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MANLEY LABORATORIES, INC. 13880 MAGNOLIA AVE. CHINO, CA 91710 USA |
MASSIVE PASSIVE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1) How does the Massive Passive compare to other high end EQs?
Answer: It probably can't be compared. In fact, it is so different, that perhaps we shouldn't have called it an "equalizer" so that people wouldn't expect that it is comparable. Because the Massive Passive has 3 knobs per band, experienced engineers expect that it would be similar to conventional parametric EQs. However, the "Massivo" is "passive" (hence the name) and because it is a parallel design and because it provides entirely different shelf curves, it is essentially a new breed of tone control. The controls are different in use and the sound is remarkably and refreshingly different. Are comparisons really necessary?
2) Should I replace my favorite EQ with a Massive Passive?
Answer: We hope your next favorite EQ is the "Massive" but don't sell off your current EQ yet. Each will do things the other doesn't, and the combination may be the ideal chain. You may discover that the Massive excels at major tasks and normally results in an "unprocessed", "natural" final sound but may not be so great at narrow Q notches or "bumps". Your favorite EQ will probably be more suited for touch-ups and little details but will tend to show its personality if used for more than 3 or 4 dB of boost or cut.
3) What is the Q range?
Answer: In basic terms, the range is about from 1 to 3 but... Again, this is not a conventional parametric and doesn't have a conventional Q knob. It is called "Bandwidth" on the Massive to differentiate it from "Q" and hopefully allow people to relate it to the "Bandwidth" control on Pultecs. To provide a normal "Q" control would require an "active opamp circuit" and cannot really be done in a purely passive design. The "Bandwidth" control is similar to "Q" but will interact with the "dB" control and does not have the wide range of most Q controls. Perhaps, more accurate names could have been "Damping" or "Resonance". However, the control range is musically useful and in many ways more natural than conventional "Q" knobs which are electronically contrived both in circuitry and sonically. Also the"Bandwidth" is extremely useful in "Shelf" modes which is unique and essentially a new EQ control that allows Pultec-like phatness and phresh "air".
4) What is the primary intended application?
Answer: Music..... This EQ is equally suited for tracking, mixing and mastering. It is intended as a primary EQ that you can use as a first choice for almost everything. It was also designed to sound different from other EQs so as not to be just a slightly differing flavor from your current parametrics and console EQs. Vive la difference.
5) Is it a real "parametric EQ"?
Answer: It depends how one defines "parametric EQs". We call it "quasi-parametric" or "passive-parametric" because of the difference between "Q" and "Bandwidth" knobs. We define a "true parametric" by George Massenburg's original description which was a non-interacting continuously variable boost/cut, frequency and Q on bell curves. The Massive uses a switch for frequency, allows shelf curves and the "dB" and "Bandwidth" controls interact and even the 4 bands interact. But it does have 3 knobs per band, if that is your definition.
6) Isn't the various interactions a problem?
Answer: No..... This is why the Massive Passive tends to sound "natural" and "organic" and other EQs tend to sound electronic and synthetic. Interactions are natural and part of real life and the physics of sound and music. It may require the user to learn a little and may result in some bizzarre "looking" knob settings but the proof is in the listening.
7) Can I order a "mastering version"?
Answer: Yes, now you can! Check out the new Mastering Version Massive Passive.
In the "By the Way", trivia department:
The very first Massive Passive concept was based on 24 position switches for the "dB" controls and 11 position switches for the "Bandwidth". We dropped the idea when we saw that this approach increased the base price by at least $2500. Instead, we used dual reverse-log pots.
The "mastering version" Pultecs that Manley builds are also based on the 1 dB step size with the "Bandwidth" at 12:00. The minimum steps are about 1/2 dB and the maximum step size is 1.5 dB. This is OK according to the engineers that use them. The markings are 1/2 dB steps.
If you are a fan of the Manley Pultecs and VoxBox, we are planning a "special" module that replicates the "Q" (narrowish) and frequencies of the mid/high boost (1K to 20K) that is intended for "slot 3" and will offer boost or cut. We haven't decided what to do regarding the shelf mode. Contact us if you want this because how we prioritize our efforts is based on your interest. Other "special modules" are also being considered (stay tuned).
While everybody has different styles of working, we can tell you that much of the gear in the top mastering houses is detented, also much is not. Some famous engineers do not write down settings ever, rarely get clients who ask for tiny changes and can reset by ear, if needed. Do not assume that you need detents or a special version for mastering. Indeed, of all the Massive Passives out there in use by mastering engineers, NONE have been built with detented controls and each engineer has expressed that the "standard version" is extraordinary.
We have seen lots of magazine reviews of the Massive and they are all good with virtually nothing bad to say (except perhaps the price but not the value). Some of the superlatives written include: "I can't recommend it highly enough. It would have to be the best EQ device I've used in my life. My hat comes off to what will undoubtedly become a modern classic." "With its innovative circuit design, feature set, stunning audio clarity and its sound the Massive Passive is clearly in a league of its own. Refinance your house and get several for your rack."= "Parallel passive design produces curves virtually unobtainable by any other equalizer; overall sound quality is second to none. An immediate classic piece of gear; a must for anyone working in the analog domain. Never had I previously imagined that one device could make everything sound so much better. My favorite EQ at the end of the century. I love this box." And from the mastering engineers: "Absolutely stunning! It doesn't sound processed!! Nothing sounds like This. Period "This is the most bomb-ass-chronic-cough-up-your-lungs-and-drool-all-over-yourself-bong-hit of a piece of gear we've ever had a close encounter with." (well said, there)
For more info...
call EveAnna or Hutch at the factory or drop us some email.
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