Manley Vari Mu -- Version Clarification

[woods]

Does anybody know whether the scaled down version can be upgraded to the heavy duty mastering version?

And whether the scaled down version can be used for mastering anyway?

ciao,
woods

[Brad Blackwood]

I don't think there's a 'scaled down' version. The only diff I'm aware of is the detented switches instead of pots. Same sound, I believe...

[malice]

OTOH, there are quiet a few different version of vari-mu, due to the availabaility of components ...

I'm sure Eve Ana will come and rescue us on that matter ...

malice

[woods]

Got an email from EveAnna, here it is:


It sounds like it is a normal Variable Mu. Normal ones cannot be upgraded to Mastering Versions. M/S (AKA Vartical/Lateral) Mod can be added for $500.
If the serial number is MSLC#### then it is a normal one as seen on the website.
---
Cheers, EveAnna Manley, President
Manley Laboratories,

[woods]

On the Manley website it states the following as a description of the mastering version:

The Mastering Version of our Variable MU® incorporating detented and logable 1/2dB steps built with 1% metal film resistors on sealed gold-contact Grayhill switches may be custom ordered for an additional $1000 NET added above base cost.


My questions about this are:

Are the detented and logable 1/2 steps and the 1% metal film resistors on Grayhills the only difference between the regular version and the mastering version?

How would you describe a comparison of the two versions?

Can the regular version be used for mastering? Or do you have to have the upgrade to enable it to be used for mastering?

Do you know of anyone using the regular version for mastering?

Do you know of anyone with a regular version with the M/S mod using that for mastering?

ciao,
woods