Recording - August 2017 - 39
Variable Mu for UAD-2 and Apollo
lot of dynamics, especially in the electronic realm or in pop music with lots of
synths, pads, and samples. The Nu Mu
does not color as much as the Variable
Mu.
In use: mastering
To check out the Nu Mu as a mastering
tool, I took it over to Mystery Room
Mastering, home base for my friend
and Recording contributor Justin Perkins.
Justin has the mastering version of the
Variable Mu installed, as well as the
Universal Audio plug-in, so we spent a
session comparing and contrasting the
three side by side.
I'll talk more about the plug-in in the
sidebar; for now, let's talk Variable vs.
Nu Mu. Justin matched the input levels
of the two units using test tones and
played a number of premastered mixes
into both units: modern dance pop,
Americana, straightahead rock, and
more. Instantly it was apparent how
much cleaner and less weighted the Nu
Mu was than the Variable Mu.
It'd easy to jump to the conclusion that
the Variable Mu must be "better", but the
transparent, open clarity of the Nu Mu is
beautifully dimensional and controlled. It's
better suited to mastering when you want
a well-done mix to come through and not
highlight the sound of the compressor. The
Variable Mu is a better choice for adding
a nice analog dust to recordings that need
a little "sumthin, sumthin".
Both can live nicely side by side in
the same setup. Justin really liked the
HIP function and mentioned that if he
owned the Nu Mu, he would probably
rarely turn it off. It also reminded him of
the Smart Dynamics function found on
his Dangerous Compressor.
His overall take was that "the Variable
Mu is creamier and slower while the
Nu Mu is punchier, faster, and sonically
imparts less of itself." He also felt that
the lows bloom a bit more on the older
unit, while the Nu Mu imparts a nice hi-fi
sheen and better retains the "air" of a
source.
Conclusion
The Nu Mu is a very nice box that
isn't just a "Variable Mu Lite". It stands
on its own as a modern mastering
compressor that also makes a stellar
mix-finishing tool on the 2-bus.
Now the best news: this piece of Manley
tube goodness can be yours for the same
price as the previously reviewed ELOP+.
This is a bargain price for a pro level
device, and well worth it for project
studios and pro rooms alike.
PRICE: Nu Mu, $2800;
Variable Mu $4400
(mastering version $5750)
MORE FROM: Manley Labs,
www.manley.com
http://www.manley.com
http://www.transaudiogroup.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - August 2017
Contents
Recording - August 2017 - Intro
Recording - August 2017 - Cover1
Recording - August 2017 - Cover2
Recording - August 2017 - 1
Recording - August 2017 - 2
Recording - August 2017 - 3
Recording - August 2017 - 4
Recording - August 2017 - 5
Recording - August 2017 - Contents
Recording - August 2017 - 7
Recording - August 2017 - 8
Recording - August 2017 - 9
Recording - August 2017 - 10
Recording - August 2017 - 11
Recording - August 2017 - 12
Recording - August 2017 - 13
Recording - August 2017 - 14
Recording - August 2017 - 15
Recording - August 2017 - 16
Recording - August 2017 - 17
Recording - August 2017 - 18
Recording - August 2017 - 19
Recording - August 2017 - 20
Recording - August 2017 - 21
Recording - August 2017 - 22
Recording - August 2017 - 23
Recording - August 2017 - 24
Recording - August 2017 - 25
Recording - August 2017 - 26
Recording - August 2017 - 27
Recording - August 2017 - 28
Recording - August 2017 - 29
Recording - August 2017 - 30
Recording - August 2017 - 31
Recording - August 2017 - 32
Recording - August 2017 - 33
Recording - August 2017 - 34
Recording - August 2017 - 35
Recording - August 2017 - 36
Recording - August 2017 - 37
Recording - August 2017 - 38
Recording - August 2017 - 39
Recording - August 2017 - 40
Recording - August 2017 - 41
Recording - August 2017 - 42
Recording - August 2017 - 43
Recording - August 2017 - 44
Recording - August 2017 - 45
Recording - August 2017 - 46
Recording - August 2017 - 47
Recording - August 2017 - 48
Recording - August 2017 - 49
Recording - August 2017 - 50
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Recording - August 2017 - 70
Recording - August 2017 - 71
Recording - August 2017 - 72
Recording - August 2017 - Cover3
Recording - August 2017 - Cover4
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