EAN: 890833000298
The Manley Labs Reference Cardioid (commonly known as REF-C) is a large-diaphragm tube microphone offering a wide, 10 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response and accurate transient performance without coloration or any perceivable sonic signature. The rich tonal balance and liquid character make this center-fixed cardioid mic an excellent choice for obtaining a very forward, immediate sound when recording acoustic guitars, drum overheads, saxophones, and especially pop vocals and voiceovers ”with a finished sound right out of the box.
The Reference Cardioid features a 1 gold-sputtered diaphragm that is 6 microns thick based on the vintage U47. It has the ability to withstand sound pressure levels up to 150 dB. The open-weave stainless steel grille allows the capsule to capture signals with zero-loss acoustical transmission, which translates to less dampening of high-frequency content.
The electronics of the Reference Cardioid include two triodes in cascade forming an entire gain-block. The dual-triode 12AX7 tube is easily obtainable and was chosen for its high gain and low noise properties. The audio signal and power connect from the microphone to the filtered B+ power supply via a single 30 , 6-pin XLR cable. The audio output exits the power supply via 3-pin XLR through a custom-wound output transformer, which employs nickel laminations and humbucking bi-filar windings, all enclosed in mu-metal.
The REF-C features a proprietary suspension system that is attached to the black & red anodized casing. The capsule itself is mounted to a neoprene-rubber shockmount to prevent unwanted vibrations from being picked up by the diaphragm. Handmade in the USA, the microphone ships with a leather capsule cover, locking carrying case, and IEC power cable.
REF-C Modern Tube Vocal Microphone
1 diaphragm
Open weave stainless steel grille for zero-loss acoustical transmission
Neoprene-rubber shockmount
All-tube design with 12AX7 dual triode
-10 dB pad
150 dB maximum SPL
Filtered B+, regulated heater voltages
30 6-pin XLR power cable
Hand-wound output transformer with nickel laminations and mu-metal casing
Precision suspension system
Leather capsule protector
Locking carrying case
Manley Labs REFCARD Specs
Microphone
| Form Factor | Large Diaphragm Mic |
| Intended Sound Sources | Vocals, Speech/Voice Over, Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Piano, Overhead, Saxophone |
| Sound Field | Mono |
| Capsule | 1 x Condenser |
| Diaphragm | 1.0" / 25.40 mm |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| High-Pass Filter | None |
| Gain Adjustment | None |
Performance
| Frequency Range | 10 Hz to 30 kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 150 dB SPL |
| Impedance | 250 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 17 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent Noise Level | -120 dB |
Connectivity
| Cable Length | 30` / 9.1 m |
| Number of Conductors | 6 |
Power
| Operating Voltage | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
Physical
| Color | Black |
| Mounting | Shockmount (Included) |
| Included Case | Hard Case |
| Included Filters | None |
| Construction Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Dimensions | ¸: 4.5 x L: 9.7" / ¸: 114.3 x L: 246.38 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 lb / 0.7 kg (Microphone) |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 16.45 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 22.4 x 14.8 x 10.2" |
In the Box
- Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
- Power Supply
- 30` Power Cable (Mic to Power Supply)
- IEC Power Cable
- Suspension Shockmount
- Leather Capsule Protector
- Locking Carrying Case
- 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Registration Extension: 5-Year
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