MANLEY SLAM! Mastering Version

Product overview

The MANLEY SLAM! Mastering Version is a stereo mastering limiter: the ultimate mastering tool for loudness, punch and integrity.

The analogue authority for loud and punchy masters, the SLAM! Mastering Version takes control of dynamics and loudness with two distinct and simultaneous limiters, the musical ELOP® and the fast FET brick-wall limiter. Its high-headroom tube design is optimised for digital conversion: an engineer's dream for punchy and loud masters.

Key features

• Dual mastering limiter for stereo programme
• ELOP® optical and FET brick-wall limiters, working simultaneously
• MANLEY IRON® transformer-coupled balanced line inputs and outputs
• XLR / 1/4" combo inputs: 2 kΩ balanced, 10 kΩ unbalanced
• Up to 20 dB of limiter gain
• High-headroom design optimised for digital conversion
• Mini-patchbay for side-chain inserts
• Attenuable VU meters, switchable to prevent needle bending
• Outboard power supply

Two limiters, one purpose

The SLAM! uses a dual-stage limiting process for unparalleled dynamic control. The ELOP® optical limiter, renowned for transparent and effortless gain reduction, provides smooth, musical compression. It is followed by a lightning-fast FET limiter that catches the final peaks, creating loudness without the harsh artefacts of digital clipping.

Made for mastering

Its transparent sound and the combination of two limiter types add loudness and density to a final mix without unwanted artefacts. Balanced I/O and high headroom handle the full dynamic range of a stereo mix with pristine clarity, and the musical ELOP® and powerful FET give mastering engineers precise control over the dynamics and loudness of a track.

Built for sonics, engineered for performance

The SLAM! is built to perform in the most demanding studios. Its outboard power supply keeps heat and magnetic fields away from the sensitive audio circuitry for a pristine signal path. Flexible I/O, a mini-patchbay for side-chain inserts and attenuable VU meters make it a robust and reliable tool for a lifetime of professional use.

In the box

• MANLEY SLAM! Mastering Version
• Outboard power supply

MANLEY SLAM! Mastering Version: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the ELOP® and FET limiters?

The ELOP® uses a passive optical cell for smooth, transparent and musical gain reduction. The FET is an aggressive brick-wall limiter that catches fast transient peaks and prevents digital clipping. In tandem, the ELOP® levels gently and the FET catches the remaining peaks.

How does it differ from the standard SLAM!?

The Mastering Version's official specification lists line inputs on XLR / 1/4" combo jacks (2 kΩ balanced, 10 kΩ unbalanced) and up to 20 dB of limiter gain; the mic preamp and DI specifications of the standard SLAM! are not part of it.

Why an outboard power supply?

It keeps the high-voltage transformers and power conditioning away from the low-level audio path, preventing magnetic fields and heat from interfering, for a cleaner, quieter signal with a lower noise floor.

Which mains voltage does it use?

The outboard supply is factory set for 100 V, 120 V or 220-240 V AC for the destination country; the voltage can be changed by power transformer re-wiring via a switch and a fuse value change.

Where can I buy the MANLEY SLAM! Mastering Version in India?

The MANLEY SLAM! Mastering Version is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Stereo mastering for loudness

Raising the level of a finished mix without clipping.

Connections

Setup

1. Link the two channels for stereo.
2. Set the ELOP® limiter for gentle levelling.
3. Raise the FET limiter to catch the final peaks.
4. Set the output for the converter.

Tip: Watch the VU meters and switch their attenuation for hot levels.

Workflow 2: Glue without loudness

Gentle density on a dynamic master.

Connections

Setup

1. Use only the ELOP® limiter.
2. Aim for a few dB of gain reduction.
3. Leave the FET at its threshold limit.
4. Compare at matched level.

Tip: The ELOP® ratio is 10:1 with a 2.5 s release.

Workflow 3: Peak control only

Catching transients before the converter.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the ELOP® to minimum action.
2. Lower the FET threshold until only peaks are caught.
3. Choose the FET release.
4. Check for artefact-free results.

Tip: The FET attack is about 100 µs, ratio better than 20:1.

Workflow 4: Side-chain filtering

Stopping heavy low end from driving the limiters.

Connections

Setup

1. Patch the side-chain insert on the mini-patchbay.
2. Shape the detector signal with the external processor.
3. Set the limiter thresholds.
4. Listen for pumping.

Tip: The mini-patchbay offers side-chain inserts.

Workflow 5: Stem or mix bus limiting

Controlling a stereo stem during mixing.

Connections

Setup

1. Insert the SLAM! on the bus.
2. Set ELOP® for glue.
3. Set FET for safety.
4. Trim the output gain.

Tip: Up to 20 dB of limiter gain is available.

Workflow 6: Unbalanced sources

Feeding unbalanced playback equipment.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect via the 1/4" part of the combo jacks.
2. Set the input level.
3. Limit as usual.
4. Record the result.

Tip: The unbalanced input impedance is 10 kΩ.