User's Manual

5
Reference models
The REF-C microphone, as it is commonly called, went into producon in
1990. Its trademark black and red body makes it very recognizable. It has
that “nished” sound right out of the box, making it the world’s #1 modern
tube vocal microphone for top producers and voiceover arsts alike. The
center-xed single-sided-acve capsule features a 6 micron gold spuered
diaphragm based on the vintage U47. Known as the “just add talent” vocal
mic, the REF-C also oen nds itself in front of acousc guitars, pianos,
drums, and saxophones.
The Reference Silver is the newest microphone in the Manley stable, rst
going into producon in 2017. This microphone is very disncve with its
silver, scale-like nish. The handmade capsule - made in America by David
Josephson - features a 5 micron evaporated gold diaphragm based on the
vintage C-37A. This microphone has an adjustable mechanical vent on the
rear of the grille which changes the polar paern from cardioid to omni. Its at
HF response makes it a real problem-solver for husky voices, brass, electric
guitar cabinets, and drum overheads.
The Reference Gold microphone is our agship microphone, rst produced
in 1990. Its very disncve housing with impressive 24 karat gold-plated
nish on a solid brass body conrms its quality and performance. It ulizes
our own custom-designed 1” diaphragm capsule, handmade in America by
David Josephson and based upon a classic CK-12 capsule. The 5 micron
gold lm exhibits inherently stable characteriscs over years (unlike thinner
diaphragms) while sll maintaining the speed, “air”, and ultra-high frequency
response for which this microphone is famous. Its precise nature and highly
detailed response make this microphone very popular for strings, piano,
orchestral work, and vocals.
Reference Cardioid
Reference Silver
Reference Gold