Anyone own a Manley Reference Mic?

Barznbeats1 · 13th October 2008, 07:45 PM

Our studio just ordered one. Wondering how this mic sounds.. Anyone with experience with this mic? It'll be paired with a modded 737.

rickrock305 · 13th October 2008, 07:47 PM

i don't own one, but used one a couple times. i had it paired with the 737 also, using it to record female RnB vocals. sounded great, tons of detail and clarity. great high end without getting harsh. also takes EQ very well.

i'd definitely recommend it. what other mics do you have?

EDIT: just realized your talking about the reference cardioid and not the gold version, correct? i used the gold version. not sure about the regular one.

bgrotto · 13th October 2008, 08:14 PM

I have a pair of the Golds; they're great. I'm not sure how the, um...not-Golds...measure up, but given Manley's track record for quality, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

idlabs · 13th October 2008, 09:44 PM

If your talking about the Reference Cardiod, I just picked one up from Mercenary about 2 weeks ago. So far, I love it. Like the other guys said, very open and detailed. Probably a better mic for singers that need that "airy" sound than it is for rappers, but I've been using it on both with great results so far. Couple of rappers were way too sibilant with it though and sounded better with my 87ai. It's got a very hot output too, I've kept the 10db pad in most of the time I've used it so far. Great mic all around.

Traxx · 14th October 2008, 02:11 AM

Simply put, its a great mic...The gold version just has the different pick up patterns and of course the gold plated trim..The mic is a great mic to say the least. It has a top end like no other mic i've personally heard. Honestly, i can't see any mic at any price point sounding that much better than that mic. When properly used in a good environment, the vocals seem as if they come out polished and ready needing little processing..I've personally never heard a vocal I didn't like through that mic and that says a lot in my book. Good choice..

Barznbeats1 · 14th October 2008, 03:58 AM

Yea, it is the cardoid version. We have an 87 right now. By you guys' replies, seems like I'll be covering alot of ground with the two mics.. Thats wassup. Thanks for the replies.

**TonyBelmont** · 14th October 2008, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traxx

The gold version just has the different pick up patterns and of course the gold plated trim..

That's actually not true...

The MAJOR difference is in the capsule.

The Gold Reference uses a CK12 style capsule made by Josephson Engineering (which is an incredible capsule).

The Reference Cardioid uses a Chinese capsule.

The two mics sound very different...

Traxx · 14th October 2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

That's actually not true...

The MAJOR difference is in the capsule.

The Gold Reference uses a CK12 style capsule made by Josephson Engineering (which is an incredible capsule).

The Reference Cardioid uses a Chinese capsule.

The two mics sound very different...

You are absolutely right about the capsules, but remember different does not always mean better. The reference is still an incredible mic that I would easily put up against any mic on the market that boast a nice top end...

**TonyBelmont** · 14th October 2008, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traxx

You are absolutely right about the capsules, but remember different does not always mean better. The reference is still an incredible mic that I would easily put up against any mic on the market that boast a nice top end...

I think the Gold has a better top end.

T. Gundersen · 14th October 2008, 10:39 AM

I never had the pleasure of working with the gold model, but the ref. m model sounds great. I've heard it used with a Calrec strip for male pop vocals - sounded awesome right away. It really has this "poprock" type of sound to it though.

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13th October 2008, 07:45 PM	#1
Barznbeats1 Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 358	Anyone own a Manley Reference Mic? Our studio just ordered one. Wondering how this mic sounds.. Anyone with experience with this mic? It'll be paired with a modded 737. __________________ www.myspace.com/nsp904

13th October 2008, 07:47 PM	#2
rickrock305 Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Miami FL Posts: 6,828	i don't own one, but used one a couple times. i had it paired with the 737 also, using it to record female RnB vocals. sounded great, tons of detail and clarity. great high end without getting harsh. also takes EQ very well. i'd definitely recommend it. what other mics do you have? EDIT: just realized your talking about the reference cardioid and not the gold version, correct? i used the gold version. not sure about the regular one. __________________ www.rbmixing.com

14th October 2008, 03:58 AM	#6
Barznbeats1 Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 358	Yea, it is the cardoid version. We have an 87 right now. By you guys' replies, seems like I'll be covering alot of ground with the two mics.. Thats wassup. Thanks for the replies. __________________ www.myspace.com/nsp904

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13th October 2008, 09:44 PM	#4
idlabs Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 177	If your talking about the Reference Cardiod, I just picked one up from Mercenary about 2 weeks ago. So far, I love it. Like the other guys said, very open and detailed. Probably a better mic for singers that need that "airy" sound than it is for rappers, but I've been using it on both with great results so far. Couple of rappers were way too sibilant with it though and sounded better with my 87ai. It's got a very hot output too, I've kept the 10db pad in most of the time I've used it so far. Great mic all around.

14th October 2008, 02:11 AM	#5
Traxx Gear addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 418	Simply put, its a great mic...The gold version just has the different pick up patterns and of course the gold plated trim..The mic is a great mic to say the least. It has a top end like no other mic i've personally heard. Honestly, i can't see any mic at any price point sounding that much better than that mic. When properly used in a good environment, the vocals seem as if they come out polished and ready needing little processing..I've personally never heard a vocal I didn't like through that mic and that says a lot in my book. Good choice..

14th October 2008, 10:39 AM	#10
T. Gundersen Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 274	I never had the pleasure of working with the gold model, but the ref. m model sounds great. I've heard it used with a Calrec strip for male pop vocals - sounded awesome right away. It really has this "poprock" type of sound to it though.