Manley 30th Anniversary Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
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XXX Anniversary Edition
For 2019, a limited run of Reference Cardioid mics are being produced to commemorate the product's 30th Anniversary. This run of 100 Reference Cardioids has custom pearlescent white and red cosmetics and a custom EveAnna Manley signature engraving, with a matching MANLEY POWER switch-mode power supply.The World's Most Popular Modern Tube Vocal Microphone
The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone has that "finished" sound right out of the box, making it the favorite vocal mic of top producers and voiceover artists alike.
This is modern pop music's go-to mic: flattering, present, and larger-than-life. The center-fixed single-sided-active capsule features a 6 micron gold sputtered diaphragm based on the vintage U47. Known as the "just add talent" vocal mic, the REF-C is also often used for acoustic guitars, pianos, drums, and saxophones.
The Reference Cardioid Microphone shares the same electronic attributes as the Gold Reference Series, but has a center-fixed cardioid-only capsule with a thicker gauge (6 micron) gold sputtered diaphragm. With the similar film thickness and construction, similar high frequency resonance (a little edge), similar proximity effect and pretty good immunity from pops and sibilance problems, the Reference Cardioid more closely recalls how many of the vintage European tube mics such as the beloved U47 sounded like when they were new. Its rich tonal balance and liquid character is consistently admired for instruments such as guitars, drum overheads, saxophone, and especially vocals. With your present mic, if you find yourself leaning on your compressors and boosting 5 or 10K to score a bit more testosterone, then the Reference Cardioid just might be the mic you're looking for to cure what ails ya. If you seem to be constantly boosting 12-18K and trying to get a clean, intimate sound, then probably the Reference Gold would be the safest bet.
-10 dB Pad Switch
This tiny switch near the base of the microphone body reduces the signal by 10 dB. Rather than changing the capsule voltage or adding a resistor to the signal path, Manley chose a better technique: alter the amount of negative feedback! While the tube circuit will handle any signal the capsule can deliver, the pad may be needed with some preamps. If you suspect that the mic is distorting, first try a different mic pre. The capsule is rated for 150 dB SPL, but wind or other air movement can collapse the diaphragm. A good 2-layer pop filter is recomended to stop excessive air movement when recording close vocals.
Switched Mode Power Supply
New in 2019, the 30th Anniversary Reference Cardioid Microphone includes a Switch-Mode Power Supply. Based on the same technologies already proven in the Manley CORE®, FORCE®, ELOP®+, and Nu Mu processors, this new PSU is "empirically quieter" than the microphone's original linear PSU. According to Manley Labs, "Sonically, we hear faster highs, generally more clarity, and 'blacker blacks' in the silence". The new power supply is also universal, allowing it to work anywhere in the world without a voltage changeover switch or power transformer rewiring.
What's Included
• Reference Cardioid Microphone
• Suspension System
• Mic Swivel
• PSU Type-2 Switched Mode Power Supply
• IEC Power Lead
• XLR Cable
• Capsule Protector Sleeve
• Hardshell Case
• Manual
Specifications
Reference Cardioid Microphone
CAPSULE TYPE: Center-fixed Large Diaphragm Capacitor (Condenser)
POLAR PATTERNS: Fixed Cardioid
DIAPHRAGM SIZE: 1 Inch; 1.25 Inch Overall
DIAPHRAGM THICKNESS: 6 Micron; Gold Sputtered
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz-30kHz, AMP to 60kHz
MAXIMUM INPUT SPL: 150 dB SPL at Capsule
SENSITIVITY: 17mV/Pa
AMPLIFIER TYPE: 2 Triode Gain Block Lo Z Output
ACTIVE COMPONENTS: (1) 12AX7 Dual Triode Vacuum Tube
OUTPUT TYPE : Transformer Coupled, Manley IRON® 7227
OUTPUT POLARITY: Balanced XLR, Pin 2 Hot, Pin 3 Low
AMPLIFIER DISTORTION: Less Than 0.05 % THD+N BW
22-22 kHz (1kOhm Load, 1kHz -40dBV Output)
AMPLIFIER NOISE: Typically - 101 dBV "A Weighted"
BODY: Black Anodized Aluminum
DIMENSIONS: 4.5" x 9.7" x 4.5"
MIC WEIGHT: 1.5lbs
PSU Type-2 Switched Mode Power Supply
POWER CONSUMPTION: 8.4 Watts
FUSE: 250mA 100/120V SLO BLO, 125mA 220/240V
SLO BLO - 5 x 10mm
INPUT VOLTAGE: Dedicated: 100, 120, 220, or 240VAC
DIMENSIONS: 5" x 8.2" x 3.4"
WEIGHT: 2 lbs
Q & A
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 30th Anniversary Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone | 721370 |
