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Detomaso2
54
Apr 22, 2019
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Hello! Here’s my question for Manley Lab: I know that tube (or valve...) are known for coloring sound which is OK during recording session as artistic way to achieve a desired sound by the ...er...sound engineer and/or the musical band. But a the very end of the signal reproduction -transforming electric current in soundwave-, which mean the listener sit with is headphone: If we, again, colored the sound, it’s mean that we’re not seeking for the “fidelity” of the recording. So what’s the goal of paying a sound engineer if people want “their”sound? If we not seeking musics -or even sounds- that is closed to the original recording, why Manley 4000$ “crayola ” would be better than Wal-Mart home brand pencil for”coloring” sound? Thx...oh!....All my apologies for your designer....thx!
Apr 22, 2019
manleylabs
317
Manley Laboratories
Sep 25, 2019
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Detomaso2Thank you for your question! The first Manley products back in 1988 were high powered vacuum tube amplifiers. In 1989 we started working closely with several mastering studios, even before we worked with recording studios. I think the pro audio and audiophile worlds converge in the mastering studio, and for me, the reference of what a recording should sound like is to replicate what I experience in the final stage of its production in the mastering studio. Thus, our equipment stays centered on the more neutral side of the tonal spectrum and this sound target is applied to both our audiophile and pro studio offerings. Probably the most important part of a tube amplifier design will be the output transformers. Since we design and wind our audio magnetics in-house we have complete control over the design and resulting production. Transformer development is a critical part of the design process. Thus we can design to high sonic fidelity standards balancing between superb measured results and obtaining that vibe and emotional connection to the music. If my toe is tapping, and I'm getting goosebumps, and I want to dance and sing, then we've got it right.
Sep 25, 2019
Detomaso2
54
Oct 2, 2019
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manleylabsthx for replying! Interesting answer! Good luck with your headphone amplifier!
Oct 2, 2019
BillWay
18
Nov 12, 2019
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Detomaso2Please repeat after me: GOOD tube amps do not color the sound. The notion that tube amps have ill-defined, wooly whumpy bass and poor high frequency extension is decades out of date. Engineers do not want anything coloring the tracking session. Tube amps used during tracking sessions don't affect the sound at all, because they're not in the signal path - they are used for monitoring. Condenser mics, whether tube or s/s, each have their own particular characteristics, and it's up to the engineer's experience to choose the right mic for the performer. Most of the great vocal mics are tubed, but there are some s/s large-diaphram condensers that compete with the best tube mics. (e.g. AT 4047, which Tony Bennett used for his "Duets" recordings.) Tube vs solid-state generalizations are really not helpful. Tube circuits can be very flat and extended; solid-state designs can be highly colored. Good designs, whether tube or s/s, are flat, with low distortion and good extension low and high. Manley has a long history making studio gear for a reason: the gear is reliable, low-distortion, uncolored and flat. Their Vari-Mu is in most of the studios I've visited. Their Massive Passive may be the best EQ box of all time; Bob Ludwig has three of them. This amp is certainly expensive, but for the listener who wants both single-ended and push-pull, variable feedback, and the ability to drive almost all headphones well, it might make a lot of sense. I expect even the EQ controls will come into use often - these are the Massive Passive people after all.
Nov 12, 2019
Detomaso2
54
Nov 13, 2019
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BillWayInteresting! Thx for your advice!
Nov 13, 2019
Detomaso2
54
Nov 13, 2019
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Detomaso2I must admit that’s very kind and cool that Manley Lab answer to people’s questions!
Nov 13, 2019
BillWay
18
Nov 13, 2019
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Detomaso2FWIW, I don't work for Manley; I am a customer. In my dealings with them, much of which has been with gear I've bought used, everyone at Manley has gone out of their way to make things easy. Having dealt with audio manufacturers who won't talk to you even when you only buy new gear, I find that pretty refreshing. So I have become a fan of Manley Labs, and want them to succeed.
Nov 13, 2019
manleylabs
317
Manley Laboratories
Nov 13, 2019
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BillWayThank you ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Nov 13, 2019
BillWay
18
Nov 13, 2019
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manleylabsYou are most welcome. Just save one of the new hifi preamps for me. I'll buy one as soon as available, or earlier if you want to get one out in the field before the general release.
(Edited)
Nov 13, 2019
manleylabs
317
Manley Laboratories
Nov 13, 2019
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BillWayThank you Bill. I would be honored to have you on my Beta Test Team!
Nov 13, 2019
BillWay
18
Nov 13, 2019
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manleylabs Let me know when you're ready and I'll call in a credit card. I'll see if I can come out your way over the winter some time so we can say hi. Cheers, Bill
Nov 13, 2019
jaxtrauma
2104
May 14, 2021
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BillWay Nice one! I couldn't help but notice that the trolls didn't dare to flame your thoughtful post. Thank you ;-)
May 14, 2021
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