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$ 6,499 .00
or $181/month for 36 months 0% interest for 36 months. 36 equal monthly payments required. Learn more
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SKU

335

Please note: this item is available for purchase in the United States only.

Manley Reference Mono Gold Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

CK12-style multi-pattern condenser microphone with an American-made capsule, open grille, adjustable pickup pattern capable of capturing nuances and subtleties

MFR# REFGOLD

Product Description

The Manley Reference Mono Gold Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone is, quite simply, one of the finest microphones that money can buy in the pursuit of truly accurate musical recordings. The Gold Reference Series employ Manly's own design of large capsules (1.25-inch overall, 1-inch diaphragm diameter) which are executed to precise tolerances made possible by modern micro-milling machinery available today in California. The capsule rings and back-plates are milled from solid brass. The gold diaphragm film comes from Germany and is tensioned using proprietary techniques by David Josephson ensuring capsule-to-capsule constancy, combined with the speed, "air", and superb ultra-high frequency response you have only dreamt about.

The all-tube electronics in the Manley Reference Microphones are built around two triodes in cascade forming an entire gain-block. They currently use a dual-triode 12AX7 tube, easily obtainable and replaceable, mounted in a ceramic socket. The output is coupled through a MANLEY output transformer of unparalleled quality and substantial physical size employing nickel laminations with "hum bucking" bi-filar windings, encased in mu-metal. The polar pattern control is continuously variable between the OMNI, CARDIOID, and FIGURE 8 positions vastly increasing this mic’s versatility. The Gold Mics make it possible to exactly tailor the proximity effect to achieve the desired character.

Manley have chosen a very open weave stainless-steel grille for the capsule window which allows all the highs to reach the capsule unimpaired letting the engineer choose if, when, and how much pop screen is appropriate. As a result, the Reference Gold reaches to the furthest extremes of highs and lows with gorgeous natural acoustic smoothness. Some engineers tell us it sometimes "hears" more than they do! A locking 7-pin XLR connector for the power supply cable carries the stringently filtered and regulated voltages from the separate dedicated MANLEY POWER power supply. The audio signal exits the PSU via a traditional 3-pin XLR jack. The microphone body is machined from brass providing excellent shielding properties, polished to a high lustre, then plated with 24 karat gold for an impressive finish, inspiring confidence in artists and producers.

Manley's proprietary precision suspension system is provided with each Reference Microphone (the capsule itself is mounted onto a neoprene-rubber shock-mount.) Because the entire working "guts" of the microphone may be removed for service in one piece from the housing, it is envisioned that the microphone need not be removed from the suspension. A very useful swivel is provided - its T-bar handle and locking clutch action require no tools to adjust. And no MANLEY microphone would be complete without a genuine leather capsule protector which slips (and ties) onto the end of the microphone to protect the capsule when not in use.

Product Specifications

Condition New
Package Contents PSU, PSU cable, shock mount, case
Length 9.7 in
Diameter 4.5 in
Unit Weight 2.25 lb
Tube or Solid State Tube
Transducer Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Bi-Directional / Figure-Eight, Cardioid, Omni-Directional
Number of Microphones Single Microphone
Phantom Required No
Impedance Actual output: 200 Ohms
Frequency Range 10 Hz - 30 kHz
input_pad -10 dB
Sensitivity -35.4 dBV/Pa (17 mV)
Max. SPL 150 dB

Product Reviews

5 out of 5 stars.
Review Count (2)

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It’s really nice for vocal recording
No matter the English or Chinese vocal

By Jianwei H on February 27, 2023

I've never known this not suit a vocalist! My studio's reference gold is always the first mic out on a vocal session because I know I can trust it's larger than life detail, incredibly flattering fat and bright tone and pure signal path. This mic is hard to beat! The amount of producers who come through my studio who say 'oh wow you've got the GOLD ONE' is amazing. The reference Cardioid version is also wonderful but the added flexibility and slight circuit change of this I really love.

By chewittmusic on January 19, 2019

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The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
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