Check out Mix magazine's review of the EQ500 Combo from the October 1997 issue.

The microphone preamplifier section of this unit is based on fully differential topology with its known propensity for cancelling out even-order harmonic distortion components. We teamed this superb and full-featured microphone preamp with the famous EQ 500 passive EQ circuitry coupled to a second differential line-amp to make a stunning combination for field recording or direct-to-tape tracking for which we also provide built-in illuminated VU metering as well as an Insert point for flexible operation with other outboard effect units. (And yes, the Mic Pre and the Equalizer sections can be used completely independently.) 

Up to 55dB of total gain is available through the whole unit, structured as 46dB from the Mic Pre section plus up to 9dB more from the EQ/Line amplifier. All inputs and outputs are balanced transformer coupled. The EQ section is a refreshing revival of one of the most musical passive EQ’s from the past– the "heart" section having been designed by Art Davis who seems to have worked for many (or is it most?) of the historic companies: Altec Lansing, Cinema Products, Universal Recording, and of course, Langevin... always taking his seminal design along with him.

The complexity of the 2dB stepped switching (using gold-contact custom built Grayhill switches in our reincarnation) is solely for the purpose of having no more than 3 components, (1 R, 1 L, 1 C) in the signal path at any given moment for maximum signal purity. We cleverly added to this historic passive EQ circuit the choice of either PEAK or SHELF modes for each band giving sufficient flexibility within the confines of musical, accurate tonality. Similar to the Variable Mu’s topology, the MIC/EQ 500 uses our exclusive differential circuitry, renowned for preserving delicate imaging information. 

The output attenuator allows the overall gain to be kept constant while boosting or cutting and, more importantly, provides for optimization of noise levels especially when used in conjunction with the Mic Input Level control which functions as a variable input pad. Another sometimes desirable trick is to push the tubes into distortion by turning up the Mic Input Level while turning down the Line Output Level control in order to flavor the sound with a bit of grunge and overdrive.

 
 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Fully differential all-tube design: 2 x 5751, 1 x 6414, 1 x 7044 or 5687 dual triodes

  • MANLEY transformer coupled Balanced Inputs and Outputs

  • Power Consumption: 84 watts

  • NOTE: Operating mains voltage: Units are purpose built for original destination country's mains voltage: 100V, 120V, or 220-240VAC as indicated on the serial number badge. One of the two power transformers in this unit must be replaced in order to change mains operating voltage. 120VAC units may NOT be rewired to put the primaries of the main power transformer in series for 220-240V operation or a large radiated field of hum will develop. If changing locations/voltages, the main power transformer must be replaced with the dedicated one for the voltage at which it will operate.

  • Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60Hz

  • Size 19" X 12" X 3.5" (occupies 2u)

  • Shipping Weight: 17 lbs.

MIC PRE SECTION

  • High current 48V phantom powering built-in

  • Mic input PHASE REVERSE switch

  • Gain: 46dB maximum

  • Frequency Response: -2 dB 5Hz to 60KHz

  • Max. Output : +28dBu, +24dBv (into 1 kOhm load)

  • <.025% THD @ 1KHz S/N ratio: 100dB typical

  • Input Impedance: 2400 Ohms

  • Output Impedance: 300 Ohms

LINE AMP & EQ SECTION

  • Gain: 9dB maximum (no eq)

  • Frequency Response: -2 dB 8 Hz to 35 KHz

  • Max. Output: +28dBu, +24dBv (into 1 kOhm load)

  • <.004% THD @ 1KHz S/N ratio: 98dB typical

  • Input Impedance 1000 Ohms

  • Output Impedance 30 Ohms MIC IN TO LINE OUT

  • Frequency Response: -1 dB 10 Hz to 20 KHz

  • <.03% THD @ 1KHz S/N ratio: 95dB typical

  • Power Consumption: 84 watts

Specifications subject to change because they just might.

 
 

TECH NOTES

UPGRADE 6-2003: INSTALLING AUXILLIARY POWER TRANSFORMER FOR MANLEY MIC/EQ 500 

PURPOSE: To up-rate the amperage capability of the heater supply.  
METHOD: To install a separate dedicated transformer for the heater circuit. 
UNITS AFFECTED: Serial numbers for units that will benefit from this update are
MPE5000 (10/1996) through MPE5057 (11/2001). 

Contact us for upgrade instructions.

FAQ #1: THIS THING ISN’T WORKING. I JUST BOUGHT IT. FOR THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY, IT NEEDS TO FUNCTION.

OK, listen up: the XLR INPUTS and XLR OUTPUTS are TRANSFORMER-COUPLED so that means you HAVE TO have something connected to all of the pins. 

PIN 1: GROUND
PIN 2: HOT (+) POSITIVE
PIN 3: COLD (-) NEGATIVE

You cannot "float" Pin 3. You can GROUND it if you are driving it from an unbalanced source. But you cannot hook it up to "nothing".

Pay attention when interfacing with some of these interfaces like your Apollo. If you are using TRS - XLR cables, make sure that it is wired:

TRS TIP = HOT (+) to XLR Pin 2
TRS RING = COLD (-) to XLR Pin 3
TRS SLEEVE = GROUND to XLR Pin 1

or 

TS - XLR cable, make sure it is wired:
TS TIP = HOT (+) to XLR Pin 2
TS SLEEVE = GROUND to XLR Pin 1 AND Pin 3