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Few microphones can claim to capture the essence of a performance with the precision, warmth, and clarity of the Manley Reference Gold tube condenser microphone. Renowned for its stunning accuracy and versatility, the Reference Gold has become a go-to tool for engineers and producers seeking a microphone that delivers both technical excellence and musicality.
In this installment of Hear The Gear, showcasing the Manley Reference Gold in action, with sound samples recorded by Vintage King’s own Bryan Reilly. For this session, Bryan captured drums, percussion, electric and acoustic instruments, piano, and vocals to demonstrate the mic's versatility and sonic character.
But before we dive into the sound samples, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Manley Reference Gold such a standout microphone.
The Manley Reference Gold is a true testament to the marriage of cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship. At its core is a large-diaphragm, CK12-style capsule designed and manufactured in-house by Manley Labs. The capsule features a 1-inch gold-sputtered diaphragm, precision-milled brass backplates, and a proprietary tensioning process by David Josephson, ensuring unparalleled consistency and ultra-high-frequency response.
The microphone’s all-tube electronics are built around a dual-triode 12AX7 tube, delivering a rich, detailed sound with a touch of vintage warmth. The signal is then coupled through a custom Manley output transformer, featuring nickel laminations and hum-bucking windings for pristine audio quality.
One of the Reference Gold’s most useful features is its continuously variable polar pattern control, allowing you to seamlessly transition between omni, cardioid, and figure-8 patterns. This versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from capturing the intimate details of a vocal performance to recording a full drum kit with natural room ambience.
The microphone’s open stainless-steel grille ensures unimpeded high-frequency response, while its brass body, polished and plated with 24-karat gold, provides both aesthetic elegance and superior shielding. Add in Manley’s precision suspension system and a genuine leather capsule protector, and you have a microphone that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
For this Hear The Gear session, Bryan Reilly recorded a variety of instruments and vocals using the Manley Reference Gold in different polar patterns, paired with an Undertone MPDI-4 preamp. All tracks were recorded with no EQ or compression on the way in or in Pro Tools, and the full mix is simply a balance of the raw files—no additional processing was applied.
The result is a collection of tracks that highlight the Reference Gold’s ability to capture the natural character of each source with stunning clarity and depth. The song itself has a 90s alternative vibe, and we have to admit—it’s been stuck in our heads since we first heard it!
Let’s break down each track and hear how the Manley Reference Gold performed.
Bryan positioned the Reference Gold as a mono overhead about three feet above the kit, focused between the kick drum, snare, and rack tom. Using the omni polar pattern with -25 dB of gain, the mic captured the full kit with remarkable detail and natural balance.
For auxiliary percussion, Bryan recorded shaker and tambourine using the omni pattern. The shaker was captured 6 inches from the mic with -50 dB gain, while the tambourine was recorded at 18 inches with -40 dB gain. The Reference Gold's pristine top end shines through on both instruments.
A 1978 Fender American P Bass through an 8x10 SVT cabinet was recorded with the mic in omni pattern, positioned 12 inches from the speaker center. At -30 dB gain, the Reference Gold captured both the punch and warmth of this classic bass rig.
Bryan close-mic'd a Martin 000-16 in cardioid pattern, positioning the mic 10 inches from just above the sound hole. With -45 dB of gain, the Reference Gold delivered a balanced representation of the guitar's natural tone.
Using the cardioid pattern at -45 dB gain, Bryan recorded a Loar F Style mandolin with the mic 8 inches from the lower F hole. The Reference Gold captured the instrument's complex harmonics while maintaining clarity in the attack.
A '96 American Telecaster through a '65 Ampeg Gemini 1 was recorded for both dirty and phased parts. Using cardioid pattern at -20 dB gain with the mic 18 inches from the amp, the Reference Gold handled the high-gain tones while preserving detail and dimension.
Bryan recorded a 1915 Steinway Baby Grand using the omni pattern at -35 dB gain. The mic was positioned at the center of the piano with the capsule facing the low end, capturing the full range and complexity of this vintage instrument.
Both lead vocals and harmonies were recorded in a vocal booth using the cardioid pattern. Lead vocals were captured at -30 dB gain with varying distances between 6-12 inches, while backing vocals were recorded at -40 dB gain from 6 inches away. The Reference Gold's natural top end and robust tube circuit delivered pristine vocal tracks with both presence and depth.
The Manley Reference Gold is more than just a microphone—it’s a studio staple. From delicate acoustic instruments to high-SPL sources, this microphone maintains exceptional clarity while imparting the characteristic warmth and depth that has made Manley a trusted name in professional audio.
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