Manley Laboratories Core Complete Tube Reference Channel-Strip

The Manley Core Reference Channel Strip integrates microphone preamp, 3-band EQ, and dual-stage limiting in a streamlined 2U format. Hand-built in California, it combines a custom hand-wound Manley IRON® input transformer, all-tube Class A gain stages, and Manley's acclaimed ELOP electro-optical compression with FET brick-wall limiting. Designed for intuitive operation without compromising any sonic performance, the CORE delivers during tracking and mixing sessions.

Proven Manley tube elements
The CORE employs established Manley circuit designs throughout its signal path. The microphone preamp features custom-wound transformers and all-tube amplification for up to 60 dB of gain with exceptional headroom. The electro-optical ELOP compressor provides the smooth, transparent gain reduction found in Manley's dedicated limiters. A three-band Baxandall-style shelving and peak EQ offers musical frequency contouring with fixed bands optimized for vocal and instrument processing. Try it for your DI guitar tracks as well!

Musical equalization with transparent optical compression
The CORE 3-band EQ section delivers broad, musical tone shaping with high and low shelving bands plus a sweepable mid-range band. The ELOP electro-optical compressor operates with fixed 3:1 ratio, providing natural dynamic control ideal for vocals, bass, and other sources requiring consistent level management. An integrated FET brick-wall limiter prevents signal peaks from exceeding safe levels during tracking sessions into DAWs or digital consoles.

California craftsmanship with modern power supply technology
Each CORE is hand-assembled and tested at Manley's California facility, ensuring consistent performance and long-term reliability. The unit incorporates a MANLEY POWER® supply for quiet operation world-wide. This sounds trivial in a world of USB power-supplies, but it's crucial when powering tube-driven equipment with high voltage.

• Integrated Mic Pre, EQ, and Compressor
• All-tube Class A signal path with custom hand-wound Input Transformer
• Electro-Optical ELOP Compressor with FET brick-wall Limiter
• Hand-assembled in California

Tube Complement & Compressor Parameters
• ALL-TUBE preamplifier audio path using 1 x 12AX7 for gain and 1 x 6922 White Follower
• Balanced Transformer Coupled XLR Microphone Input Impedance: 1200 Ohms
• Balanced XLR Line Input Impedance: 10 kOhms
• Unbalanced 1/4" Direct Input Impedance: 10 Meg Ohm
• Hi-current drive Direct XLR output Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Silent conductive plastic INPUT attenuator
• Microphone preamp high pass filter starting at 120Hz with a 6dB/8va slope
• Compressor Maximum GAIN REDUCTION: 16 dB
• Compressor ATTACK time: 60ms slowest CCW, 30ms at 12:00, 5ms fastest CW for 6dB compression
• Compressor RELEASE time: 1.5s slowest CCW, 1s at 12:00, 100ms fastest CW from 6dB compression

Maximum Input & Output Levels
• 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 44 mV RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Input Line input (Low Gain Setting): +13 dBu or 3.5V RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Input Line input (High Gain Setting): -8 dBu or 300mV 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 Input Insert return: +20 dBu or 7.8V RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Preamp Output (Insert Send): +35 dBu or 43V RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Preamp Output (Insert Send): +22 dBu into 600 Ohms
• Maximum Main Output: +20 dBu

Headroom & Dynamic Performance
• Insert Send output impedance: 50 Ohms
• Insert Return input impedance: 13 kOhms
• Main Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Direct Output Headroom (referenced to +4 dBv): 31 dB
• Main Output Headroom (referenced to +4 dBv): 16 dB
• Dynamic Range: >90 dB
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.5 dB

Audio Performance & Metering
• Large LED illuminated VU METER
• Meters switch to read Direct Output (1) from preamp, Output (2) from Main Out, or Compressor Gain Reduction
• THD & Noise (1kHz @ +4 dBm): 0.02% at Low Gain setting
• Noise Floor (Gain set to minimum): -70 dB wideband typical
• Gain via Microphone Input: 40 or 60 dB
• Gain via Line Input: 20 or 40dB
• Maximum Gain of EQ & Limiter section: 10 dB
• AUTOMUTE warmup delay: 30 Seconds

Power Requirements & Dimensions
• Power consumption: 35 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: 8.3 lbs.
• Shipping weight: 11.5 lbs.