This was one of the first major pieces of gear that I ever bought.  I knew that I was annoying my manager BB at Circle House because I kept stealing it from other rooms.  I was so in love with it’s sound.  And that sound can basically be summed up in one word, HUGE.  The Varimu is very transparent in comparison to other compressors in it’s price range, but it packs a punch like no other.  I see a lot of mastering engineers using this box, it gives mixes a nice polish.

    The Manley VariMu is also great for tracking, especially when you’re recording someone that has a very unique voice and you want to compress and control their vocal without adding too much coloration.

PROS

-very versatile compressor

-can be used for mastering

-great for tracking and mixing

-can help you add size to a mix

CONS

-tubes will need maintenanced every 4 to 5 years