IDENTIFYING THE DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE VARIABLE MU®
The Manley Stereo Variable Mu® Limiter Compressor has been in production since 1994, and all builds of these over the years are 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. 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. 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 8 Ohm 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.
VERSION 3: Same as Version 2, 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.
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).
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 6/2013, serial numbers are MSLC8####. Here is a Version 4a gutz:
VERSION 9: Produced 6/2013 to present, serial numbers MSLC9#### have a new PCB layout improving heat management and build efficiency. Also, the hardwire bypass is done by relays at the XLR jacks reducing about 20" of Mogami wire in the audio path. See pic below:
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 compare your unit to those shown on this page.
For further info please contact our service department.