Manley ELOP+ – Optical Limiter/Compressor

The Manley ELOP+ is a high-quality optical limiter/compressor designed to provide smooth, musical compression with a natural, analog character. Known for its transparent compression and smooth peak limiting, the ELOP+ is a go-to unit for engineers who need dynamic control with elegance and warmth, ideal for both tracking and mixing applications.

Featuring all-tube circuitry and Manley’s signature opto-electronics, the ELOP+ delivers classic optical compression with added flexibility. It includes improved features over the original ELOP, including balanced XLR and 1/4” inputs and outputs, VU meters, and a selectable side-chain filter, allowing you to tailor the compression for various applications such as vocals, drums, or mix bus processing.

Key Features

All-tube optical compressor/limiter with musical, transparent compression
Classic opto-electronics for natural peak control and smooth dynamic range adjustment
Continuous threshold, compression, and gain controls
Selectable side-chain filter for tailoring the compression curve
Balanced XLR and 1/4″ TRS inputs and outputs
VU meters for output level monitoring and compression visual feedback
Bypass switch for easy comparison of compressed vs. uncompressed signal
Ideal for vocals, drums, mix bus, and mastering applications

Technical Specifications

Channels: 2 (Stereo or Dual Mono)
Compression Ratio: Variable, up to 10:1
Attack Time: Program-dependent, typically 2 ms – 40 ms
Release Time: 100 ms – 1.5 sec (program dependent)
Input Impedance: 50 kΩ balanced
Output Impedance: 600 Ω balanced
THD: < 0.1% at +20 dBu output
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0/-1 dB)
Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (universal power supply)
Dimensions: 2U rackmount (19” x 3.5” x 10”)
Weight: Approx. 12 lbs (5.4 kg)

Ideal For

Vocals, drums, and bass compression for adding warmth and clarity
Mix bus processing to add glue and smoothness
Mastering applications requiring subtle, musical dynamic control

The Manley ELOP+ brings the classic, smooth, and transparent sound of optical compression to any studio setup, with added features and enhanced flexibility. It’s the perfect tool for adding analog warmth and precise dynamic control to both individual tracks and mixes.