MANLEY VOXBOX

Product overview

The MANLEY VOXBOX® Reference Channel Strip integrates a mic preamp, passive EQ, opto compressor and de-essing/limiting in a single all-tube signal path: a complete tube recording channel for vocals and more.

Hand-built in California, the VOXBOX 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. Its all-tube, Class A signal path runs from start to finish, with the compressor placed before the preamplifier to prevent clipping. Don't let the name fool you: this is a serious channel strip for any instrument.

Key features

• All-tube, Class A signal path from start to finish (12AX7, 12BH7 and 6414/5965 tubes, hand-tested and paired)
• Transformer-coupled mic preamp derived from the MANLEY Mono Mic Preamp: up to 60 dB gain
• Mic, line and front-panel instrument inputs, 48 V phantom power, 80 / 120 Hz high-pass filter and 0° / 180° phase
• Electro-optical compressor before the preamp: smooth 3:1 ratio, five attack and five release settings
• Passive inductor EQ with Class A tube amplification: low peak, mid dip and high peak bands
• De-esser at 3, 6, 9 or 12 kHz, or a 10:1 output limiter
• Preamp out, EQ out and an insert point between the sections
• Stereo link for the compressor and the de-esser of two units
• MANLEY Power® switch-mode supply: 90-254 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Proven MANLEY circuits in one chain

The VOXBOX draws from established MANLEY circuit designs, integrating them into a cohesive recording and processing chain. The microphone preamp uses transformer-coupled input stages derived from the MANLEY Mono Mic Preamp. The compression section combines electro-optical gain reduction with characteristics of both the Variable Mu® and ELOP® compressor designs, providing versatile dynamic control from gentle compression to fast peak limiting.

Passive inductor EQ with optical dynamics

The EQ employs genuine inductors and Class A tube amplification for musical tone shaping: a low peak (0 to +10 dB, 20 Hz to 1 kHz), a mid dip (0 to -10 dB, 200 Hz to 7 kHz) and a high peak (0 to +10 dB, 1.5 kHz to 20 kHz). The electro-optical compressor delivers smooth, transparent gain reduction for vocals, instruments and complex programme material, while the integrated de-esser and limiter give precise high-frequency dynamics control and output level management for tracking to digital systems.

A compressor before the preamp

The VOXBOX compressor is based on a passive optical circuit with minimal components, a design that adds no measurable distortion or noise. Placing it before the mic preamplifier helps prevent the preamp from clipping and allows transparent gain reduction. The ratio is a smooth 3:1, and the attack and release controls give a wide range of characters, from subtle and transparent to more aggressive, while always remaining musical.

California craftsmanship with MANLEY Power®

Each VOXBOX is hand-assembled and tested at MANLEY's California facility using carefully selected vacuum tubes and premium components. MANLEY Power® is a proprietary high-voltage switch-mode supply that gives the tubes a rock-solid, regulated 300 V DC rail for huge headroom and consistent performance worldwide, with a lower noise floor, and it accepts any mains voltage from 90 V to 254 V.

In the box

• MANLEY VOXBOX channel strip

MANLEY VOXBOX: frequently asked questions

Is the VOXBOX only for vocals?

No. It was designed with vocal recording in mind, but its all-tube signal path, musical EQ and flexible dynamics make it an excellent tool for bass, acoustic guitars, DI guitars, drums and other instruments.

Can I use the sections independently?

Yes. PREAMP OUT gives the signal after the preamp and compressor, EQ OUT after the full channel strip, and an insert point lets external processors be patched in between the two main sections.

Which tubes does the VOXBOX use?

A 12AX7, a 12BH7 and a 6414/5965, each hand-tested and paired during manufacture.

What mains voltage does it need?

The internal MANLEY Power® universal supply accepts 90-254 V AC at 50/60 Hz; power consumption is 31 W (34 VA).

Where can I buy the MANLEY VOXBOX in India?

The MANLEY VOXBOX is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Lead vocal tracking

A singer recorded through the full channel strip.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch on 48V ON for a condenser microphone after connecting it, with the monitors turned down.
2. Set GAIN and INPUT for a healthy level on the VU meter.
3. Engage COMPRESS 3:1 and set THRESHOLD, ATTACK and RELEASE.
4. Shape the tone with the EQ, then engage DE ESS at the frequency of the sibilance.

Tip: Set the meter selector to G-R to watch the compressor's gain reduction.

Workflow 2: DI bass or guitar

Tracking an electric instrument straight into the tube path.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug the instrument into the front jack and select INSTR.
2. Set GAIN and INPUT.
3. Add gentle compression and the LOW PEAK or HI PEAK bands.
4. Use LIMIT 10:1 to control peaks before the recorder.

Tip: The instrument input has a 100 kΩ impedance.

Workflow 3: Preamp and compressor only

Using the front end on its own.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the microphone and take the signal from PREAMP OUT.
2. Set GAIN, INPUT and the compressor.
3. Use the 120 / 80 Hz high-pass filter to remove rumble.
4. Leave the EQ section free for other work.

Tip: PREAMP OUT carries the signal after the preamp and compressor.

Workflow 4: External processor in the insert

Patching another processor between the preamp and the EQ.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect PREAMP OUT to the external processor.
2. Return its output to INSERT INPUT.
3. Check the EQ INPUT INSERT switch on the front panel.
4. Process with the EQ and de-esser as usual.

Tip: The EQ section runs at unity gain from the insert input.

Workflow 5: Line-level mix processing

Using the EQ and dynamics on a recorded track.

Connections

Setup

1. Feed the recorded track to LINE INPUT.
2. Select line on the input switch.
3. Add EQ, compression and de-essing.
4. Record the processed track back.

Tip: The line input is transformer balanced on XLR and accepts balanced or unbalanced 1/4" plugs.

Workflow 6: Stereo pair of two VOXBOX units

Processing a stereo source with linked dynamics.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the stereo link jacks of both units.
2. Set LINK on both front panels.
3. Match the settings of both units.
4. Process left and right with identical gain reduction.

Tip: Set SEPARATE to use the two units independently again.