UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual - 319 - Chapter 30: Manley Massive Passive EQ
CHAPTER 30
Manley Massive Passive EQ
Overview
Universal Audio’s UAD Powered Plug-In versions of the Manley Massive Pas-
sive EQs represent UA’s most ambitious and detailed EQ model to date. The
two-channel, four-band Manley Massive Passive tube EQ utilizes design
strengths from choice console, parametric, graphic, and Pultec EQs — deliv-
ering a fundamentally different sounding EQ that is beyond compare. The in-
credibly natural, organic results of the Manley design method — evidenced
on albums such as Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Amon Tobin’s Foley Room
and Tori Amos’ A Piano: The Collection — demonstrate how the Massive Pas-
sive’s natural treatment of a signal lends itself to both radical tonal shaping as
well as delicate vocal shading or subtle mastering enhancement.
Painstakingly modeled over a six-month period, and rigorously scrutinized for
authenticity by Manley’s engineering team, Universal Audio’s standard and
mastering versions of the Massive Passive EQ plug-in are included. Both cap-
ture the behavior of the original hardware; from the unusual filter curves, to
the multiple band interdependencies, right down to the tube amplifier distor-
tion, and all-important transformer/inductor hysteresis.
“Passive” refers specifically to the tone shaping elements of the equalizer,
which use only resistors, inductors, and capacitors to create all frequency
changes. The Massive Passive utilizes older parallel concepts rather than
non-interactive series designs as defined by George Massenburg’s original
parametric EQ. The Frequency controls intentionally interact with one an-
other, as do the Gain and Bandwidth controls. While this may result in the ap-
pearance of some unorthodox knob positions, it is specifically these band in-
terdependencies between all bell, shelf and cut filters that allow for the
Massive Passive’s natural and organic sound.
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