The Backbone delivers comprehensive routing flexibility beyond conventional insert switching. A dedicated Mid-Side matrix positioned between inserts 2 and 3 enables independent processing of center and side information within the stereo field. Inserts 4 and 5 feature swappable signal order for optimal processor sequencing, while the injection point between inserts 7 and 8 incorporates a three-function Mix-Fade control for parallel processing and creative blend applications.
Backbone Mastering Console
Backbone Mastering Console
The centerpiece of your professional mastering setup
- Gold contact relay-switched inserts for up to 8 stereo processors
- Clean when you need it, tons of unique mojo if you dial it in!
- Integrated M/S (Mid Side) matrix and unique parallel processing
- Hand-assembled in California using precision Grayhill stepped attenuators
Backbone - transparent mastering matrix with analog mojo!
The Manley Backbone serves as the foundation of professional analog and hybrid mastering systems. It offers relay-switched routing for eight stereo inserts with absolute signal integrity. Based upon Manley's custom console engineering expertise, this stereo insert switcher boasts over 90 high-reliability relays, true hard-wire bypass topology, and fully balanced signal paths throughout. Precision Grayhill stepped attenuators at input and output stages ensure repeatable gain structure and effortless calibration across sessions. Add to all of that its unique M/S stereo width enhancements, and you know why this is a mastering engineer's secret weapon. A clean and transparent helper that can add a ton of mojo if you let it go wild!
Balanced connectivity with professional-grade components
Built on fully balanced signal architecture, the Backbone maintains sonic transparency across all routing configurations. DB25 Tascam-format connectors provide reliable, high-density interfacing with outboard equipment, while gold-contact relays throughout the signal path ensure low-resistance switching without degradation. Hard-wire bypass topology allows the input to pass directly to output when all processing is disengaged, preserving absolute signal purity.
Precision engineering for demanding mastering environments
The Backbone represents Manley's approach to mastering infrastructure: uncompromising transparency combined with practical functionality. Hand-assembled at Manley's California facility with professional-grade components throughout, the Backbone provides the routing flexibility and signal integrity required in world-class mastering studios. Its robust construction and repeatable switching performance make it an enduring centerpiece for any mastering chain.
Inserts
8 balanced stereo inserts
M-S Matrix
Integrated between inserts 2 & 3
Frequency Response
10 Hz – 100 kHz, ±0.1 dB
Max Signal Level
+29 dBu
Dynamic Range
124 dB
Dimensions
19″ × 3.5″ × 12″
2U
Specifications
- 3 x Balanced Stereo Inputs
- 8 x Balaced Stereo Inserts
- Selected Input can be mixed to parallel outputs
- Patchable SEND and RETURN
- Balanced signal path all the way
- Left - Right Reverse Switch
- Absolute Polarity Reverse Switch
- Bypass GAINS makes passive signal path
- Over 90 nice relays employed
- EAO switch buttons can be easily custom labeled
- INPUT and OUTPUT GAINS use 4 x 24 position Grayhill switch attenuators
- SUM - DIFFERENCE (MS Matrix) can be used for Inserts 2 & 3
- Separate SUM and DIFFERENCE outputs available on rear panel
- SWAP order button can be used to reverse the order for Inserts 4 & 5
- MIX - FADE injection between 7 & 8 with mode select
- Expensive Penny & Giles rotary fader/mixer
- I/O Inserts connection system can be ordered with ELCO or DB25 (you choose)
- Bulletproof MANLEY build quality. But of course!
- Frequency Response: ± 0.1 dB, 10Hz-100KHz
- THD + Noise @ +4 dBu input level: 0.0015% A-WGT
- THD + Noise @ +22 dBu input level: 0.0011% A-WGT
- IMD60 4:1@ +4 dBu input level: 0.0017%
- IMD60 4:1@+22 dBu input level: 0.0035%
- Crosstalk Rejection: ≥ 95dB @ 1 kHz between Gains and Mix-Fade Stages
- Crosstalk Rejection: ≥ 70db @ 1kHz at SUM-DIF stage
- Common Mode Rejection: ≥ 100dB @ 100Hz; ≥ 95dB @ 1KHz; ≥ 80dB @ 10KHz
- Noise floor: -95 dBu, Bandwidth 22Hz-22KHz A-WGT
- Maximum Signal Level: +29dBu
- Dynamic Range: 124dB
- Input Impedance: 30K Ohms
- Output Impedance: 150 Ohms
- Input/Output Stepped Gain Switches accuracy: ±0.05dB
- Power Consumption: 60 watts
- Mains Fuse: 1A @ 100~120VAC; 0.5A @ 220 ~ 240VAC
- Mains Fuse type: 5mm x 20mm SLO-BLO GDC glass fuse, 250V AC rating
- 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. The power transformer in this unit must be rewired in order to change mains operating voltage.
- Unit Size: 19" x 10" x 3.5" (occupies 2u) Note: add 5" behind unit for cable allowance
- Unit Weight: 13 lbs.
- Shipping Weight: 19 dim. (international); 17 lbs. (USA)
- Shipping Box Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9"
Frequently Asked Questions
The Manley Backbone is the nerve center of a professional mastering studio.
M-S (Mid-Side) processing is a powerful mastering technique that separates a stereo signal into a "Mid" channel (the center, or mono information) and a "Side" channel (the stereo, or difference information). The Backbone has an integrated M-S matrix between inserts 2 and 3, which allows the engineer to apply processing (such as EQ or compression) to the center and sides of a stereo mix independently. This provides a great deal of control over the stereo image, allowing for targeted adjustments without affecting the entire signal.
Detented (or stepped) controls, such as the 24-position Grayhill switch attenuators on the Backbone, are essential for mastering equipment. They ensure that every setting is perfectly repeatable and can be precisely recalled for future sessions or client revisions. Unlike continuous potentiometers, which can drift, detented switches provide a specific, repeatable value for each click, allowing for effortless and accurate session recall.
The Manley Backbone is designed to be the central hub for a complete mastering chain, featuring eight balanced stereo inserts. This allows you to connect and control up to eight separate pieces of stereo outboard gear—such as EQs, compressors, and limiters—within your signal path.
The unique 3-Function MIX-FADE output control on the Backbone provides powerful and flexible creative options. It offers three distinct modes: MIX mode, which allows you to mix in a parallel signal (e.g., a parallel compressor or reverb) between inserts 7 and 8; a WIDEN mode, which mixes in the out-of-phase "Difference" signal from the input to subtly widen the stereo image; and a FADER mode, which uses the Penny & Giles rotary fader to provide smooth and accurate level fades.
A true hard-wire bypass ensures that when a piece of gear or the entire unit is bypassed, the signal is routed directly from the input to the output without passing through any active circuitry. This provides a completely clean and transparent signal path, allowing the engineer to perform A/B comparisons with the processed signal and to ensure that the unprocessed signal remains in its purest, most pristine state.
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