Manley Labs Stereo Variable Mu Limiter Compressor, Mastering Version with M/S & T-Bar Mod

You can elevate your audio mastering experience with the Manley Labs Stereo Variable Mu Limiter Compressor, a high-quality, professional-grade audio tool that has been a best-seller for years. This innovative device is a staple in mastering studios worldwide and has played a significant role in the production of hit records over the last decade, and likely many more to come.

The term "Mu" is tube jargon for gain, and "Variable Mu" is Manley Labs' registered trademark for this advanced limiter compressor. Its unique operation is based on the "remote cut-off" or re-biasing of a vacuum tube to achieve compression, a technique also used by the esteemed vintage Fairchild 670, making it one of the few all-tube compressors known to use this method.

At the heart of the peak-reducing and compression action is the unique 5670 dual triode. This component is continuously re-biased by the vacuum tube rectified side-chain control voltages, enabling the tube to smoothly alter its gain. The Compress mode offers a soft-knee 1.5 to 1 ratio, while the sharper knee Limit mode starts at 4 to 1, escalating to a dramatic ratio of 20 to 1 when limiting over 12dB. Interestingly, the knee softens as more limiting is applied.

The Stereo Variable Mu Limiter Compressor also allows for creative use of distortion. By increasing the Input and decreasing the Output while using minimal or no compression, you can add a unique touch to your audio. The device features a ganged input control, but rest assured, it is far from mono-unfriendly. With separate threshold and output controls, you can easily make compensations. Moreover, the stereo input control proves its worth when you switch to LINK mode, making this device an unparalleled tool for final mix, 2-track, or mastering limiting and compression.

In the words of one reviewer, using the Manley Labs Stereo Variable Mu Limiter Compressor is "like pouring a bowl of sweet cream over the mix." Experience the difference this durable, advanced audio equipment can make in your audio mastering process.