Manley Laboratories Force®

The Manley Force®, 4 channels of pure Class-A tube gain

The Manley Force delivers four channels of all-tube microphone gain, derived from the award-winning Manley CORE® channel strip. Each channel features a 12AX7 dual triode and a custom hand-wound Manley IRON® input transformer, providing the high-fidelity sound and distinctive sonic character that define Manley . Embodying our principle of "high voltage equals high headroom equals high fidelity," the Force offers a transparent, powerful front-end for professional recording.

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.

Quality signal path for microphones and DI instruments

At the core of the Force is its all-tube, Class-A topology. Each channel combines a custom-wound Manley IRON® input transformer with a 12AX7 dual triode vacuum tube, delivering wide dynamic range and rich harmonic detail. The dedicated front-panel Hi-Z input accepts line-level or instrument signals, routing them directly into the tube gain stage for tone shaping electric guitars, basses, and keyboards. If you use plugin amps in your DAW you can FEEL the difference when playing through a tube DI.

Intuitive workflow with professional-grade control

The Force is engineered for streamlined operation in demanding sessions. Each channel provides switchable gain at 40dB or 50dB, phase reverse, and a 120Hz high-pass filter. The continuously variable input attenuator on the front panel functions as a precision pad for optimal gain staging. Seven-segment LED metering delivers clear visual monitoring, while positive-action latching switches ensure tactile, reliable control.