The Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Microphone(commonly known as REF-C) is a large-diaphragm tube microphone offering a wide, 10 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response and accurate transient performance without coloration or any perceivable sonic signature. The rich tonal balance and liquid character make this center-fixed cardioid mic an excellent choice for obtaining a very forward, immediate sound when recording acoustic guitars, drum overheads, saxophones, and especially pop vocals and voiceovers—with a "finished" sound right out of the box.

The Reference Cardioid features a 1" gold-sputtered diaphragm that is 6 microns thick based on the vintage U47. It has the ability to withstand sound pressure levels up to 150 dB. The open-weave stainless steel grille allows the capsule to capture signals with zero-loss acoustical transmission, which translates to less dampening of high-frequency content.

The electronics of the Reference Cardioid include two triodes in cascade forming an entire gain-block. The dual-triode 12AX7 tube is easily obtainable and was chosen for its high gain and low noise properties. The audio signal and power connect from the microphone to the filtered B+ power supply via a single 30', 6-pin XLR cable. The audio output exits the power supply via 3-pin XLR through a custom-wound output transformer, which employs nickel laminations and "humbucking" bi-filar windings, all enclosed in mu-metal.

The REF-C features a proprietary suspension system that is attached to the black & red anodized casing. The capsule itself is mounted to a neoprene-rubber shockmount to prevent unwanted vibrations from being picked up by the diaphragm. Handmade in the USA, the microphone ships with a leather capsule cover, locking carrying case, and IEC power cable.

Modern Tube Vocal Microphone    Cardioid Polar Pattern    Open Weave Stainless-Steel Grille    Hand-Wound Output Transformer    Precision Shockmount Suspension System    Leather Capsule Cover    Locking Carrying Case    Made in the USA

1" diaphragm

Open weave stainless steel grille for zero-loss acoustical transmission

Neoprene-rubber shockmount

All-tube design with 12AX7 dual triode

-10 dB pad

150 dB maximum SPL

Filtered B+, regulated heater voltages

30' 6-pin XLR power cable

Hand-wound output transformer with nickel laminations and mu-metal casing

Precision suspension system

Leather capsule protector

Locking carrying case

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this be used through a digital audio interface into mu computer?

A: Yes. It would go into the XLR input.

Q: 2. Can this be paired with itself for stereo input to say, Zoom H6 recorder, for dSLR TRS minijack input? Need to record high end performances without post-processing.

A: This is a mono microphone that requires phantom power. It will not work directly with a miniplug without a power supply.

Q: 3. Is the ON/off indicator a switch or only an indicator?

A: This BOYA Desktop Cardioid Gooseneck Microphone has both an LED indicator and a control button, which is a mute switch (short press) and on/off button (long press).

Q: 4. Is it adjustable for the size of a 6-year old kid's head? if not can you suggest a headset for this age . many thanks.Bennet

A: We actually bought these microphones for a children's play to avoid entrusting 6 year olds to $400 countrymans. They are flexible, but there's no actual adjustment. We didn't have any fit issues with our kids though, and they worked perfectly for our application.

Q: 5. What is TA4S?

A: I assume you meant TA4F-- this is the type of connector on this microphone. Pretty sure it is a Shure proprietary connector, so you would want a mic with this if you're connecting to a Shure wireless system. They are small, round, and have 4 pins. Sometimes they're used for specialty wired mics as well.

Q: 6. Does the RTA mic come with a case?

A: Yes

Q: 7. I believe the capsule is exchangeable on this model. Where can I find them?

A: According to the manufacturer website, capsules are non interchangeable for this model microphone.

Q: 8. Is this the version that does both speakers and headphones? That is the one we want.

A: Yes, this version of the software can provide reference EQ for many headphone models, as well as for speakers in your room. A demo of the software is available here: https://bit.ly/3H7fyen

Q: 9. What is the length of the cable?

A: The cable length is 2m (6.6')

Q: 10. Is this appliance voltage 220V?

A: The Manley Labs Slam tube stereo limiter and mic preamp is not 220V. It is rated for 120V use only.