Manley Reference Silver
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Manufacturer Information
Manley
https://www.manley.com
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A Reinvented Vintage Heritage
The Reference Silver continues the legacy of classic Manley microphones while paying tribute to the legendary 1950s Sony C-37a. Its capsule designed by David Josephson, combined with an adjustable rear acoustic chamber, recreates the sought-after vintage character while adding the reliability and consistency of modern manufacturing. Enjoy a retro sonic aesthetic with the peace of mind of a five-year manufacturer's warranty.
For Studios Seeking Character Without Compromise
This mic is aimed at sound engineers, producers, and high-end home studios looking for a tube large-diaphragm microphone with a "record" character. It shines on vocals (especially female), saxophones, and brass sections, and proves formidable as overheads to smooth out cymbal brightness. Also consider it as an alternative where you would typically use a ribbon microphone.
Sound Design and Key Features
The heart of the Reference Silver is its large-diaphragm capsule modeled after the C-37a. The adjustable rear acoustic chamber allows you to select cardioid directivity for pronounced forward focus, or omni for a more natural room capture. This lets you tailor the mic to the source and room acoustics in one simple adjustment.
Its electronic architecture is unconventional for Manley: the high-impedance signal from the capsule is first handled by a FET to preserve integrity, then amplified by the 5670 tube in cathode follower mode. The Manley IRON transformer finally delivers a robust signal with a solid low-mid foundation and a studio-typical smooth high end. The output level is lower than other Reference models, providing comfortable headroom on high-level sources.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 30 kHz | Capsule | Large Diaphragm |
| Category | studio microphone | Connection | XLR |
| Directivity | omnidirectional, cardioid | Color | Grey |
| Adjustable rear acoustic chamber | choice of cardioid or omni polar patterns. | Natural voicing | "rich and creamy" tone, round without being dark. |
Questions frequently asked
Is the Manley Reference Silver suitable for recording female vocals?
Its large diaphragm capsule of the C-37a type is particularly suitable for female vocals. The advertised voicing, rich and creamy, provides warmth without darkening the tone.
What polar patterns are available on this tube microphone?
The adjustable rear acoustic chamber allows selection between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns.
Can it be used as drum overheads?
Using it as overheads helps smooth the brightness of cymbals. The frequency response ranges from 10 Hz to 30 kHz, covering both the low and high frequencies of drum elements.
What connector does the Reference Silver use?
The output is via an XLR connector. The Manley IRON transformer delivers a robust signal with a solid low-mid foundation and smooth highs.
Why does this microphone handle high-level sources well?
Its output level is lower than other Reference microphones from the brand, providing comfortable headroom for high-level sources. The design combines a FET input and a 5670 tube cathode follower. This design preserves the signal from the capsule before amplification.
