Fancy yourself as an SOS Reviewer? Use this dedicated forum to post your self-penned user reports/reviews of equipment/software/instruments that you own and/or use regularly.
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Fancy yourself as an SOS Reviewer? Use this dedicated forum to post your self-penned user reports/reviews of equipment/software/instruments that you own and/or use regularly.
NOTE: before posting a new User Report (topic) please check whether one is already in existence for your product.
Post by Glenn Bucci » Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:30 am
Manley Reference Cardioid is a tube condenser microphone built by Manley Labs since 1990. The capsule is a 34mm K67 design which has a dual backplate. One benefit of a dual backplate with a cardioid design is it can improve the high SPL without compromising its high frequency performance. Only the front membrane is metallized as the rear half has a clear membrane. It has a 6 micron gold sputtered diaphragm. The capsule is manufactured by Feilo in China, and then is subjected to fitting and testing in the US. Manley takes great lengths in comparing every new mic to ensure consistency and its performance. If it does not pass their rigorous tests, the capsule gets discarded. Unlike some other microphones with Chinese capsules, there is no shrill sound in the top end with this Reference Cardioid mic.
The microphone comes in a plastic case with foam lining that includes a power supply, a multi pin microphone cable, shock mount and leather capsule dust cover. The microphone is black and has the name Manley engraved into it. It also has a -10db pad on the bottom of the housing. The nickel laminated output transformer was designed and is built at Manley Labs.
The microphone uses the same tube stage as the Manley Reference Gold mic, though the capsules and polarizing voltages are different. The microphone uses a low noise 12AT7 tube that provides a clean smooth sound. The outside of the mic has a good looking black anodized aluminum casing and open weave stainless steel grill for the capsule. To prevent unwanted vibrations from being picked up from the capsule, they mounted it onto a neoprene rubber shock mount. Frequency response is from 10Hz to 30 kHz. Actual output impedance is 200 Ohms.
It is usually a good idea to put a pop filter in front any microphone and the Manley Reference is no exception. Its character is bright, detailed, smooth, and never harsh. The Manley Reference Cardioid microphone is one of Manley Labs best-selling products and perhaps its ability provide a finished pop vocal sound is one of the reasons. This mic has modern sound with detailed midrange, full low end and a smooth bright top end. Paired with a cleaner type pre, the mic provides a clean, detailed top end and a touch of smoothness. However there is a gentle character as well. If you use a more colored pre, you can obtain a rounder tone with a little less sparkle on top. I found it worked equally well on male and female singers. I did not find more sibilant concerns with it compared to other bright mics like the Blue Kiwi or Neumann U87ai. On acoustic guitar, it provided a detailed clean smooth sound that sounded good on steel and classical guitar.
Tube microphones in a similar price category include the Brauner Valvet and Valvet X. The Brauner’s microphones provide a more honest sound from the source and do not enhance the sound like the Manley does. The Manley also does not pick up room sounds as much.
The shock mount is attached to microphone when you remove it from the foam case. There is a unusual but effective connector design where you screw one of the dual threaded connectors to the inside of the shock mount with a rubber ring. The other threaded connector is then attached to a mic stand. There is a swivel knob that allows you to adjust the position of the mic. This design works very well, but it's a little cumbersome to take it on and off every time you want to use the mic. If you leave the connector on, you can't lay it back in the case and close the top too easily. Thankfully Manley also includes a dust cover for the microphone as well. I found the microphone has a low noise floor and is quieter than the Rode K2. If you’re in the market for a higher end tube mic with a modern sound, I recommend taking one for a test drive. I warn you though once you hear it in your studio, you may find it difficult to let it go.
Pros: Well built, smooth top end with a nice sparkle, modern tube microphone that gets that polished sound.
Cons: A little cumbersome to take on/ off the swivel connector to the shock mount every time you want to use it. The price of $2,700 is a little high for many home studio owners, but quality this high comes at a costs