Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (12)
$2,999.00
Guitar Center
$2,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$2,699.00 New
$2,088.88 Used
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$2,999.00
B&H
$2,999.00
Thomann
4.9 (7)
$2,655.00 $2,635.00 $20.00 · All time low
Vintage King
$2,999.00

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Manley Force". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Elevate your sound engineering to celestial heights with the Manley Force, a 4-channel tube mic preamp that combines Manley Labs' legendary audio fidelity with robust, modern functionality. Ideal for the discerning audio professional seeking unparalleled clarity and warmth, the Manley Force is a masterpiece of design, borrowing heavily from the lauded CORE for its circuitry. Its comprehensive controls and versatile inputs ensure precision and ease in capturing your unique sound signature, making it an indispensable tool in any studio setup.

Key Features:

  • 4-channel tube mic preamp with high voltage, headroom, and fidelity.
  • Borrowed circuitry from the acclaimed Manley CORE.
  • Each channel equipped with 48v phantom power switch.
  • Up to 120Hz high pass filter and phase inversion switch.
  • Variable input attenuator for meticulous sound control.
  • Selectable low and high gain options for versatile recording needs.
  • Silent input level control to maintain pristine audio quality.
  • Super-visible peak metering for accurate monitoring.
  • 1/4" direct input, drawing inspiration from Manley SLAM and CORE units.

Owner's manual

Manley Force User Manual

Product specs

Preamp Type Tube
Number of Channels 4
Phantom Power Yes
Analog Inputs 4 x 1/4", 4 x XLR
Analog Outputs 4 x XLR
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Rack Spaces 2U
Height 3.5"
Depth 7"
Width 19"
Weight 8.6 lbs.

FAQs

What type of preamp is the Manley Force, and how does it affect sound quality?

The Manley Force is a tube preamp, known for its warm, rich sound character. Tube preamps like the Force are often favored for adding harmonic depth and smoothness to recordings, making them ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments.

How many channels does the Manley Force offer, and what are its connectivity options?

The Manley Force provides 4 channels, each with both XLR and 1/4" inputs, and XLR outputs. This configuration allows for versatile connectivity with a variety of microphones and other audio equipment in a studio setting.

Does the Manley Force support phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Manley Force includes phantom power, enabling the use of condenser microphones which require external power to operate.

What are the dimensions of the Manley Force, and how much rack space does it require?

The Manley Force measures 19" in width, 3.5" in height, and 7" in depth. It occupies 2U of rack space, making it suitable for integration into standard studio rack setups.

Is the Manley Force suitable for professional studio use?

Yes, the Manley Force is designed for professional studio environments, offering high-quality tube preamplification with four channels, making it a versatile choice for recording multiple sources simultaneously.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Manley Force 4-channel Mic Preamp Overview by Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Manley Force 4-channel Mic Preamp Overview by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Manley Force 4-channel Mic Preamp Overview by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Manley Force Demo & Review #tubesrule by Alec Brits

Manley Force Demo & Review #tubesrule

Alec Brits

Alec Brits

Video thumbnail for Manley Force 4-channel Mic Preamp Review by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Manley Force 4-channel Mic Preamp Review by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Focusrite ISA vs Manley Force vs Universal Audio 4-710 - Preamp challenge !! by Marco Primeau Q & A

Focusrite ISA vs Manley Force vs Universal Audio 4-710 - Preamp challenge !!

Marco Primeau Q & A

Marco Primeau Q & A

Video thumbnail for Manley FORCE Four Channel Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier by manleylabs

Manley FORCE Four Channel Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier

manleylabs

manleylabs

Video thumbnail for Manley Force 4-channel Tube Mic Preamp Overview by Sweetwater

Manley Force 4-channel Tube Mic Preamp Overview

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for My first tests with the Manley force preamps ! by Marco Primeau Q & A

My first tests with the Manley force preamps !

Marco Primeau Q & A

Marco Primeau Q & A

Video thumbnail for Are Tube Preamps Overrated? | Manley Force 4 - Channel Preamp | MMP: EP46 by Carl Moore Music

Are Tube Preamps Overrated? | Manley Force 4 - Channel Preamp | MMP: EP46

Carl Moore Music

Carl Moore Music

Video thumbnail for EveAnna Manley présente le Manley Force @ Home Studio by Pourlesmusiciens.com

EveAnna Manley présente le Manley Force @ Home Studio

Pourlesmusiciens.com

Pourlesmusiciens.com

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality with sturdy knobs and buttons

  • High fidelity signal with clean, three-dimensional sound

  • Offers deep detail and dimension, enhancing recordings

  • Capable of producing good tube drive without needing an attenuator

  • Quiet operation, even at high volumes

  • Provides rich, smooth, and hefty color without sounding overly round

  • Simple, ergonomic design for easy workflow

  • Offers a pleasing tube compression for drums

  • Versatile across various instruments, including vocals and guitars

  • Robust construction, described as "built like a tank"

CONS

  • High-quality comes with a high price point

  • Fixed 120 Hz high-pass filter limits flexibility

  • Some units may experience stiff knobs or intermittent glitches in channels

  • Lacks additional features like EQ or compression found in some competitors

Critic Reviews

Manley Force Microphone Preamplifier

mixonline.com

Manley’s Force microphone preamp excels with its stunning sound quality and robust build, delivering pristine audio for both vocals and instruments. The tube amplification provides impressive headroom, making recordings rich and vibrant. However, the preamp's limited gain options can struggle with low-output ribbon microphones, and the absence of insert points might frustrate some users. For those who prioritize sound quality over additional features, the Force stands out as a worthy investment, proving itself a solid choice in its category.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ed Stasium uses Manley Force

Ed Stasium

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via AudioTechnology

talked about in this article "I have done the majority of recordings at home where I don’t have access to a large format desk, so the Manley gear serves me very well here. The Force is a four channel tube preamp and I use it all the time. I love it on drum overheads, and on electric and acoustic guitars. "

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Manley Force, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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