IDENTIFYING THE DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE VARIABLE MUŽ

The Manley Stereo Variable MuŽ Limiter/Compressor has been in production since 1994 and all builds 

of these over the years all very similar. However, as expected for a model that has been in production 

this long, there are some mechanical and electrical differences between the units, and we have broken

them down into four basic groups. If you are considering modifying your unit to utilize

Paul's special "T-Bar" Mod, you will need to know which version you have in order to get the right kit.

As there can be some overlap between production versions, serial numbers alone cannot be used to 

identify which Version you have. It is best to visually inspect the guts of your unit to really know which 

Version you have. The serial numbers will give you a rough guide only. Take a peek inside by

removing the top cover and try to figure out which Version you have by matching what you see with the

following descriptions. If you are unclear as to the version you own after reviewing the layouts and

descriptions of  all four types (or you have a Mastering version, which has a different serial number 

sequence), then contact Paul in our Service Center and he will assist you. This is best done by filling in 

the Service Request form here.

 

VERSION 1: Uses 6386 input tubes and 12BH7 output tubes. Most of these have round (Sowter

brand) input transformers. There are 3 power transformers inside the unit. Version 1 units have 

series-connected heaters for the two 6386 tubes (remove one tube, and both go dark). 

These were manufactured from 8/1994 until around 3/1996, serial numbers MSLC001 through 

MSLC123. Requires adapter board #6-1.

Here's a Version One unit guts with SOWTER input and output transformers:

Here's another Version One unit that has been upgraded with Manley Magnetics input and output transformers which have been remounted as described below. The two separate B+ transformers were also replaced with MCI manufactured ones. Also you can see this unit has the heater bridge diode moved to the side of the unit to improve heat dissipation for it.

 

VERSION 2: Uses 6386 input tubes, 7044 output tubes, rectangular (Manley brand)

input transformers. They have 3 power transformers inside. Two 8ohm heater voltage dropping resistors 

are used for each 6386 tube. These units originally had the input transformers mounted flat on the circuit 

board. Units that have been returned to the factory for service have had their input transformers

replaced and re-mounted in a vertical configuration at about a 30 degree angle to improve noise issues.

Version 2 units were produced from 3/1996 until 6/1996, serial numbers MSLC7124 through

MSLC7242. Requires adapter board #12-2.

 

VERSION 3: Same as Version 3, except uses 5670 input tubes instead of the 6386. All

these units were supplied with Manley input transformers, and most were mounted

vertically at about a 30 degree angle. Produced from 6/1996 until 10/1997, serial numbers

MSLC5243 through MSLC5569. Requires adapter board #12-34.

 

VERSION 4: Easy to identify, as it has only one power transformer which protrudes

about 3" from the rear of the unit. Built from 10/1997 to 2/2004, serial number MSLC5570 -

MSLC5576 then MSLC6577 and up to around MSLC61673 are all Version 4.  

(Except any unit with a 7-prefix is a Version 2, and any unit with a 8-prefix is a Version 4a).

Requires adapter board #12-34.

VERSION 4a: Same as Version 4 above except uses 12AX7EH in the gain stage 

and the shorter 5687 instead of 7044 output tubes. Produced 2/2004 to present, serial numbers are 

MSLC8####, basically numbers MSLC81700 and up. Also Requires adapter board #12-34.

Here is a Version 4a gutz:

2004 Production Manley Variable MuŽ

Click picture for a bigger view.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to overlapping production runs, special order units, parts

availability, etc. it is sometimes difficult to determine exactly which version you have by

serial number and date alone. It is usually best to remove the top cover, check the input

tube type, and notes on this page and compare your unit to the drawings which are shown in the

installation instructions for the four versions.

MANLEY REPAIR DEPOT 
ATT: PAUL FARGO 
799 W. Calle Medico
Oracle, AZ 85623 USA
TEL: +1 (909) 627-4256 x325
FAX: +1 (909) 628-2482 		Factory address:
Manley Laboratories, Inc. 
13880 Magnolia Ave.
Chino, CA 91710 USA
TEL: +1 (909) 627-4256
FAX: +1 (909) 628-2482

Location of this page online: 

http://www.manleylabs.com/techpage/VARIABLEMUVERSIONS.html

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