Manley Nu Mu® – Stereo Limiter/Compressor
The Manley Nu Mu® is a high-end all-tube stereo limiter/compressor designed for mastering and mix bus applications. Known for its musical compression and smooth limiting characteristics, the Nu Mu® is revered for adding analog warmth and presence while providing transparent dynamic control. Featuring a dual mono design, the Nu Mu® is perfect for adding analog character to your stereo mixes, providing both transparency and smoothness while maintaining clarity and punch.
The Nu Mu® uses a high-quality optical circuit paired with 12AX7 and 12AT7 vacuum tubes, delivering a smooth, natural sound. It excels at controlling transients without sacrificing detail or musicality, making it an ideal choice for engineers looking for a musical, color-rich compressor for their final mix or mastering chain.
Key Features
- All-tube stereo limiter/compressor with 12AX7 and 12AT7 vacuum tubes
- Musical and transparent compression, perfect for mastering and mix bus applications
- Optical compression circuit for smooth limiting
- Independent threshold, ratio, attack, release, and gain controls
- Bypass and side-chain filter options for precision control
- Classic VU meters for monitoring output level and gain reduction
- Balanced XLR and 1/4″ TRS inputs and outputs
- Bypass switch for easy comparison of compressed vs. uncompressed signals
Technical Specifications
- Channels: 2 (Stereo or Dual Mono)
- Compression Ratio: Variable from 1.5:1 to 10:1
- Attack Time: 5 ms – 50 ms
- Release Time: 0.3 sec – 1.5 sec (program dependent)
- Threshold Range: -20 dBu to +20 dBu
- Input Impedance: 50 kΩ balanced
- Output Impedance: 600 Ω balanced
- THD: < 0.5% 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. 14 lbs (6.4 kg)
Ideal For
- Mastering engineers seeking smooth, musical dynamic control
- Mix engineers looking to add warmth and glue to their stereo bus
- Studios wanting to integrate a flexible, high-quality limiter/compressor into their final mix or mastering chain
The Manley Nu Mu® is the perfect solution for engineers looking to add analog warmth and musicality to their mixes. Whether you’re compressing a vocal, drum kit, or an entire mix, this all-tube stereo limiter/compressor delivers smooth, transparent compression that retains the integrity of your sound while adding vintage analog character.