• Vacuum Tubes: 4 x 12AX7WA dual triodes
• Balanced Transformer Coupled XLR Microphone Input Impedance: 1250 Ohms
• Unbalanced 1/4" Direct Input Impedance: 10 Meg Ohm
• Maximum Input Mic input (Low Gain Setting): -5 dBu or 435mV RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Input Mic input (High Gain Setting): -25 dBu or 44mV RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Input Direct input (Low Gain Setting): +24 dBu or 12V RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Input Direct input (High Gain Setting): +17 dBu or 5.5V RMS @ 0.5% THD
• Maximum Output (1kHz Sine, into 100 kOhm load, 0.1% THD+N: +35 dBu
• Maximum Output (1kHz Sine, into 100 kOhm load, 0.1% THD+N: 43V RMS
• Maximum Output (1kHz Sine, into 600 Ohms load, 0.1% THD+N): +22 dBm
• Hi-current WFDRIVE Balanced Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Output Headroom (referenced to +4 dBu): 31 dB
• Dynamic Range: 118 dB @ LOW GAIN, 100 dB @ HI GAIN

• THD & Noise (1Khz @ +4dBu BW 22Hz-22KHz): 0.004% at Low Gain setting
• THD & Noise (1Khz @ +4dBu BW 22Hz-22KHz): 0.04% at Hi Gain setting
• Noise Floor Micpre (A WGT): - 85dB @ LOW GAIN, -66dB @ HI GAIN
• Signal to Noise Ratio (Ref. to +4dBu): 87dB @ LOW GAIN, 68dB @ HI GAIN
• EIN (22-22kHz BW, A WGT): -129dB with 150 Ohm source impedance @ LO GAIN
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz -0.1dB, +0.3 dB
• Gain via Microphone Input: 40 LOW or 50dB HI GAIN (60dB available via internal jumper)
• Gain via Line Input: 20 or 30dB (40dB available via internal jumper)
• Low Signal Green LED (Output Level): -22 dBu
• High Signal Red LED (Output Level): +24 dBu
• AUTOMUTE warmup delay: 30 seconds
• Power consumption: 36 Watts
• Operating mains voltage: 90 to 254 VAC (internal universal supply)
• Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~60Hz
• Dimensions: 19" x 3 1/2" x 7" (occupies 2u)
• Unit weight: 8.6 lbs.
• Shipping weight: 11.8 lbs.

The Manley FORCE is a high-fidelity, all-tube, 4-channel microphone preamplifier. Its primary application is to serve as the main front-end for multi-channel recording, such as for drums, live bands, or other ensemble recordings. Its high-headroom design and transparent sound make it an excellent choice for tracking vocals, acoustic instruments, and a wide variety of sources where a clean, punchy, and professional sound is required. Its direct inputs also make it a versatile tone-shaping tool for instruments like bass and keyboards.

The "high voltage" design of the Manley FORCE is a key component of its exceptional sound. By providing a regulated 300V DC rail to the vacuum tubes, the unit operates with immense headroom. This means the preamp can handle very hot input signals without distorting or clipping, resulting in a cleaner, more dynamic, and more transparent sound. This design philosophy—"high voltage equals high headroom equals high fidelity"—ensures that the FORCE can capture every nuance of a performance with pristine clarity.

The Hi-Z (high impedance) input on the front panel of the FORCE is a dedicated input designed for line-level and instrument signals, such as electric guitars, bass, or keyboards. Unlike the XLR mic input, which passes through the Manley IRON® transformer, the Hi-Z input is a transformerless design that sends the signal directly into the tube circuit. This provides a clean, clear signal path that preserves the integrity of the instrument's tone while still allowing for the benefit of the all-tube signal path.

Yes, the Manley FORCE is perfectly suited for use with ribbon microphones. With its high-gain settings (up to 60 dB) and a custom-wound Manley IRON® input transformer, it provides plenty of clean, quiet amplification to bring the low-output signal of a ribbon mic up to a professional level. This combination ensures that the full character of the ribbon mic is captured without adding noise or signal degradation.

The FORCE offers a variety of gain options for maximum versatility. The front-panel Gain switch provides settings for 40 dB ("LOW") and 50 dB ("HI"). For signals that require even more gain, an additional 10 dB can be accessed via an internal jumper, providing a total of 60 dB of gain. The Input Level control also acts as a variable pad, allowing you to fine-tune your gain staging for any microphone or input source.

The Manley Power® supply is a custom-designed, high-voltage switch-mode power supply that is integral to the unit's performance. It operates at frequencies well above the audible range, which results in a cleaner, quieter signal path. This design also makes the unit more efficient and allows it to operate anywhere in the world (90V-254V AC) without requiring voltage selection. The immense, regulated voltage it provides to the tubes is a primary reason for the FORCE's massive headroom and dynamic range.