a reasonable (kind of) price.

The VoxBox:

The VOXBOX shares its fully featured microphone preamplifier design with Manley’s acclaimed Mono Microphone Preamplifier, offering generous headroom and Class A vacuum tube tone. The compressor section is a blend of Manley’s best-selling Variable MU and the opto-design of their ELOP. All of these features, in addition to a flexible Pultec-style mid-frequency Equalizer (@lilian) , de-esser/limiter section, and Stereo Link function. 

...whelp, that was a rabbit hole and now I need everything. 

Also, how do you embed an image? 

Posted by: @angie

Also, how do you embed an image? 

Copy and paste it into the message text.

@potteraudio Oooo! My husband plays a fretless bass and I always sneak it for myself 🤣 I love the feel of it - I'm not anywhere near a "bass player," but I do enjoy to slap it around sometimes.