Manley Gold Reference Mono

A Manley "Reference" Icon: Studio Excellence at the Top of the Range

The Reference Gold continues the legacy of MANLEY REFERENCE microphones, designed to become studio standards when the goal is simple: capture a source as it is, without compromise on definition, openness, and spatial sensation. The Manley philosophy is evident throughout, from the large capsule crafted with extreme precision to the choice of a robust and musical proprietary transformer output. This version also highlights a significant electronic evolution: the switch to the 12AT7 (following earlier versions with 6072A then 12AX7 tubes), to maintain high-end performance while simplifying tube maintenance and replacement.

For Which Recordings and Studios? A Reference Microphone for Vocals, Instruments, and "Premium" Takes

This tube condenser microphone is aimed at studios seeking top-tier capture on lead vocals, backing vocals, spoken voice, as well as demanding acoustic sources (piano, strings, guitars, winds) and certain ambient recordings. Its continuously variable polar pattern allows precise adaptation of the microphone's behavior to the room and artistic intent: more air and naturalness in omni, more focus in cardioid, or advanced rejection control in figure-8 (useful for face-to-face duos, Mid-Side recording, or controlling reflections). It is also a formidable tool for sculpting the proximity effect and achieving exactly the desired low-mid density, without feeling confined to "fixed" directivity positions.

Sound Design: Copper Capsule, Open Grill, and Tube Circuit for Exceptional Definition

Large Format Capsule and Precision Machining

The Manley large capsule (32 mm overall, 26 mm diaphragm) features rings and backplates machined from a solid block of copper. The diaphragm's gold film comes from Germany, and tensioning follows techniques attributed to David Josephson, aiming for high manufacturing homogeneity. Audibly, this results in a lively, "open" response and an extended, elegant high-frequency reproduction without artificial harshness.

Stainless Steel Grill with Wide Mesh: Letting Air Pass... and Then Decide

Manley chose a stainless steel grill with wide mesh at the capsule window to allow high frequencies to pass with minimal obstruction. The idea is clear: preserve signal integrity and let the engineer choose the pop filter (or its intensity) according to the artist, distance, and style. The result is an acoustic softness on both extreme lows and highs, with a sense of "natural" detail rather than overemphasized.

All-Tube Gain Chain and Manley "Hum Bucking" Transformer

The circuit relies on two triodes configured in cascade to form the gain block, with a dual triode 12AT7 mounted on a ceramic socket. The output is balanced by a large Manley transformer housed in a metal case, with a nickel alloy core and bifilar double winding of the "hum bucking" type. This architecture contributes to stability, output level, and a highly controlled sonic signature, ideal for high-end preamplification and conversion chains.

Studio Ergonomics and Maintenance Designed to Last

The microphone is built around a body machined from a solid copper block, providing remarkable isolation characteristics. The entire interior can be removed from the body for repair without detaching the microphone from the suspension. Included equipment features a precision suspension (capsule mounted on a neoprene-rubber anti-shock mount), a rotary mount with a T-handle and progressive tool-free tightening, genuine leather capsule protection, and an ultra-durable carrying case with secure closure.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	10 Hz	Capsule	Large Diaphragm
Frequency response - end	30 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Gold
Directivity	omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional	Nominal mode power consumption (Wh)	8 W

Manley large capsule	32 mm overall, 26 mm diaphragm	Power consumption	70 mA at 120 V, i.e., 8.4 Watts
Sensitivity	17 mV/Pa	Microphone weight	1 kg
Equivalent input noise	-120 dB	External power supply weight	1.1 kg
Max SPL	150 dB	Microphone size	114 mm x 246 mm x 114 mm
True output impedance	200 Ohms	Power supply size	127 mm x 208 mm x 86 mm
Mains frequency	50 to 60 Hz	Shipping weight	6.8 kg
Mains fuse	250 mA for 100-120 V; 125 mA for 220-240 V