MANLEY Reference Gold

Product overview

The MANLEY Reference Gold is MANLEY's zero-compromise tube microphone: a large-diaphragm, multi-pattern tube condenser with continuously variable polar pattern control and a 24-karat gold-plated solid brass body.

The Reference Gold represents the pinnacle of large-diaphragm tube microphone design, combining a proprietary capsule with continuously variable polar pattern control. Hand-assembled in California with an all-tube triode signal path, it delivers exceptional transient response and tonal accuracy across all source material, engineered to capture acoustic reality with minimal colouration and the transparency demanded by world-class recording and mastering applications. Your vocals and acoustic instruments have never sounded this real.

Key features

• Continuously variable polar pattern: omni through cardioid to figure-of-8 and every position between
• One-inch capsule with a 24-karat gold-sputtered diaphragm, precision tensioned
• All-tube triode circuit at high voltage: 12AX7 or 7025EH tube
• 150 dB maximum SPL, noise typically -120 dB EIN, 17 mV/Pa sensitivity
• Switchable -10 dB pad
• Body machined from solid brass with 24-karat gold plating
• Tube in a ceramic socket with pure silver pins
• MANLEY Power® switch-mode supply: regulated 300 V B+, 90-250 V AC, 8 W

Continuously variable pattern for total acoustic command

The Reference Gold moves seamlessly from omnidirectional through cardioid to figure-of-8, with every intermediate position available on the continuous control. This lets engineers optimise off-axis rejection, proximity effect and room interaction for any source or acoustic environment, and fine-tune the polar response in real time for complete control over sonic character and spatial imaging.

Precision-tensioned gold capsule and brass body

At its core is a meticulously crafted one-inch capsule with a 24-karat gold-sputtered diaphragm, tensioned using proprietary techniques. The body is precision-machined from solid brass, which gives excellent shielding, and plated in 24-karat gold to a high lustre: a mark of the uncompromising build quality that ensures consistent performance and long-term stability.

High-voltage tube sound

The all-tube triode circuit operates at high voltage for a 150 dB maximum SPL with exceptionally low noise and wide dynamic range. The tube, selected for lowest noise, is easily obtainable and replaceable. Powered by the universal MANLEY Power® switch-mode supply, which gives the tube a highly regulated 300 V B+ and works anywhere from 90 V to 250 V AC without reconfiguration, the Reference Gold delivers pristine output with extended headroom and minimal distortion.

In the box

• MANLEY Reference Gold microphone
• MANLEY Power® outboard power supply

MANLEY Reference Gold: frequently asked questions

What is the Reference Gold mainly used for?

Truly accurate and transparent musical recordings: intimate vocal performances, classical instruments, acoustic guitars and orchestral recordings, where uncompromised fidelity and detail matter.

What does the continuously variable pattern give me?

You can move smoothly between omni, cardioid and figure-of-8, and every position between, to tune the acoustic response and proximity effect to the source and the room.

Which tube does it use?

A dual-triode 12AX7 (7025EH also specified); earlier versions used a 12AT7 or 6072. It sits in a ceramic socket with pure silver pins.

Can it handle loud sources?

Yes. With a 150 dB maximum SPL and the switchable -10 dB pad, drums, electric guitars and brass can be recorded without audible distortion.

Where can I buy the MANLEY Reference Gold in India?

The MANLEY Reference Gold is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Intimate lead vocal

Capturing every nuance of a vocal performance.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the PATTERN control to cardioid.
2. Mount the microphone in its shock mount at mouth height.
3. Switch the supply on and let the tube warm up.
4. Set the preamp gain and record.

Tip: Fine-tune the pattern between cardioid and omni to adjust the proximity effect.

Workflow 2: Classical instruments

Recording a solo instrument with reference transparency.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at a distance that balances instrument and room.
2. Choose a pattern between cardioid and omni.
3. Set the gain for the loudest passages.
4. Record.

Tip: Every intermediate pattern position is available on the continuous control.

Workflow 3: Orchestral and room recording

Capturing an ensemble in a good acoustic space.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the pattern to omni.
2. Place the microphone at the best listening position.
3. Adjust height and distance.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: Omni includes the room for an open, natural picture.

Workflow 4: Acoustic guitar

Recording acoustic guitar with stunning realism.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the pattern to cardioid.
2. Point the microphone at the instrument.
3. Adjust distance for body and detail.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: Narrow the pattern towards figure-of-8 to reject sound from the sides.

Workflow 5: Two voices with figure-of-8

Recording two sources facing each other.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the PATTERN control to figure-of-8.
2. Place the two sources at the front and back of the microphone.
3. Balance them by distance.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: The figure-of-8 pattern rejects sound from the sides.

Workflow 6: Drums, guitar amps and brass

High-SPL sources with the pad engaged.

Connections

Setup

1. Engage the -10 dB pad.
2. Choose the pattern for the room and the spill.
3. Set the gain on the loudest parts.
4. Record.

Tip: 150 dB maximum SPL with the pad handles very loud sources.