Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
3
THANK YOU!...
for choosing the Manley SLAM!. This unit combines Mic and Instrument Preamps, 4 limiters, comprehensive
metering and is ready for or already has the digital converter option. As one might expect, the basic operations are
fairly simple and instructions may not be needed - but - the SLAM! has a lot of advanced features, and we strongly
recommend reading through the manual. There are a lot of tricks and features that are not so obvious.
In truth, the SLAM! started with the idea of an updated Electro-Optical Limiter and the original working name was
ELOP II. That didn't last long. First we developed a fast FET limiter, decided that fast LED metering was approriate,
then added a mic pre, decided that this box would make the ideal "analog insert in a digital world", then added almost
every request and suggestion the customers had given us over the years. And somewhere during all this, decided each
little part had to be right, and much was going to be quite new and elaborate. In the end, ELOP II was not at all
descriptive and after a 'name this box' contest on our website it became the SLAM!.
We can start right at the basic tube circuits. These designs are unlike any others we know of, including previous
Manley circuits, so this is not a box with an old mic pre combined with an old Opto Limiter and a borrowed FET
limiter with a conventional digital converter tossed in the salad. This is all new. The tube circuit is a hybrid FET/
tube design first used in the Manley Steelhead phono preamp and provides the advantages of both technologies. You
get the low noise of FETs, the headroom of tubes, the gain of both and lower distortion than either typically, and
a new texture in your tool kit.
This is the beginning of the story and continues through the product and the manual. Some manuals seem to imply
that if you use 'this box' then you are an instant mastering engineer or top producer with all the tools they use. This
strange manual is filled with warnings, caution flags, grumblings about some aspects of digital and has extended
quotations from other other manufacturers. Our intention is to help the user, supply a bit of under-reported info, and
give equal time to both what might help provide the sound you've been looking for and what might be considered
questionable or dangerous to your music. The SLAM!, like other powerful processors, can be great or horrible
depending on how it is used or abused and if something here helps avoid disasters, then we have happy customers.
GENERAL NOTES
LOCATION & VENTILATION
The Manley SLAM! must be installed in a stable location with ample ventilation. It is recommended, if this unit
is rack mounted, that you allow enough clearance on the top of the unit such that a constant flow of air can move
through the ventilation holes. Airflow is primarily through the bottom panel vents and out through the top.
You should also not mount the SLAM! where there is likely to be strong magnetic fields such as directly over or under
power amplifiers or large power consuming devices. The other gear's fuse values tend to give a hint of whether it
draws major power and is likely to create a bigger magnetic field. Magnetic fields might cause a hum in the SLAM!
and occasionally you may need to experiment with placement in the rack to eliminate the hum. In most situations
it should be quiet and trouble free.
We also suggest that you get familiar with the back panel switches and jacks before it gets mounted in a rack. If you
have the digital option, experiment with the filter settings, dither, etc to find your favorite settings, then rack it.
WATER & MOISTURE
As with any electrical equipment, this equipment should not be used near water or moisture. Beer is OK though.
SERVICING
The user should not attempt to service this unit beyond that described in the owner's manual.
Refer all servicing to your dealer or Manley Laboratories. The factory technicians are available for questions by
phone (909) 627-4256 or by email at <service@manleylabs.com>. Fill in your warranty card! Check the manual -
Your question is probably anticipated and answered within these pages...... RTFM