Manley SLAM!, Owner'S Manual

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INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!...
for choosing the Manley SLAM! . This unit combines Mic and Instrument Preamps, 4 limiters, comprehensive meter-
ing and is ready for or already has the digital converter option. As one might expect, the basic operations are fairly
simple and instructions may not be needed - but - the SLAM! has a lot of advanced features, and we strongly recom-
mend reading through the manual. There are a lot of tricks and features that are not so obvious.
In truth, the SLAM! started with the idea of an updated Electro-Optical Limiter and the original working name was
ELOP II. That didn’t last long. First we developed a fast FET limiter, decided that fast LED metering was approri-
ate, then added a mic pre, decided that this box would make the ideal “analog insert in a digital world”, then added
almost every request and suggestion the customers had given us over the years. And somewhere during all this,
decided each little part had to be right, and much was going to be quite new and elaborate. In the end, ELOP II was
not at all descriptive and after a ‘name this box’ contest on our website it became the SLAM!.
We can start right at the basic tube circuits. These designs are unlike any others we know of, including previous
Manley circuits, so this is not a box with an old mic pre combined with an old Opto Limiter and a borrowed FET
limiter. This is all new. The tube circuit is a hybrid FET/ tube design first used in the Manley Steelhead phono
preamp and provides the advantages of both technologies. You get the low noise of FETs, the headroom of tubes, the
gain of both and lower distortion than either typically, and a new texture in your tool kit.
This is the beginning of the story and continues through the product and the manual. Some manuals seem to imply
that if you use ‘this box’ then you are an instant mastering engineer or top producer with all the tools they use. This
strange manual is filled with warnings, caution flags, grumblings about some aspects of digital and has extended quo-
tations from other other manufacturers. Our intention is to help the user, supply a bit of under-reported info, and give
equal time to both what might help provide the sound you’ve been looking for and what might be considered ques-
tionable or dangerous to your music. The SLAM!, like other powerful processors, can be great or horrible depending
on how it is used or abused and if something here helps avoid disasters, then we have happy customers.
GENERAL NOTES
LOCATION & VENTILATION
The Manley SLAM! must be installed in a stable location with ample ventilation. It is recommended, if this unit
is rack mounted, that you allow enough clearance on the top of the unit such that a constant flow of air can move
through the ventilation holes. Airflow is primarily through the bottom panel vents and out through the top.
You should also not mount the SLAM! where there are likely to be strong magnetic fields, such as directly over
or under power amplifiers or large power-consuming devices. The other gear’s fuse values tend to give a hint of
whether it draws major power and is likely to create a bigger magnetic field. Magnetic fields might cause a hum in
the SLAM! and occasionally you may need to experiment with placement in the rack to eliminate the hum. In most
situations it should be quiet and trouble free.
We also suggest that you get familiar with the back panel switches and jacks before it gets mounted in a rack. If you
have the digital option, experiment with the filter settings, dither, etc to find your favorite settings, then rack it.
WATER & MOISTURE
As with any electrical equipment, this equipment should not be used near water or moisture. Beer is OK though.
SERVICING
The user should not attempt to service this unit beyond that described in the owner’s manual.
Refer all servicing to your dealer or Manley Laboratories. Our service department is available for questions by phone
(909) 627-4256 x325, online at <www.manley.com/service.php> or by email at <service@manleylabs.com>. Fill
in your warranty card! Check the manual - your question is probably anticipated and answered within these pages...
RTFM
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