Just a few notes for plug-in users.
One question that gets asked a lot is “Why no ‘Link’ switch “or “Why not a stereo EQ with one set of
controls?” Yeah, it would be sweet sometimes, especially if fewer knobs resulted in lower cost. The most
accurate answer is “you guys are spoiled, ha ha”. To do it in digital is almost a no-brainer and is just a matter
of passing a few numbers to the other side's parameter registers. To do it on an analog compressor is a bit
more involved but still pretty easy and not pricey. But doing it on an analog EQ, requires big expensive
multi-deck switches, pots, and practically all audio switching be done with relays or FETs. Now given that
the rotary switches and all the pots are already custom and difficult to source, getting ones that are twice as
deep, and 4 times rarer, and not eliminate the need for individual channel control, would add a lot of cost to
the unit. Besides that, considering that the Mini is really stuffed with parts, just routing printed circuit board
traces, would be difficult and involve compromises to the integrity. Basically, a stereo link or single set of
knobs is way more difficult to do for an analog EQ, somewhat easier for some analog compressors and
linking within an algorithm is extremely easy. Many DSP guys envy analog for how simple designs often
just sound great, we analog-heads envy a few cheap & easy aspects of digital.
Next question…”Why no Manley EQ plug-in?” Maybe we are a bit too picky, but we haven’t heard a plug in
that really approximates the subtleties of an inductor based EQ or even a transformer. Maybe some day, we’ll
combine our knowledge with some DSP wizard’s knowledge and do something cool, and cheap (which is
really what you are asking for, right?). We might also say, that we would prefer to do something new and
different than try to clone our existing stuff. If and when Manley does a plug-in it should be at least as radical
and special as the hardware. In other words, take advantage of digital technology and do what it can do best,
rather than the questionable effort of trying to recreate (again) analog processes especially if this is where
digital technology is at its weakest or most immature for now. However, like yourselves, we do use plug-ins,
music programs, etc, and evaluate too many to name, and we are keeping our ears and eyes open. Of course,
some of you know that the we have contributed to some non-Manley plug-ins that are highly regarded.
Meanwhile progress continues and we are continuing to listen, and maybe some day we'll hook up with some
adventurous DSP hot shots with more on their minds than "clone market $". We've lost count on how many
1176 and N*VE emulations and simulations and copies and look-alikes there are. One was enough and none
seem to truly stand out, but all seem to fall short of the original for most pundits. In fact, in their day, most of
the originals had a far weaker reputation (disposable) than eBay sellers might want you to think about.
Or this question…” Have you guys thought about digital controlled analog so that maybe we can control the
EQ like a plug-in and automate or even recall settings?” Gee, we would love to but….. we, as an industry,
just don’t have the technology yet that would enable that without compromising the signal integrity (and do it
at a reasonable cost). For us, that has to be a prime consideration, and it is really why most of our customers
come to Manley. We’ve been approached by a few companies asking to put our front panels on a computer
screen for recalls, but none have suggested any reason why that would be better or more accurate or cheaper
than a pencil and paper, especially when we supply a paper template in the back of the manual. So, our
decisions are based on why people buy our stuff, which is usually the quality and sound. Meanwhile, we are
keeping our ears and eyes open for some enabling technology that might allow no-loss remote control .
Or the big question…”Why do analog EQs sound better or at least different than my 50 plug-ins?” Maybe
DSP guys trying to model analog have zero experience with analog (or music production). Maybe young
guys who haven’t yet developed their ears are developing audio software. Maybe we can motivate the DSP
wizards to develop their hearing if we point out that the best analog was all done by guys with great
ears.Maybe FIR filters used everywhere in digital audio might be a little more audible than some gurus
presume. Maybe human hearing and both analog and digital processing are deeper topics than most people
believe and all of us are still learning. The good news is that the difference is narrowing every year and
maybe some day the choice will be mostly whether this signal path is analog or digital or the order that you
prefer to process or whether you prefer LCD screens or physical knobs and switches.
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