Manley Reference Cardioid

Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Overview

The Manley Reference Cardioid is a high-end tube-mounted condenser microphone

A priori, this directional microphone is especially attractive for its unparalleled output level which delivers unique acoustic and electrostatic sounds.

Built in Chino, California by Manley Labs , it uses a transformer and recorder fine-tuned in detail. In fact, the latter are based on a tube typology with large diaphragm capsules.

The dynamic description it displays focuses more on the presence of an sound wave converter .

Paired with tripod-mounted acoustic instruments, such as the Shure Motiv MV5 wireless lavalier microphone , it can only deliver more sophisticated sounds. It is also this versatile and complete aspect of the vocal obtained that attracted me to this handheld microphone.

In principle, this vocal microphone is equipped with a 34 mm K67 type capsule . The latter is equipped with an integrated bass driver with a double rear plate and central terminations without DPA attenuator.

Regarding the drilling pattern, the dynamic instrument offers a high level of polarization with its K67 plate on the back .

Also, associated with an acoustic guitar, its audio interface has a metallized area highlighted in front of the diaphragm.

The bandwidth thus obtained by phantom power remains relatively similar to that of a Rode NT USB. I also tend to compare its performance with that of the Blue Yeti or Neumann microphones.

And I notice some points of similarity in studio recording . But in the end, Manley's external microphone best meets the characteristics of a professional microphone.

Reference Cardioid, what's the difference with Reference Gold?

Using a Condenser Mic Manley Reference Cardioid often refers to these two condenser mics. Therefore, I took care to compare them in order to give you a more detailed description of my new studio equipment.

First of all, Manley has a history of creating a type of mic that provides flawless audio quality .

And to achieve this, the brand is content to exploit the wonders of a simple cardioid diagram, but with advanced functions.

The Manley Reference Cardioid thus offers sound recording quality similar to the Reference Gold on a microphone stand.

The consideration of the sound source is therefore done in the same way with constant and optimized capture.

And just like most dynamic and micro-USB , the condenser microphone easily captures guitar sounds.

These two Manley mic level models accommodate both treble and bass equally well. Furthermore, I have relatively tested the acoustic pressures that it can consider.

At high frequencies or low frequencies, the Manley Reference Cardioid limits handling noise in headphones .

In addition, connecting the USB cable, magnetic connector and home studio connectors is done in just a few seconds.

It took me less than 10 minutes to get everything set up properly and start perfecting my recording technique .

In addition, you can also discover our complete test on the Shure SM57 microphone . This guide offers you all the complete details, characteristics, reviews, and demo of use of this dynamic microphone.

A different design meeting different needs

All things considered, the only notable difference between the two condenser microphones is the design.

Indeed, The Reference Cardioid features a K67-style podcast capsule with a unique pattern. While the Reference Gold for its part is equipped with a CK12 type capsule without magnetic field.

Also, the best professional studio microphone for monitoring Cardioid Reference is manufactured following several tests carried out in the USA by Feilo .

The Gold-style stand microphone derives from the know-how of Josephson Engineering, an official partner of Manley.

In any case, both microphones are the work of a passionate sound engineer who knows a lot about studio microphone design.

The construction of the Manley Reference Cardioid

To condense, mix and capture gooseneck sound waves properly, you need a solidly constructed room mic.

Looking at the Manley Reference Cardioid, I can only appreciate its solid, robust and shockproof appearance.

Moreover, the first impression it gives me refers to an essential condenser microphone for sound professionals. And my intuition rarely deceives me.

Testing the performance of its voice coil and amplifier to power the dynamics, I'm impressed. The same goes for its ability to amplify dynamics just like an excellent omnidirectional microphone .

In principle, the boom microphone owes its stereo acoustic and electrostatic quality to its massive ribbon construction.

In fact, Manley mainly wanted to offer a simple, but original design of a wireless microphone for a recording studio .

And the brand can be proud of its percussion-free and interference-free analog recording equipment.

Buying a Manley Reference Cardioid microphone means enjoying an authentic and minimalist finish for vocal recording.

In practice, it is an excellent alternative to traditional condenser microphones with pop filter and wind filter.

You get a rough-to-the-touch matte black body with some hints of wine red on the sides. And to top it off, Manley adds its logo in elegant font on the microphone input.

Moreover, you will notice it from the first moment you look at this microphone to sing .

I also appreciate the different recordings that this directional microphone allows me to make with its thick ring body.

A priori, each of the rings of the lavalier microphone wraps around five screws on which rubber cords are placed. The whole thing forms a sort of more efficient and modern lavalier microphone .

Zoom on the appearance of the micro spider

The Manley Reference Cardioid studio microphone comes with a high-performance omnidirectional spider

I am happy that the brand took care to offer one just like most condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.

And by comparing it to the many models of USB microphone, dynamic microphone, I see that it is indeed the largest.

Indeed, ahead of directional and bidirectional microphones , this one displays the most imposing condenser diaphragm.

Thus, the capture of sound sources on pins is done better and better with a functional phantom power supply and an adapter.

These elements work together thanks to the electrical current delivered by my mixer and which reduces the background noise.

Moreover, beginners of voice-over appreciate it especially for its spider which can withstand a high voltage of the electrical signal .

Picking up the Reference Cardioid microphone and sitting in front of a microphone like this will greatly influence your recording habits.

The sound quality is guaranteed, this stereo microphone with improved amplification has a metal plate with thread.

Thus, seen more closely, the sound system can be heard better without a prior switch and without faulty vibrations.

Its tripod format only once again confirms that it is a micro USB that can really be used in the studio.

Manley Reference Cardioid sound quality

Given the size of the Manley Reference Cardioid, I fully expect it to provide me with unparalleled sound quality .

From the first try, I admit that I am impressed with its ways of capturing acoustic pressure.

A priori, the pressure levels that it can consider rise to around 150 dB SPL . This is notably the reference value exposed on the official Manley website.

Moreover, with or without preamp/amp and without an external sound card, the impedance delivers the same levels of passing pressure.

Such a max SPL level makes the wireless microphone limit the proximity effect. Therefore, the level of harmonic distortion is not likely to cause hearing damage when powered externally.

In practice, connecting the radio microphone in a professional studio remains a good option for recording different sound sources.

Note : Also see our complete test of the Neumann TLM 103 microphone . Discover in this guide the frequency response of the TLM 103, summary of the technical characteristics, list of accessories supplied with this microphone, a small verdict, and our opinion on this condenser microphone.

Reference Cardioid frequency response

But what about its frequency response? Well, in front of a Reference Cardioid microphone from Manley, the response curve remains on a cardio basis.

It is also to highlight its cardioid polar pattern that the brand has chosen to add it to the end of its name.

Its frequency range varies from 10 Hz to 30 kHz depending on the acoustic and sound level of the sources and the sound environments of the studios.

Also, the sensitivity of the microphone is just as impressive as that of the Neumann U87 and the Blue Yeti Nano . In mixing voice-over, guitar and human voice, the results it promises live up to all expectations.

In short, I highly recommend it for all types of static or dynamic recordings in a professional studio.

Technical characteristics of the Manley Reference Cardioid microphone

• Type: condenser microphone
• Design: 12AX7 tube triode
• Directivity: cardioid
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz
• Switchable pad: -10 dB
• Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
• Max SPL: 150 dB
• Typical noise: -120 dB EIN
• Weight: 2.25 lbs
• Size: 4.5 x 9.7 x 4.5 inches

Our opinion on the Manley Reference Cardioid microphone

In short, the Manley Reference Cardioid is an excellent large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic. Recommended for podcast and voice-over enthusiasts, it offers good sound quality of frequencies below 150 dB SPL.

Manley Reference Cardioid Demo

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