The Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone features a rich tonal balance and liquid character that is consistently admired for instruments such as guitars, drum overheads, saxophone, and especially vocals!
The Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone shares the same electronic attributes as the Gold Reference Series, but has a center-fixed cardioid-only capsule with a thicker gauge (6 micron) gold sputtered diaphragm. With the similar film thickness and construction, similar high frequency resonance (a little edge), similar proximity effect and pretty good immunity from pops and sibilance problems, Manley's Reference Cardioid more closely recalls how many of the vintage European tube mics such as the beloved U47 sounded when they were new. Its rich tonal balance and liquid character is consistently admired for instruments such as guitars, drum overheads, saxophone, and especially vocals. With your present mic, if you find yourself leaning on your compressors and boosting 5 or 10K to score a bit more testosterone, then the Reference Cardioid just might be the mic you're looking for to cure what ails you. If you seem to be constantly boosting 12-18K and trying to get a clean, intimate sound, then probably the Manley Reference Gold would be the safest bet.
Driven by Manley Power
The power supply was designed for Manley, designed for vacuum tubes, and designed especially for audio fidelity. Numerous listening comparisons again prove the sonic superiority of this power supply. All lines are regulated, all rails come out at super-low impedance, and there is zero 50/60 Hz ripple component present in the chassis as the module runs at a much higher frequency well above the audible range. It is an efficient design in the high 90th percentile, and it functions it any mains input voltage from 90 to 250 V AC meaning no reconfiguration is necessary when traveling around the world. Just plug it in! It is a well-smart invention light years ahead of older linear power supply designs.
Proprietary Precision Suspension System
A proprietary precision suspension system is provided with each Reference Microphone (the capsule itself is mounted onto a rubber shock-mount.) Because the entire working "guts" of the microphone may be removed for service in one piece from the housing, it is envisioned that the microphone need not be removed from the suspension. Manley also provides a very useful swivel of their own design with every REFERENCE MICROPHONE; its T-bar handle and locking clutch action require no tools to adjust. And no MANLEY microphone would be complete without a genuine leather capsule protector which slips (and ties) onto the end of the microphone to protect the capsule when not in use.
Hand-Assembled in the USA
Like the other Manley Reference Microphones, all of the metalworking and construction is hand-assembled in the USA by our experienced staff in our Chino, California factory, located just 35 miles east of Los Angeles.
Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Specifications
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-30KHz
- Sensitivity: 17mV/Pa
- Noise Typically: -120dB EIN
- Max SPL: 150dB
- Output Impedance: 250 Ohms
- Size: mic body 2" diameter x 9.7" long x 4.5" (mic suspension outside diameter)
- Shipping weight: 15 lbs
Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Includes
- Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone
- Shock Mount
- Power Supply
- Rugged Carrying Case
- 7-Pin Cable
- Leather Capsule Protector
- Manufacturer Warranty
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3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Larger than life sound!
Jun 6th 2016Right out of the box, the Manley Cardioid Reference sounds mixed and ready to go! It has a larger-than-life, 3-D sound that always impresses my clients. Highly recommended for pop/country/rock!
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The mic of my dreams
Mar 7th 2012You know how we often look for perfection in our gear. Well I think I may have found it. This mic looks great and sounds stellar. Nice clear highs and a big bottom. If you want nice modern sounding vocals, this is the mic for you.
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This is the bomb on male vocals
Jan 21st 2011If you are looking for a world class vocal sound, this mic is the ticket. It sounds huge with and unmistakable classy top end. When you use this thing you'll recognize it's sound. You've heard it on everything from your favorite classic rock vocals to more old school stuff like Sinatra. I don't prefer it for screamers but for really good singers, the attention to detail, design and top quality construction by Manley is clearly audible.
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