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Studio & Recording > Studio Microphones > Condenser Microphones > Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone

Mic Month Exclusive

Free Stedman Pop Filter!

Sweetwater brings you this Mic Month special! From now through May 31 2013, purchase a Manley Reference Cardioid Mic and receive a Stedman Proscreen XL pop filter - a $79 retail value - free!

Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone

Item ID: RefMic

All-tube Reference Cardioid Microphone

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This item is available for immediate delivery. You'll enjoy the fastest delivery time in the industry with our centrally-located warehouse and latest shipping cut-off times.

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  • Retail Price$3000.00
  • Sweetwater Savings-$300.00
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  • Sale Price:$2700.00 PLUS Free Stedman Pop Filter!
    Retail Value $79.00
or make 3 easy payments
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From Our Research Team:

Warmth and Clarity

The 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, our Reference Cardioid more closely recalls how many of the vintage European tube mics such as the beloved U47 sounded like 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 ya. If you seem to be constantly boosting 12-18K and trying to get a clean, intimate sound, then probably the Reference Gold would be the safest bet.



Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Features at a Glance:
  • All-tube triode design
  • 10dB switchable pad
  • Frequency response: 10Hz-30KHz
  • Sensitivity: 17mV/Pa
  • Noise typically -120dB EIN
  • Max SPL: 150dB
  • Actual output impedance 200 ohms
  • Weight: 2.25 Lbs.


NOTE: All prices are valid for U.S. sales only. For international sales inquiries, please refer to the agent in your home country which can be found on the Manley Labs international distributor webpage.
Specification Detail
Microphone Type Tube Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Diaphragm Size .98" (25mm)
Frequency Response 10Hz-30kHz
Max SPL 150dB SPL
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Low Cut Filter No Filter
Pads -10dB
Color Black
Connector XLR
Weight 2.25 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number REFCARD

Reference Cardioid Microphone Image Gallery

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Mario, Indianapolis, IN

Reviews

based on 5 reviews

awesome modern mic

by calin enache from washington, dc
May 15, 2013
Music Background: producer and engineer
this mic sounds amazing on vocals. it is a perfect complement to my u87. it has a very open, modern, bright but not harsh sound. on my 87 i always have to boost the air up but this gets me there off t... read more [+]he bat. i run it through a cl1b and the result is gorgeous. if i were a pop singer, this would be my main mic. close [-]

THE MANLEY DREAM!!

by Dutch Franklin from Miami Fl
February 23, 2012
Music Background:
It always depends on who's the one behind the mix...But Capture is the MOST important number one task on my list for this fair price...I say MANLEY REFERENCE MICROPHONE...Vocal chain must be unique...... read more [+]this mic belongs with a great chain... in our case its hooked up to a Rupert Neve Portico and its only blissful excellence in capture...Very crisp, clean vocals with enough grit to stick to any pop, rock or retro production...Hands down Manley!! Love at first Listen... close [-]

Blown away

by psycholarge from philadelphia PA
November 28, 2011
Music Background: Recording/Mixing engineer/Artist
Simply the best........hands down

Good Mic,but a high price

by Nazar Savko from Lviv,Ukraine
August 27, 2011
Music Background: Pro Musician,Composer,Singer,studio Djerelo
This is a good microphone, especially for those who love
sand vocals ...
open and bright ... good for pop and rock music ...
even a little harsh ... but not too ...
use it ... read more [+]for a year with focusrite ISA One
sound nice ...
but the price is too high ... and it's a shame close [-]

Sweetwater Advice

Bob Furlong
Coming from the performing side of things, I'm kind of a late bloomer when it comes to A/Bing a lot of really high-end mics. With that said, I've gotten a good number under my belt in the last couple of years, and this microphone changed my life. You don't want to EQ or otherwise tamper with what it gives you, short of maybe some very mild compression. For me, it's the mic I gauge all others by.
Read more reviews

Also popular

See Also: Condensers , Manley , Manley Condenser Microphones , Manley Condenser Microphones

Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone

Today's Payment: $1,377.00
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $666.50
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $666.50
In approx. 60 days

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