

Oceania Audio is the Authorised NZ Distributor
Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone
The world’s most popular modern tube vocal mic. The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone has that “finished” sound right out of the box, making it the favourite vocal mic of top producers and voiceover artists alike. This is modern pop music’s go-to mic: flattering, present, and larger-than-life. Some refer to the Manley RefC as the “Just Add Talent” microphone.
Details
The Reference Cardioid Microphone shares the same electronic attributes as the Gold Reference Series, but has a centre-fixed cardioid-only capsule with a thicker gauge (6 micron) gold sputtered diaphragm.
With the similar film thickness and construction, similar high frequency resonance (a little edge), similar proximity effect and pretty good immunity from pops and sibilance problems, our Reference Cardioid more closely recalls how many of the vintage European tube mics such as the beloved U47 sounded like when they were new. Its rich tonal balance and liquid character is consistently admired for instruments such as guitars, drum overheads, saxophone, and especially vocals.
With your present mic, if you find yourself leaning on your compressors and boosting 5 or 10K to score a bit more testosterone, then the Reference Cardioid just might be the mic you’re looking for to cure what ails ya. If you seem to be constantly boosting 12-18K and trying to get a clean, intimate sound, then probably the Reference Gold would be the safest bet. If you want to sound like God, then use the mic Don LaFontaine used! The Manley Reference Cardioid mic. And have a voice like his, too.
Specifications
- All-Tube triode design 12AX7 (Previous versions used 12AT7 and 6072.)
- -10 dB switchable pad
- Frequency response: 10Hz-30KHz
- Sensitivity: 17mV/Pa
- Noise typically -120dB EIN
- Max SPL: 150dB
- Output Impedance: 250 Ohms
- Weight: 2.25 lbs (mic)
- Weight: 2.5 lbs (PSU)
- Size: 4.5" x 9.7" x 4.5" (mic)
- Size: 5" x 8.2" x 3.4" (PSU)
- Shipping weight: 15 lbs
- Selected matched pairs available
- Outboard Power Supply is factory set for 100V, 120V or 220-240VAC operation for original destination country's mains voltage.
- Operating Mains Voltage changeable with power transformer re-wiring via internal jumpers and fuse value change.
- Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~60Hz
- Mains Fuse: 250mA @ 100~120V; 125mA @ 220~240V operation
- Power Consumption: 70mA @ 120V = 8.4 Watts
Couldn't load pick-up availability
When will my order be dispatched?
Orders are dispatched Tuesday, Wednesday via Courierpost. You will be sent an email confirmation with tracking details once your order is on its way to you. If you have any questions about your order, please email nigel@oceania-audio.co.nz or use the contact form on this website.
How long will it take for my order to be delivered?
Orders are usually delivered the day after they are shipped. Rural orders may take 1-2 extra days.
Why is my order taking longer than expected?
Sometimes we have to order stock in from our suppliers if we don’t have it on hand. Where there are delays or when products are on backorder, this will always be indicated on the product page.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is free within New Zealand and dispatched with Courier Post.
Can I pick up my order?
Orders are shipped from our warehouse. If you would like to pick your order up, please arrange with us prior to placing your order. Email nigel@oceania-audio.co.nz or contact us using the contact form on this website.
What if my order was wrong?
If your order was incorrect or faulty in any way, please let us know and we will make sure you get what you ordered.
What is your refund policy?
You can find out more about our refund policy.
NZ Delivery
We like to keep things simple... Shipping is always FREE within New Zealand.
Our shipping days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
All packages are sent out of Auckland, New Zealand.
Please allow up to 7 working days for your package to arrive before contacting us. Although we strive to have them arrive in 1-3 working days with rural, public holidays, weekends, or unforeseen circumstances, this can take longer, depending on the shipping option, location and payment option you chose.
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking details.
Please note: orders containing personalised or customised items may require additional processing time. Any extended timeframes will be clearly communicated at checkout or in your order confirmation.
Shipping Rates
Shipping is always FREE within New Zealand.
P.O. Boxes
We are currently unable to ship to P.O. Boxes. If a P.O. Box address is given by mistake we will contact you and this may cause a delay with the delivery of your package.
International Delivery
We don't currently ship outside of New Zealand, but if you aren't in New Zealand and see something you like, email sales@oceania-audio.co.nz and we will try to help you out.
Damaged, Lost or Missing Orders
If your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or is missing items, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery at sales@oceania-audio.co.nz with:
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Your order number
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Clear photos of the item and packaging
We will review each case individually and work towards a fair resolution in line with New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act obligations.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about shipping, delivery, or your order, please contact:
sales@oceania-audio.co.nz
Questions? Spot a better price?
Call +64 9 845 7800 or Contact us

