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Manley Reference Cardioid Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

All-tube Reference Cardioid Microphone
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This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

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Sonically Irresistible

You've been considering it for a while: a high-end tube mic that's leagues beyond anything you currently own. We invite you to consider the Manley Reference Cardioid. When a track needs to make an impact, the Reference Cardioid obliges, with a sound that's bold and authoritative, yet stunningly transparent. For years, it's been a top choice for engineers and producers looking to record huge-sounding vocals and instruments with audiophile-grade sonics. Its nuanced, silky top end is extended well past the range of human hearing. The mids are warm and clear. The bass is powerful and punchy. Whatever the source, you'll always get eat-it-with-a-spoon results with the Manley Reference Cardioid.

Professional polish, right out of the box

Since its 1990 introduction, the Reference Cardioid has become an industry standard, thanks to the deity-like presence and weight it imparts to pop, rock, rap, and R&B vocals as well as voice-overs. It's also great for capturing massive drums when deployed on toms or overheads. Saxophones rule when recorded with this mic. In fact, the Reference Cardioid enhances any source, delivering punchy, larger-than-life tracks with that elusive professional polish, right out of the box. At Sweetwater, we consider the Reference Cardioid a "just add talent" mic. It's a serious tool for making audacious statements with your music.

Big, bold, and beautiful

When it comes to microphones, there's a certain alchemy that goes beyond specs. For the Reference Cardioid, Manley applied their considerable expertise in tube circuits to engineer a mic that calls to mind certain coveted vintage European tube mics. It features the same top-shelf components as Manley's lauded Gold Reference mic, but has a thicker-gauge (6 micron) center-fixed cardioid-only capsule with a gold sputtered diaphragm. With its lavish tonal balance and liquid midrange, the Cardioid Reference is a first-call mic for guitars, drum overheads, saxophone, and of course, vocals. If you're spending time trying to EQ and compress life into your tracks, perhaps you're using the wrong mic. Try the Reference Cardioid. Which Manley mic is right for you? Check out our Manley Mic Comparison and find the one that best fits your needs!

Instant superstar vocals

Whether you know it or not, you've heard the Manley Reference Cardioid. It's been used on countless top hits, movie trailers, and commercials. Powerful, girthy, and forward-sounding, it sounds great right from the get-go. Tracks recorded with it sit beautifully in the mix without your having to shoehorn them in with EQ and compression. If you're looking for instant superstar vocals, put your talent in front of the Reference Cardioid. You won't be disappointed.

Legendary Manley build quality

Like all Manley gear, the Reference Cardioid is handcrafted in the company's Chino, California labs with painstaking attention to detail. As an example of Manley's thoughtful design and construction, consider that the inner works of the microphone can be slid out from the housing in one piece, should service be required. Another nice touch is Manley's proprietary swivel with T-bar handle and locking clutch that requires no tools to adjust. The mic body is machined from brass — a material with superior shielding properties. With its bold, black finish and red accents, this mic looks like it means business. Which brings us to this point: If you have clients coming into your studio, appearances matter. When they see the Manley Reference Cardioid, they'll know they're dealing with a professional studio. And when they hear how great you've made them sound, you may well have picked up a client for life.

Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Features:

  • Traditional Manley tube circuitry for that larger-than-life sound
  • All-tube design with triode 12AT7
  • Custom-wound output transformer with nickel laminations and humbucking bi-filar windings
  • Switchable 10dB pad tames extra-hot sources
  • Highest-quality components used throughout
  • External PSU and 20' power supply cable with locking 6-pin connectors
  • Included waterproof flight case with key, leather capsule protector,
  • Warranty: 5-year parts and labor, 90-day vacuum tubes (upon registration)
  • Handcrafted in Manley Labs' Chino, California facility

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
  • Mono/Stereo: Mono
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Diaphragm Size: 0.98" (25mm)
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-30kHz
  • Max SPL: 150dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 17mV/Pa
  • Pads: -10dB
  • Tube: 12AT7 vacuum tube
  • Color: Black
  • Power Source: Custom-designed outboard switched-mode power supply
  • Connector: 7-pin XLR (mic), 3-pin XLR (power supply)
  • Weight: 2.25 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Hardshell Case, Custom Suspension, Mic Cable, Capsule Cover
  • Manufacturer Part Number: REFCARD

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Kris Allen & Southern Thunder, Nashville Recording Artist

I've recorded several albums of mine with many hit songs on about every mic. This is hands down the best mic I've used. I bought mine last year and I use it regularly both live and studio.
Music background: Recording Artist and Radio host
Rated 5/5

Manley Delivers AGAIN!

Thanks to Rob Amaral! Best Sweetwater Sales Engineer hands down! Great advice!
I had to wait about a month for this mic! What a hit! This mic makes all the difference! Huge upgrade in sound and detail! Love Eva Anna and the team over there at Manley! Next, VOXBOX!
Music background: Producer / Song Writer
Rated 5/5

Amazing

This microphone is AMAZING!! Once you hear what it brings to your ears, you will wonder why you waited so long the get it.
Music background: Engineer/Producer
Rated 5/5

Best Vocal Mic

This is the best vocal mic I've used. Better than a u87 in my opinion. With the right eq settings the u87 can be similar, but this has that bright, but not harsh modern sound from the start. If you want warm, smooth, detailed modern vocals, look no further!
Rated 5/5

The right tools.

Shoutout to Patrick Lantz for guidance. I have been Maki g music for many years and this year I have fully committed to the craft and decided that certain basic tools do in fact make a difference. The Manley ref mic and Neve DOX mic pre have totally changed the game in both recording clarity and energy of recording vocals. Looking forward to a very productive 2022, thanks Sweetwater!

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Bob Furlong

Coming from the performing side of things, I'm kind of a late bloomer when it comes to A/Bing a lot of really high-end mics. With that said, I've gotten a good number under my belt in the last couple of years, and this microphone changed my life. You don't want to EQ or otherwise tamper with what it gives you, short of maybe some very mild compression. For me, it's the mic I gauge all others by.

Stuart Niven

You have heard this on so many Top 40 recordings from Back Street Boys to Brittney. If you are looking for that pop presence, that full and intimate sound that almost needs no further processing, this is an amazing choice! This is quickly becoming the "go-to" microphone for the pop/rock producer!
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