| Yes we
do! We have built a fair number of mastering
consoles and we are pretty well versed in the general
needs of mastering. So far, each console we have
built has been different and we have worked closely
with the mastering engineer to meet their individual
needs. We have certain techniques that combine enough
audiophilia with pro performance. We acknowledge
that the requirements of mastering are truly demanding,
but we're used to that by now.
Manley Mastering Consoles are based on a few
simple and proven philosophies:
1) We try to make them as "passive"
as possible using switches (or relays) and as
few amps as possible.
2) We try to simplify where possible and discourage
the "every possible feature syndrome"
for this application. Each feature brings in a
penalty of a possible compromise in signal quality
and also adds to the price. Console reliability
is a big reality.
3) Highest quality switches, parts, wire and
connectors etc throughout. Componentry WE have
a ten-year track record with. No compromise on
quality anywhere.
There are a number of basic types of mastering
console and they are all very different from recording
mixers.
1) Primarily Monitoring:
These generally have 3 to 6 inputs that
can be routed to a processing path and a monitoring
path. These would have a big 24 position detented
monitor control in 2 dB steps, mono, mute, and
buttons to select 1 pair of 4 sets of monitors.
They may have meters (usually with attenuation),
1/2 dB level trims, "compare" (source
& processed) buttons or other useful features.
2) Primarily Processing:
Selection of 4 to 6 "inserts", level
trims, metering, fader, M/S (Vertical/Lateral),
etc.
3) Cutting: Similar
to monitoring except with a preview path plus
some remotes to the lathe.
4) Digital: Sorry
we do not do that yet except for the WaveDAC which
has 4 analog inputs, 4 digital inputs, insert,
volume control and speaker selection. At present
we have a 20 bit UltraAnalog DAC and it will be
upgradable/available with a 24/96 DAC in 2000.
This may be the most cost effective if your studio
is new or perhaps "project mastering"
is a reasonable way to describe it.
5) Modular: Relay switching
in 2U boxes for "inserts", source selection,
destination select plus utility boxes with 1/2 dB
+/- 6 dB detented gain trims, MS, etc. One would
patch together various boxes to perform most console
functions at a lower cost and greater flexibility
but it won't be quite as pretty.
Mastering Consoles
just completed for:
Have a look... Here are
just a few of our
Manley Custom Mastering Consoles
we have built in the last few years:
 We
build custom mastering consoles all the time.
Pictured here is Hutch with a custom console we
built in 1997 for King Studios Malaysia.
Below is the rear view of the above console
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