A superb recording mic with an all tube design and gorgeous natural acoustic smoothness.
The Manley Gold Reference Multi-Pattern Microphone delivers truly accurate musical recordings. The Gold Reference Series employs Manley's own design of large capsules (1.25 inch overall, 1 inch diaphragm diameter), which is executed to precise tolerances made possible by modern micro-milling machinery. 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. Manley recently switched to a dual-triode 12AX7WA, 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 recording mic's 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 has 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! The base of the Manley recording microphone holds a locking 3 pin gold XLR connector for the audio signal output to allow you to use whatever audio cable you prefer— as exotic as you wish. A detachable threaded 4-pin connector for the 30 foot power supply cable carries the stringently filtered B+ and regulated heater voltages from the separate dedicated power supply. 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 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. Also included with this studio mic is a useful swivel of Manley's own design; 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 with soft velvet lining which slips (and ties) onto the end of the microphone to protect the capsule when not in use.
Each reference microphone is packaged complete in a strong locking carrying-case.
