Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $3,282
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone. This studio-grade mic shares the same electronic attributes as the Gold Reference Series but distinguishes itself with a fixed cardioid-only capsule and a thicker gauge (6 micron) gold-sputtered diaphragm. It's known for its rich tonal balance and liquid character, making it a favorite for recording instruments like guitars, drum overheads, and saxophone. Yet, where this mic truly shines is in vocal recordings. If you're looking for the mic that brought life to the hits of Britney Spears, N'Sync, and The Backstreet Boys, you've found it.
Its sound quality is reminiscent of the vintage European tube mics, such as the revered U47, when they were brand new. If your current mic is leaving you leaning heavily on compressors or boosting 5K or 10K for a bit more impact, the Reference Cardioid could be just the solution you're seeking. It offers the clean, intimate sound that has become the hallmark of the Manley brand.
Key Features:
- Cardioid-only capsule
- All-Tube Triode Design with 12AX7
- -10 dB Pad switchable
- Frequency range: 10 Hz - 30 kHz
- Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
- Noise typically -120 dB ON
- Peak SPL: 150dB
- Output Impedance: 200 O
- Includes supply module
Owner's manual
Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Tube Condenser |
| Mono/Stereo | Mono |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.98" (25mm) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-30kHz |
| Max SPL | 150dB SPL |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 17mV/Pa |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Tube | 12AT7 vacuum tube |
| Power Source | Custom-designed outboard switched-mode power supply |
| Connector | 7-pin XLR (mic), 3-pin XLR (power supply) |
| Weight | 2.25 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Hardshell Case, Custom Suspension, Mic Cable, Capsule Cover |
FAQs
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What is the primary application of the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone?
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The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone is primarily designed for studio recording, excelling in capturing vocals with warmth and clarity, making it a favorite for professional vocal recordings.
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What polar pattern does the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone use?
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This microphone utilizes a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source directly in front of the mic while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear.
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How does the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone handle high sound pressure levels?
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The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 150dB SPL, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources without distortion.
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What type of tube does the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone use?
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This microphone is equipped with a 12AT7 vacuum tube, contributing to its rich, warm sound characteristic that is highly sought after in studio recordings.
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What is the frequency response range of the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone?
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The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone has a frequency response range of 10Hz to 30kHz, allowing it to capture a wide spectrum of audio frequencies with precision.
Videos
A Dude Named Miguel
Manley Reference Cardioid Vs Neumann U87 Ai
Manley Reference Cardioid Vs Neumann U87 Ai
A Dude Named Miguel
Manley Reference Cardioid Review / Test (vs. U67, LCT1040, AT2020, NW700)
Podcastage
Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone In Action
Doctor Mix
Manley Reference Cardioid Mic | Microphone | Vintage King
Vintage King
Manley Reference Cardioid Demo & Review
Alec Brits
Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone Review
Brent Allen Hagel
Is This Mic REALLY That Good?? | Manley Reference Cardioid | MMP:EP47
Carl Moore Music
Manley Reference Cardioid Mic Review
A Dude Named Miguel
Reviews
PROS
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High-end clarity is unparalleled, ideal for achieving a radio-ready sound
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Top choice for rap and pop vocals, prevalent in professional studios
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Simplifies the recording process, reducing reliance on post-processing
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Excellent for both live and studio recording applications
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Provides a warm, smooth, and detailed sound profile
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Recognized for its presence, with sweet highs and smooth lows
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Works well with various musical genres, from country to metal
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Compatible with different preamps, offering versatile sound characteristics
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Reputed to outperform other high-end mics like the Neumann U87
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Enhanced with a high voltage power supply for improved performance
CONS
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Some users report it can sound harsh or sibilant with certain voices
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May exhibit a slight harshness or "laser beam" effect in the 10-12k range
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Swivel nut and assembly can be tight and challenging to adjust
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Has a distinct sound that may not suit all recording or musical styles
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Requires a high-quality preamp for optimal smoothness and warmth
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone.
Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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Loose housing can cause buzzing; check if the mic’s housing is tightly secured.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Previous owner used a Telefunken tube; swapping back to the original tube didn't resolve buzzing, suggesting a different issue.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Manley Reference Cardioid is noted for its professional aesthetic, which can enhance client perception in studio settings.
Source
Value and pricing
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The Manley Reference Cardioid typically retails for around $2800 new, but used options might be available closer to a $2000 budget.
Source
Use cases and applications
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It's considered versatile, performing well across various vocal styles and singers, making it a step up from many sub-$2k mics.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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Eloi Youssef used the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone in the studio while working on the album "Vultures." This is evidenced by his Instagram post captioned "Vocal mic testing day!"
While touring his LVRN studio, 6lack shows off this microphone and mentions that he used it on his song Prblms and liking the “cut” that it brings out in his voice. He also mentions that Summer has also used it.
In the YouTube video "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup | TOMMEE PROFITT (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters, at the 11:49 mark, Tommee Profitt discusses his use of the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone, noting that it serves as his sole audio channel for recording.
In an article from Mixonline, Carrie sings her vocals on the Manley Mic on a few songs off of her album "Cry Pretty"
In this “Dreams Worth More Than Money” freestyle video at the 1:12 mark, Meek Mill is seen in the studio recording on the Manley reference tube mic.
In I Prevail's video called How We Wrote A Grammy-Nominated Metal Song. Eric can be seen screaming into the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
Used as an overhead for Alanis Morissette's Havoc and Bright Lights and Jason Mraz's Love Is a Four Letter Word, as stated by producer Joe Chiccarelli in this April 26, 2016 ProSoundWeb interview and this identical April 27, 2016 article by Manley.
“I have a Manley Gold Reference tube mic and two Reference Cardioid tube mics,” Chiccarelli relates. “The Reference Cardioid is my go-to mic for drum overheads. I’ve used them on drums in every session at Sunset Sound in the past three or four years. I used the Reference Cardioid on drums for Jason Mraz, Christina Perri, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Divine Fits, Young the Giant-pretty much anything I’ve done here. They are always my first choice for drums.”
In the video titled "The Making of 'Freak It' by Kim Petras," at the 1:35 mark, Kim Petras is seen recording with the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone.
In this Instagram post, Yung Gravy confirms owning the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone.
Crystal Lake uses the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone, as seen in the thumbnail of the Hard With Style podcast shared by Neilio on Facebook.
as you can see etta james is singing into a manley refrence cardiod mic on her last album
Used as an overhead for Morrisey's World Peace Is None Of Your Business, as stated by producer Joe Chiccarelli in this April 26, 2016 ProSoundWeb interview and this identical April 27, 2016 article by Manley.
“I have a Manley Gold Reference tube mic and two Reference Cardioid tube mics,” Chiccarelli relates. “The Reference Cardioid is my go-to mic for drum overheads. I’ve used them on drums in every session at Sunset Sound in the past three or four years. I used the Reference Cardioid on drums for Jason Mraz, Christina Perri, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Divine Fits, Young the Giant-pretty much anything I’ve done here. They are always my first choice for drums.”
Album Usage
The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone has been featured on the following albums:
Trap Door
A-F-R-O (2025)
I'm Done
Danielle Cohn (2020)
?
XXXTENTACION (2018)
Cry Pretty
Carrie Underwood (2018)
Yellow Lights
Natania (2018)
Epiphany (feat. NF)
Futuristic (2017)
Sky Trails
David Crosby (2017)
Fly
Avril Lavigne & Avril Lavigne (2015)
Dreams Worth More Than Money
Meek Mill (2015)
The 1975
The 1975 (2013)
Vultures
Kensington (2012)
Get Him To The Greek
Infant Sorrow (2010)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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