Force
Microphone Preamplifier
From Manley Labs:
The Manley Force delivers four channels of all-tube microphone gain, derived from the award-winning Manley CORE® channel strip. Each channel features a 12AX7 dual triode and a custom hand-wound Manley IRON® input transformer, providing the high-fidelity sound and distinctive sonic character that define Manley . Embodying our principle of "high voltage equals high headroom equals high fidelity," the Force offers a transparent, powerful front-end for professional recording.
At the core of the Force is its all-tube, Class-A topology. Each channel combines a custom-wound Manley IRON® input transformer with a 12AX7 dual triode vacuum tube, delivering wide dynamic range and rich harmonic detail. The dedicated front-panel Hi-Z input accepts line-level or instrument signals, routing them directly into the tube gain stage for tone shaping electric guitars, basses, and keyboards. If you use plugin amps in your DAW you can FEEL the difference when playing through a tube DI.
The Force is engineered for streamlined operation in demanding sessions. Each channel provides switchable gain at 40dB or 50dB, phase reverse, and a 120Hz high-pass filter. The continuously variable input attenuator on the front panel functions as a precision pad for optimal gain staging. Seven-segment LED metering delivers clear visual monitoring, while positive-action latching switches ensure tactile, reliable control.
Specs
- Vacuum tubes
- 4 x 12AX7WA dual triodes
- Inputs
- 4 x XLR Mic, 4 x 1/4″ Hi-Z
- Balanced transformer coupled XLR microphone input impedance
- 1250 Ohms
- Unbalanced 1/4" direct input impedance
- 10 Meg Ohm
- Maximum input, mic input (low gain setting)
- -5 dBu or 435mV RMS @ 0.5% THD
- Maximum input, mic input (high gain setting)
- -25 dBu or 44mV RMS @ 0.5% THD
- Maximum input, direct input (low gain setting)
- +24 dBu or 12V RMS @ 0.5% THD
- Maximum input, direct input (high gain setting)
- +17 dBu or 5.5V RMS @ 0.5% THD
- Maximum output (1kHz sine, into 100 kOhm load, 0.1% THD+N)
- +35 dBu, 43V RMS
- Maximum output (1kHz sine, into 600 Ohms load, 0.1% THD+N)
- +22 dBm
- Hi-current WFDRIVE balanced output impedance
- 50 Ohms
- Output headroom (referenced to +4 dBu)
- 31 dB
- Dynamic range
- 118 dB @ LOW GAIN, 100 dB @ HI GAIN
- THD & noise (1Khz @ +4dBu BW 22Hz-22KHz)
- 0.004% at Low Gain setting, 0.04% at Hi Gain setting
- Noise floor, mic pre (A WGT)
- - 85dB @ LOW GAIN, -66dB @ HI GAIN
- Signal to noise ratio (ref. to +4dBu)
- 87dB @ LOW GAIN, 68dB @ HI GAIN
- EIN (22-22kHz BW, A WGT)
- -129dB with 150 Ohm source impedance @ LO GAIN
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz -0.1dB, +0.3 dB
- Gain via microphone input
- 40 LOW or 50dB HI GAIN (60dB available via internal jumper)
- Gain via line input
- 20 or 30dB (40dB available via internal jumper)
- Low signal green LED (output level)
- -22 dBu
- High signal red LED (output level)
- +24 dBu
- Automute warmup delay
- 30 seconds
- Power consumption
- 36 Watts
- Operating mains voltage
- 90 to 254 VAC (internal universal supply)
- Mains voltage frequency
- 50~60Hz
- Dimensions
- 19" x 3 1/2" x 7" (occupies 2u)
- Unit weight
- 8.6 lbs.
- Shipping weight
- 11.8 lbs.
Source: Manley FORCE product page