Tom Elmhirst and the Manley Stereo Variable Mu® 

As a TV composer, Vari-Mu is my secret weapon for turning a rush-time demo mix into a musical mix. The Grey version from 2001.

He mentions he rarely goes over 2db of reduction. Thats sweet spot for me too. For me this gear sounds best when used for 1-2 db reduction, with slow attack and fast release time.

This is one of the best and most clearly articulated examples of what this compressor can do. Too many other demos have focussed on solo drum bus or isolated vocals. I care about the mix glue and harmonics going on in those complex instrument lines and the bulk of the track.

Listening to Tom is always exciting. I cant stop learning from him.

when tom speaks, i listen. fantastic interview and demo, thanks!

I volume matched it with the RU-vid volume fader, and the Vari Mu adds a really nice attack to the kick, and glues the dynamics really nicely! Well produced track too.

I want to turn the output pot on the left down a notch so bad haha.

Hi, where can I find audio files with Vari Mu?

I can’t wait to get “Manley” in my studio. I think I’m missing out.

Great Video 🙌🙌Thank You Manley Labs and Tom Elmhirst🔥🔥.

I instantly loved the song. Decided to listen to it on Apple Music. Well. I liked what I hear here, on YT, more than what I heard in the released version. Just tried out Stemchild on the mastering phase. I instantly decided to buy one of these guys (Manley or stemchild). Gravitating towards Manley.

Tom Chain: MIX -> Curve Bender -> Vari Mu -> HEDD

That sounds so good , that mix is incredible.

These videos are excellent! Thank you for making and sharing them. I hope one day to be able to afford one of your wonderful products.

so good!

Which version of the Vari-Mu is Tom using ? Does he have the T-BAR Mod or the original 6386 tube or maybe the 5670 ?

thank you very much for the signal chain, learning

that loop is dope

thanks! more of these plzzz

Just wow

nice flip

Niice

Why is Threshold Min on one side and Max on the other?

Does Tom prefer the Curve Bender before or after the Vari-Mu?