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Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone

BH #MAREFCARD • MFR #REFCARD
Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
Key Features
  • Modern Tube Vocal Microphone
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
  • Open Weave Stainless-Steel Grille
  • Hand-Wound Output Transformer
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.
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Manley Labs REFCARD Overview

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
UPC: 890833000298

Manley Labs REFCARD Specs

Microphone
Primary ApplicationsStudio Recording, Broadcast
Form FactorLarge Diaphragm Mic
Intended Sound SourcesVocals, Speech/Voice Over, Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Piano, Overhead, Saxophone
Sound FieldMono
Capsule1 x Condenser
Diaphragm1.0" / 25.40 mm
Polar PatternCardioid
OrientationSide Address
CircuitryTube (12AX7/ECC83)
Pad-10 dB
High-Pass FilterNone
Gain AdjustmentNone
On-Board ControlsPad
Performance
Frequency Range10 Hz to 30 kHz
Maximum SPL150 dB SPL
Impedance250 Ohms
Sensitivity17 mV/Pa
Equivalent Noise Level-120 dB
Connectivity
Output Connectors (Analog)1 x XLR 3-Pin (on Power Supply)
Cable Length30' / 9.1 m
Number of Conductors6
Power
Operating VoltageNot Specified by Manufacturer
AC Input Power (PSU)90 to 250 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Physical
ColorBlack
MountingShockmount (Included)
Included CaseHard Case
Included FiltersNone
Construction MaterialAnodized Aluminum
Dimensionsø: 4.5 x L: 9.7" / ø: 114.3 x L: 246.38 mm
Weight1.5 lb / 0.7 kg (Microphone)
Packaging Info
Package Weight16.45 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)22.4 x 14.8 x 10.2"

Manley Labs REFCARD Reviews

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