User's Manual
5
Reference models
The REF-C microphone, as it is commonly called, went into producon 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 arsts alike. The
center-xed single-sided-acve capsule features a 6 micron gold spuered
diaphragm based on the vintage U47. Known as the “just add talent” vocal
mic, the REF-C also oen nds itself in front of acousc guitars, pianos,
drums, and saxophones.
The Reference Silver is the newest microphone in the Manley stable, rst
going into producon in 2017. This microphone is very disncve 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 paern 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 disncve housing with impressive 24 karat gold-plated
nish on a solid brass body conrms its quality and performance. It ulizes
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 characteriscs over years (unlike thinner
diaphragms) while sll 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