Manley Labs Massive Passive

The Manley Langevin Massive Passive EQ is a stereo parameter equalizer.  I'm not sure what type of connections it has (although I think it has XLR) as the one I have used was pre-racked in a studio and I was not invovled with racking it.  This is an analog piece of gear that is rack mountable and will take up four rack spaces.

UTILIZATION

Using the Manley Langevin Massive Passive EQ isn't too difficult as everything is laid out clearly and the unit is overall easy to follow.  Each of the stereo channels has four bands of EQ, each including parameters for frequency, bandwidth, and gain, along with switches for either boost or cut and either shelf of bell.  Each channel also has an overall gain parameter and a bypass button and there is also a high pass and low pass filter on the unit.  The overall editing of your tone is easy granted that you understand how to use a basic parametric EQ and for that reason I don't think that a manual is needed in most cases.


SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the Manley Langevin Massive Passive EQ superb.  It is extremely clean and does everything it is supposed to do.  I feel confident using it in pretty much any situation, but I would say it excels extremely well when you are trying to get a stereo spread like on a piano or on drum overheads.  This is definitely more of a clean EQ than a warm one, but when used right this can be the perfect type of EQ in a lot of different situations...


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Manley Langevin Massive Passive EQ for about half of a year and was definitely impressed with it from day one.  I love the tone it has and I love that it is so easy to use and so familiar looking in terms of the parameters that it has.  This is definitely a piece of gear that I would recommend to professionals looking for a stereo EQ with great tone regardless of price as this does cost a lot!  Even if you can't afford to look at buying one, if you're ever in a studio that has one like I did, you won't be disappointed if you give it a try!

Passive EQ 4 bands of all-tube 2-way, plus high-pass filter and low pass filter. It is described as a Pultec EQ on steroids, the concept of the passive equalizer being pushed much further. Input and output XLR jack with transformers and transformerless.
Hand Made in the USA. The brand needs no introduction, and the massive passive is its flagship product. To be used in recording a mix, mastering, the EQ is extremely versatile.

UTILIZATION

Very simple, child's play

SOUND QUALITY

A monster, capable of even while sounding great. The more you push, the more he brings the heat. The media in particular have become famous. Able to touch up small finns, big correction, or just use as a tool to bring warmth and harmonics to the sound.

OVERALL OPINION

High price but high-end hardware. The value for money remains good in view of the potential of this equalizer.

What are the effects or types of effects available?
Parametric Equalizer full dedicated to mastering

What technology is used? (Analog, digital, tube ...)
The lamp on all floors.

Are they edited? Via an editor Mac / PC?
Are you kidding? This machine does not even know that computers are

What is the connection? (Audio / MIDI)
XLR

Is this a rack or rack-mount model?

Yes but it heats a lot, so use a ventilated rack with lots of space above and below

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple?
Yes, if you know what is this type of machine. This is not a machine for beginners

Editing sounds and effects is it easy?
Simple: sufit not to look, just listen

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Excellent manual ... it's a habit Manley

SOUND QUALITY

The effects are they effective, responsive and realistic enough?
It's very upscale. EQ does not sound like the Massive Passive

Which instruments do you use?
In mastering, sometimes sub-group bass / drums

Which ones you prefer, you hate?
We love all

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
Several years
What is so special that you like most and least?
The sound is top top top

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Yes, some models in this range

How would you rate the quality / price?
This is worth its price. We find that it's expensive until you try it. After we find the Argentine

With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Yes

Stereo equalizer tube full four-band parametric + filters high pass and low pass. It heats a lot (as defined propore) so if it is placed in a rack, provide generous ventilation.

UTILIZATION

Excellent manual (in English). We are in the pro, the key is there.

SOUND QUALITY

Superlative sound quality. Considering the price, we would be disappointed otherwise.
Equalizer is both powerful and gentle. I use it mainly for mastering or subgroup. On a battery, combined with a Vari-Mu is quite impressive.

It is not a machine transparent, but a color that will not always be suitable for, but when you need it is really excellent.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for quite some time, I like the sound, the look, ergonomics. Quality / high price in both directions: price and quality high. Works better than many other equalizers, but in this price range, there is not much. Its very different from a GML example. Not better, not worse ... different.