MANLEY LABS REFERENCE Cardioid | Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Reference Cardioid 

Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

The Manley Labs Reference Cardioid (commonly known as REF-C) is a large-diaphragm tube microphone offering a wide, 10 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response and accurate transient performance without coloration or any perceivable sonic signature. The rich tonal balance and liquid character make this center-fixed cardioid mic an excellent choice for obtaining a very forward, immediate sound when recording acoustic guitars, drum overheads, saxophones, and especially pop vocals and voiceovers—with a "finished" sound right out of the box.

The Reference Cardioid features a 1" gold-sputtered diaphragm that is 6 microns thick based on the vintage U47. It has the ability to withstand sound pressure levels up to 150 dB. The open-weave stainless steel grille allows the capsule to capture signals with zero-loss acoustical transmission, which translates to less dampening of high-frequency content.

The electronics of the Reference Cardioid include two triodes in cascade forming an entire gain-block. The dual-triode 12AX7 tube is easily obtainable and was chosen for its high gain and low noise properties. The audio signal and power connect from the microphone to the filtered B+ power supply via a single 30', 6-pin XLR cable. The audio output exits the power supply via 3-pin XLR through a custom-wound output transformer, which employs nickel laminations and "humbucking" bi-filar windings, all enclosed in mu-metal.

The REF-C features a proprietary suspension system that is attached to the black & red anodized casing. The capsule itself is mounted to a neoprene-rubber shockmount to prevent unwanted vibrations from being picked up by the diaphragm. Handmade in the USA, the microphone ships with a leather capsule cover, locking carrying case, and IEC power cable. REF-C Modern Tube Vocal Microphone

• 1" diaphragm
• Open weave stainless steel grille for zero-loss acoustical transmission
• Neoprene-rubber shockmount
• All-tube design with 12AX7 dual triode
• -10 dB pad
• 150 dB maximum SPL
• Filtered B+, regulated heater voltages
• 30' 6-pin XLR power cable
• Hand-wound output transformer with nickel laminations and mu-metal casing
• Precision suspension system
• Leather capsule protector
• Locking carrying case

Specifications

• Polar Pattern
  • Cardioid
• Element Type
  • Condenser
• Sound Field
  • Mono
• Diaphragm
  • 1" / 25.4 mm
• Orientation
  • Side Address
• Controls
  • Pad
• Pad
  • -10 dB
• Circuitry
  • Tube 
• Frequency Response
  • 10 Hz to 30 kHz
• Maximum SPL
  • 150 dB
• Sensitivity
  • 17 mV/Pa
• Equivalent Noise Level
  • -120 dB
• Analog Output
  • 1x XLR 3-Pin Male
• Cable Length
  • 30' / 9.1 m
• Power Sources
  • External PSU
• AC Input Power (PSU)
  • 90 to 250 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz 
• Color
  • Black
• Dimensions
  • ø: 4.5 x L: 9.7" / ø: 114.3 x L: 246.38 mm
• Weight
  • 1.5 lb / 0.7 kg (Microphone)

In the Box

• Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
• Power Supply
• 30' Power Cable (Mic to Power Supply)
• IEC Power Cable
• Suspension Shockmount
• Leather Capsule Protector
• Locking Carrying Case
• Limited 90-Day Manufacturer Warranty 
  • Registration Extension: 5-Year (US & Canada Only)