Voxbox
Channel Strip
From Manley Labs:
The Manley Voxbox® Reference Channel Strip integrates Mic Pre, passive EQ, opto comp, and de-essing/limiting in a single all-tube signal path. Hand-built in California, it combines circuit topologies from Manley's acclaimed standalone processors—including the passive inductor-based EQ, Variable Mu® and ELOP compression designs—to deliver comprehensive vocal and instrument processing with vacuum tube amplification throughout. Don't let the name fool you, this is a serious channel strip for any instrument!
The Voxbox® draws from established Manley circuit designs, integrating them into a cohesive recording & processing chain. The microphone preamp utilizes transformer-coupled input stages derived from the Manley Mono Mic Preamp. The compression section combines electro-optical gain reduction with characteristics from both, the Variable Mu® and ELOP compressor designs - providing versatile dynamic control from gentle compression to fast peak limiting.
The Pultec-style EQ employs genuine inductors and Class A tube amplification for musical tone shaping for low- and high-frequency bands. The electro-optical compressor delivers smooth, transparent gain reduction suitable for vocals, instruments, and complex program material. An integrated de-esser and limiter section provides precise high-frequency dynamics control and output level management for tracking to digital systems.
Specs
- Mic preamp maximum output (1 kHz sine, 1.5% THD+N, BW 22Hz - 22kHz)
- +30 dBu
- Mic preamp headroom (referenced to +4 dBu)
- 26 dB
- Mic preamp THD+N (1 kHz sine, +4 dBu)
- 0.008% (A-Weighted)
- Mic preamp frequency response +/- 1 dB
- 10 Hz to 85 kHz
- Mic preamp noise floor (settings to minimum)
- -83 dBu (A-Weighted)
- Mic preamp dynamic range
- 113 dB
- Mic preamp maximum input level
- +20.4 dBu (mic), +22 dBu (line)
- Mic preamp input impedance
- MIC: 2000 Ohms; LINE: 4000 Ohms; INST: 100kOhms
- Mic preamp maximum gain
- MIC: 60 dB; LINE: 23.2 dB; INST: 23.4 dB
- Maximum compression/limiting
- 16 dB (Comp); 32 dB (Limit)
- Maximum limiting with +4 dBu 1 kHz sine
- 8 dB (Comp); 5 dB (Limit)
- Attack times
- 4 mS - 70 mS (Comp); 2 mS (Limit)
- Release times
- .3, .5, 1, 2, 5 Sec (Comp); .5 Sec (Limit)
- Compress / limit ratios
- 3:1 (Comp); 10:1 (Limit)
- EQ maximum output (1 kHz sine, 1.5% THD+N, BW 22Hz - 22kHz)
- +33 dBu
- EQ headroom (referenced to +4 dBu)
- 29 dB
- EQ THD+N (1 kHz sine, +4 dBu)
- .009% (A-Weighted)
- EQ frequency response +/- 1 dB
- 10 Hz to 68 kHz
- EQ noise floor (settings to minimum)
- -78 dBu (A-Weighted)
- EQ dynamic range
- 111 dB
- EQ maximum input level
- +22.8 dBu
- EQ input impedance
- 3000 Ohms
- EQ maximum gain (insert)
- 0 dB / Unity (internal trim: -4.7 to +7.7 dB)
- Mains voltage & frequency
- Internal Universal Power Supply 90-254 VAC / 50~60Hz
- Power consumption
- (0.28A @120VAC) 31 Watts (34 VA)
- Size (3U)
- 19” x 5.25” x 10”
- Actual weight
- 14.5 lbs.
- Domestic shipping weight
- 23” x 15” x 10”, 25 lbs
- International shipping weight
- 23” x 15” x 11”, 28 lbs
Source: Manley VOXBOX product page