Manley Reference Cardioide Mic Black
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Manufacturer Information
Manley
https://www.manley.com
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The "Reference" Legacy, in Dedicated Cardioid Version
Designed in the lineage of the famous Manley Reference microphones, the Reference Cardioid Black features the all-tube architecture and transformer output that made the brand renowned, while focusing on a single cardioid polar pattern. This approach simplifies recording, stabilizes the image, and guarantees a consistent sonic signature, ideal when the priority is lead vocals and repeatable results.
Who Is It For, and For What?
Designed for singers, voice-over artists, premium podcasts, and producers seeking a "ready-to-mix" mic, it excels on pop, rap, RnB, and folk vocals, as well as close-miked instruments (brass, guitars, light percussion). The cardioid pattern, very low self-noise, and -10 dB PAD allow handling powerful sources while controlling room bleed.
Carefully Crafted Tube Circuit and High-End Mechanics
All-Tube Gain and Generous Headroom
The gain stage relies on two cascaded triodes, now implemented with 12AT7 tubes selected for their low noise and consistency. The combination of the -10 dB PAD and a max SPL of 150 dB offers comfortable headroom for intense recordings without harshness, with the characteristic harmonic warmth of tubes.
Manley Transformer and Controlled Noise Floor
The output is balanced via a large Manley nickel-core transformer with double "hum-bucking" winding, providing exemplary hum rejection, solid lows, and silky highs.
Construction Details That Make the Difference
The stainless steel grille with spaced mesh lets high frequencies pass through to the capsule; you can add a pop filter depending on the context. The capsule and electronics rest on an internal shock mount, and the mic comes with a precision suspension, a T-handle rotary mount (tool-free), a leather capsule cover, and a lockable flight case. The dedicated external power supply, silent and robust, powers the microphone via a 6-pin 10 m cable, while the audio signal exits through a standard 3-pin XLR to your preamp.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 30 kHz | Connection | XLR |
| Category | studio microphone | Color | Black |
| Directivity | cardioid | Nominal mode power consumption (Wh) | 8 W |
| Capsule | Large Diaphragm | ||
| Sensitivity | 17 mV/Pa | Audio output from power supply | 3-pin XLR |
| Equivalent input noise | -120 dB | Microphone size | 114 mm x 246 mm x 114 mm |
| Max SPL | 150 dB | Power supply size | 127 mm x 208 mm x 86 mm |
| Mains frequency | 50 ~ 60 Hz | Microphone weight | 1.1 kg |
| Mains fuse | 250 mA for 100-120 V; 125 mA for 220-240 V | External power supply weight | 1.1 kg |
| Power consumption | 70 mA at 120 V (8.4 W) | Shipping weight | 6.8 kg |
Questions frequently asked
Is the Manley Reference Cardioid Mic Black suitable for recording a singing voice?
The cardioid pattern targets the lead vocal and reduces room feedback. Its sensitivity of 17 mV/Pa and typical self-noise of -120 dB meet the requirements for voice-over, podcast, and singing applications.
Can it handle very powerful vocals or brass instruments?
The switchable -10 dB pad and maximum SPL of 150 dB allow capturing high-level sources, including brass instruments and strong vocals.
What power supply is needed for this tube microphone?
The dedicated external power supply is included and connects to the microphone via a 10 m 6-pin cable. The audio signal is then delivered through a standard 3-pin XLR output to a preamp. The specified power consumption is 8.4 W at 120 V.
What is the technical signature of the audio circuit?
The large-diaphragm capsule is paired with two cascaded 12AT7 triodes and a Manley nickel-core transformer. This tube design covers a frequency response from 10 Hz to 30 kHz.
What accessories are included with the microphone?
The package includes a precision shock mount, a T-handle swivel mount, a leather capsule pouch, a lockable flight case, the external power supply, and the 10 m 6-pin cable.
