Description

The Manley Massive Passive has been organically sculpting sound all over the world since its release in 1998, and we’re commemorating its 25th anniversary with this special XXV Limited Edition.
With a sexy deep cobalt blue faceplate and custom laser engraved artwork, this special unit is limited to a run of only 100 pieces worldwide.
The Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube EQ is a two-channel, four-band equalizer (with additional high pass and low pass filters) that can handle radical EQ sometimes needed for tracking as well as the most subtle shadings for vocals and mastering. It is designed to be a fundamentally different EQ but incorporates the best strengths of Pultecs, choice console EQs, parametrics and graphics. The difference is that the Massive allows twice as much EQ with half the coloration. It delivers huge HF boosts without sibilance problems and extreme fatness with impressive clarity.
Colossal, timbre-twisting passive equalization using metal-film resistors, film capacitors, and hand-wound inductors to organically sculpt the tone from subtle to vivid. Manleys tube stages handle huge HF boosts without sibilance and unbelievable fatness without mud. Its like a Pultec on steroids.
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS…
Perhaps, but would photographs of our Variable Mu Limiter Compressor or VOXBOX have created their successes alone? You have to hear this gear. You have to use this gear. Put your hands on the knobs and crank ’em. Engineers who have already gotten hold of the MASSIVE PASSIVE have told us: « Why does it make everything sound so much better? », « It’s unlike any other EQ. », « This is IT. The sound I’ve always dreamt of but couldn’t ever get until now. »
GOT THE PICTURE?
The MASSIVE PASSIVE is a two channel, four band equalizer, with additional high pass and low pass filters. « Passive » refers to the tone shaping part of this clever new EQ design not using any active circuitry. Only metal film resistors, film capacitors and hand-wound inductors sculpt the sound, kinda like a Pultec EQ on hyper-steroids. Super-beefy, hugely-high-headroom Manley all-tube make-up gain amplifiers deliver your tunes into the next realm. « Massive »…. it’s a fitting word for this beast. You’ll need to experience this.
Creating natural, organic, acoustic tone can only be done with an equalizer that treats the signal with natural methods. The Massive Passive uses simple passive components and exploits their natural qualities rather than forcing a complex circuit to meet an arbitrary clinical or scientific goal. Manley knows that recording and mastering equalizers are used by artists for artistic goals and we balanced this design with a little more art than science.
The Massive Passive is intended both for the most radical EQ sometimes needed for tracking as well as the most subtle shadings for vocals and mastering. It is designed to be a fundamentally different EQ but incorporates the best strengths of Pultecs, choice console EQs, parametrics and graphics. The difference is that the Massive allows twice as much EQ with half the coloration. It allows huge HF boosts without sibilance problems and unbelievable fatness without mud. This is unique. Being different also gives it some quirks and idiosyncrasies that will spark your creativity and sense of audio adventure.
Manley Massive Passive 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
HP and LP Filters plus gain trims
Modular design allows future upgrades and special functions
Manley Massive Passive Specifications:
Ins and Outs Balanced XLR and 1/4″ (accepts unbalanced)
Level +4 dBu nominal, internal switches for -10 operation
Bypass Switch bypasses EQ and 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; +26dBv @ 20 Hz
THD and Noise (1KHz @ +4 dBu): 0.06%
Noise Floor (referred to +4dBu): -85 dB (A Weight)
Dynamic Range: 120 dB
Power Consumption (120/240VAC): 72 watts
Unit is factory set for 100V, 120V or 220-240VAC operation for original destination country’s mains voltage
Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60Hz
Size (3U): 19″ x 5.25″ x 10″
Weight: 21 lbs