Manley Reference Silver Dual-pattern Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
Manley Reference Silver Dual-pattern Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone Reviews
And now for something a little different from Manley. Manley's Reference Silver large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone marks a bit of a departure from the bright, up-front sound of the company's Reference Gold and the robust warmth of its Reference Cardioid mics — both Sweetwater favorites. Based on the legendary 1950s Sony C-37A, the Reference Silver has an alluringly rich, nuanced, and open sonic character that renders instruments and vocals in stunning, almost three-dimensional high fidelity. It features cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns, switchable from a novel mechanical selector on the rear of the head basket. Like all Manley gear, the Reference Silver is handcrafted in the company's Chino, California, labs with painstaking attention to detail. Perfect for just about any vocal or instrument — and a real lifesaver on strident sources — the Manley Reference Silver Microphone is a studio workhorse, and an invaluable addition to your mic locker.
While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with Manley. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated May 2026.
HAd it about 3 months now
I have had many vintage u47s and modern new clones. As well as u67s, m49s, c800s, c12s etc. I have so many u47 type mics I did not go for the regular Manley ref one but got this one instead. It is AMAZING! So clear and cut though. Not bass heavy at all. This thing beats out most of my other mics now. Wish I would have bought it sooner. Do not sleep on this mic. If you are thinking about it get one. Worth it!
You need this mic!!
As an owner also of the Reference Cardioid, which is an amazing microphone, I have to say the Silver is on another level! As another reviewer stated, I can't believe there are not more reviews on this beauty! It's so hard to describe in words,but if you are on the fence, go for it! You will not be disappointed. It's worth every penny.
My short test on male vocals and acoustic guitar is best described as warm,rich and creamy, with a full tight bottom and plenty of mids and highs to cut through a mix. This is not a dark mic by no means. The hpf switch is awesome too. I'm so happy with this purchase! Thanks Bob Furlong and Sweetwater for sending me this gem!
quirky mic for quirky voices
I can't believe there aren't more reviews of this microphone! I have a tenor voice that benefits from added weight when I go low, and this mic gives that. My voice also gets blaring when I sing high, and this mic tames that. But my voice also benefits from air to help it cut through in a mix, and this mic does that too! Mics like Earthworks SV33 and SM7b have the weight but sound dull and boxy for me and don't cut through. Neumann TLM 103 and Manley Ref C have the air and forwardness, but emphasize the sibilance and consonance and also the edgy frequencies. This mic somehow suites my voice and does so with a classy, vintage meets modern tone. Sounds awesome on acoustic guitar. Omni mode sounds a little weird but I never use that.
Just saying...
This microphone stands up well with all of the other go-to tube microphones in the studio. Trumpets especially.. Trust your ears and listen to the microphone before purchasing.. you will enjoy this new addition to your locker.
AMAZINGLY SMOOTH & SILKY!!!
I wanted something new in my studio and having been in many studios for years "New" is hard to come by. I was skeptical at first having used the Manley Cardioid and the Manley Gold I wasn't sure it could get much better than that. Boy was I wrong! Vocals are amazingly smooth on the high end and rich on the low end. Stacking Vocals are a breeze with this thing! Almost no sibilance! Trust me its worth every penny!!!
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