ELOP®+

All-Tube Electro-Optical Dynamics

  • Improved version of the original, acclaimed ELOP Limiter
  • All-tube, electro-optical topology for musical gain reduction
  • Dual-ratio operation: 10:1 Limiter and 3:1 Compressor modes
  • Hand-assembled in California

MSRP:$3,299

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Manley ELOP®+ Electro-Optical Compressor Limiter

The Manley ELOP®+ represents a comprehensive re-engineering of the legendary ELOP Limiter, advancing the all-tube, electro-optical design with added versatility and performance. Hand-built in California, it employs light-dependent (optical) resistor technology with vacuum tube amplification throughout the signal path, to deliver musical, transparent and dynamic control for tracking and mixing sessions.

Musical gain reduction through optical compression


The ELOP+ utilizes electro-optical gain reduction, wherein a light-dependent resistor functions as a voltage-controlled attenuator in the audio path. This topology achieves smooth, artifact-free compression without the complex harmonic products characteristic of other gain reduction methods. The inherent attack and release characteristics produce musical dynamic control that integrates naturally, even into busy arrangements.

Enhanced functionality with dual-ratio operation


Building upon the original design, the ELOP+ incorporates switchable 3:1 compression ratio alongside the classic 10:1 limiting mode, to offer mix buss processing and gentle dynamic shaping. A high-pass side-chain filter allows frequency-selective triggering, preventing low-frequency content from pumping. It's a simple box offering great results easily!

California craftsmanship with premium tube complement


Each ELOP+ is hand-assembled at Manley's California facility using 5751 and 6922 dual triode vacuum tubes throughout the signal path. Housed in a precision CNC-milled chassis, the ELOP+ combines proven electro-optical topology with modern construction standards. This integration of classic circuit design and contemporary manufacturing delivers reliable performance and sonic consistency for professional studio environments.


Ratios

10:1 (Limiter), 3:1 (Compressor)


Tubes

5751, 6922 dual triodes

one each per channel


Max Gain Reduction

22 dB


Dynamic Range

118 dB


THD+N

0.004 %


Frequency Response

10 Hz – 70 kHz ±0.5 dB

 


Power Supply

Universal 90-254 VAC

Specifications

  • 10:1 Limiter and 3:1 Compressor ratios
  • All-tube audio path uses 5751 (gain) and 6922 (White Follower Output) dual triodes each channel
  • Balanced Manley IRON® transformer-coupled XLR Inputs
  • XLR impedance-balanced outputs
  • BYPASS switches and AUTOMUTE with warm-up delay
  • Large illuminated VU meters read Gain Reduction or Output levels
  • STEREO LINK
  • Side-Chain High-Pass Filter
  • Standby Power Consumption: 0.5 Watts
  • Universal internal power supply operates worldwide 90-250V~AC 50/60Hz
  • ALL-TUBE audio path using a 5751 for gain, 6922 White Follower output tube (one each per channel)
  • Silent Conductive Plastic GAIN control.
  • Balanced MANLEY IRON Transformer coupled XLR input.
  • Input impedance: 14 kOhms
  • Maximum input level: +18dBu or 4.8V RMS @ 0.01% THD
  • Hi-current White Follower Impedance Balanced XLR output.
  • Output impedance=150 Ohms
  • Maximum Output with 100 kOhm load= +30dBu @.009%THD+N, BW 22Hz-22Khz, 1Khz sine
  • Maximum Output with 600 Ohm load= +20dBu @.015%THD+N, BW 22Hz-22Khz, 1Khz sine
  • Output Headroom (Referenced to +4dBu)= 26dB
  • Frequency Response= -0.15dB @ 10Hz, -0.1dB @ 20KHz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion (1kHz sine @ +4dBu, BW 22Hz-22kHz) = 0.004 % THD+N
  • Noise Floor Limiter Bypass= -90dBu (BW 22Hz-22kHz)
  • Noise Floor Limiter Engaged= -88dBu (BW 22Hz-22kHz) Input set to Unity gain
  • Dynamic Range= 118dB
  • Signal to Noise Ratio = 92dB (Referenced to +4dBu)
  • Bypass mode = Signal goes thru ALL-TUBE audio path (Bypasses limiter) this is not a “hardwire bypass”
  • Unity Gain= Set Input Attenuator @ 1:00 o’clock
  • Maximum Gain= 13 dB
  • Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)= 77dB (BW 22Hz-22Khz, +4dBu, 1Khz sine)
  • Limiter Ratio= 10:1
  • Compressor Ratio= 3:1
  • Limiter: Attack= 15ms
  • Limiter Release= 200ms
  • Compressor: Attack= 75ms Release= 200ms
  • Attack/Release times measured under following conditions: 4dB of Gain Reduction, 1kHz sine, +4dbu Input level, to 63% of total.
  • Attack times are faster with higher input levels and heavier gain reduction. Typically for complete release, release times increases up to a couple of seconds, depending upon the amount of previous reduction.
  • Maximum Limiting (with +4dBu 1Khz sine)= 12dB
  • Maximum Compression (with +4dBu 1Khz sine)= 6dB
  • Side-Chain High Pass Filter= 80Hz (Internal user adjust jumper to 150Hz)
  • Automute warmup delay=30 seconds
  • Operating mains voltage= 90 to 254 VAC (internal universal power supply)
  • Mains voltage Frequency= 50-60 Hz
  • Power consumption= 26 Watts
  • Dimensions= (w,d,h) 19" x 7 x 3 1⁄2" (occupies 2u)
  • Unit weight= 9.5 Ib
  • Shipping weight= 10 Ib

Frequently Asked Questions

The ELOP+ is distinguished by its unique, fully Class-A, all-tube signal path from input to output. Unlike many optical compressors that may use tubes for color but rely on solid-state gain reduction, the ELOP+ uses a passive light-dependent resistor (LDR) to achieve smooth, transparent gain reduction with very few active components. This design results in a clean, effortless dynamic control that is free from the typical distortion and artifacts found in other compressor types.

The new "Compress" mode on the ELOP+ is designed for subtler, more transparent gain reduction. With a gentle 3:1 ratio, this mode is ideal for adding "glue" and consistency to a full mix or sub-group without over-compressing. It's perfect for applications like bus compression on drums or vocals, where you want to increase the average loudness and density of a signal while preserving its natural dynamics and transient detail.

The ELOP+ is a versatile tool for both tracking and mixing. On individual tracks, it's a go-to for vocals, acoustic guitars, and bass, where its smooth, musical character can add a professional polish. In a mixing context, its new "Compress" mode makes it an excellent choice for a stereo mix bus or sub-groups, where it can be used to gently level a track and add a final layer of sonic consistency.

The side-chain high-pass filter (HPF) on the ELOP+ prevents the compressor from "pumping" or over-reacting to bass frequencies. The detector circuit, which tells the compressor how much to reduce gain, is now filtered so that it ignores sounds below a certain frequency. This allows the compressor to react more to mid-range and high-frequency content, ensuring that a kick drum or bass line doesn't unnecessarily trigger the gain reduction, resulting in a tighter, more controlled low end.

The ELOP+ features a meticulously selected all-tube audio path. Each channel uses one 5751 dual triode tube for the input stage and one 6922 dual triode tube for the output stage. These vacuum tubes are hand-tested and calibrated by Manley to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance, providing the rich, detailed, and transparent sound that the ELOP+ is celebrated for.

Yes, the ELOP+ is a fantastic tool for mastering. Its new "Compress" mode with the 3:1 ratio provides the subtle, musical gain reduction that mastering engineers often seek. Its extremely low distortion and noise, combined with an all-tube signal path, allow it to add a rich, analog character and a gentle sense of "glue" to a stereo mix without compromising its integrity. The HPF side-chain is also a key feature for mastering, as it helps to maintain a punchy low end while controlling the overall dynamics of a track.

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