MANLEY Reference Silver

Product overview

The MANLEY Reference Silver is a vintage-voiced large-diaphragm tube microphone with switchable cardioid and omni patterns, a 5670 tube head amplifier and a hand-wound MANLEY IRON® output transformer.

Hand-built in California, the Reference Silver combines an American-made, hand-made capsule with all-tube MANLEY circuitry to provide rich midrange tonality and extended frequency response for vocals, instruments and ensemble recording. It wins where warmth and dimensional imaging are the priority, and its etched silver anodised aluminium body gives it a distinctive look.

Key features

• Single-sided, edge-tensioned large-diaphragm capsule, hand-made in the USA
• 5-micron evaporated gold diaphragm, 1" diameter
• Cardioid or omni, switched mechanically at the rear of the capsule
• 5670 tube head amplifier with a constant current source for low noise
• Hand-wound, nickel-core MANLEY IRON® output transformer, 30 Ω balanced XLR output
• High-pass filter switch: -3 dB at 55 Hz, 6 dB/octave
• 150 dB maximum SPL at the capsule, noise typically -108 dBV A-weighted
• Custom low-noise switch-mode supply, 90-250 V AC, 8 W

A vintage-character capsule

The American-made capsule reflects classic vintage sonic characteristics, delivering rounded midrange presence without sibilance or resonant artefacts. This tonal balance is effective for female vocals and saxophones, capturing harmonic content and spatial information with cohesion, and the controlled high-frequency response makes the microphone equally suitable for drum overheads, managing cymbal transients without excessive brightness or harshness.

Switchable cardioid and omni patterns

An adjustable acoustic chamber at the rear of the capsule, set by a selector on the head basket assembly, switches mechanically between cardioid and omnidirectional patterns. Choose a focused, close-mic sound with proximity effect, or a diffuse, more open capture of room tone and ensembles, all from one microphone.

5670 tube amplifier and MANLEY IRON® output

The all-tube head amplifier uses a mic-grade 5670 tube operating at elevated voltage for extended headroom and low noise, with a FET constant current source that minimises noise and tube selection. A hand-wound, nickel-core MANLEY IRON® output transformer provides a balanced signal with minimal distortion. The custom switch-mode supply operates well above the audible range, for a cleaner, quieter signal path with no 50/60 Hz chassis ripple, and accepts any mains voltage from 90 V to 250 V AC.

In the box

• MANLEY Reference Silver microphone
• Outboard switch-mode power supply

MANLEY Reference Silver: frequently asked questions

What is the Reference Silver mainly used for?

It is a versatile studio microphone with a warm, rich tone: a go-to for female vocals, saxophones and brass, and an exceptional choice for drum overheads, acoustic guitars and banjo.

How do I change the polar pattern?

The pattern is switched mechanically between cardioid and omni via the adjustable vent on the backplate of the capsule, using the selector on the head basket assembly.

Which tube does it use?

A mic-grade 5670 vacuum tube in the head amplifier, working with a FET constant current source for low noise and stable performance.

Can it handle loud sources?

Yes. The maximum input is 150 dB SPL at the capsule, so drum overheads, snare, electric guitars and horns can be recorded without clipping.

Where can I buy the MANLEY Reference Silver in India?

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

Workflow 1: Female vocals

Recording a singer with warmth and no harsh sibilance.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the pattern 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: MANLEY names female vocals among the sources where the Silver excels.

Workflow 2: Saxophone and brass

Capturing horns with a rich, full-bodied tone.

Connections

Setup

1. Select cardioid.
2. Place the microphone in front of the instrument.
3. Set the gain for the loudest passages.
4. Record.

Tip: 150 dB SPL at the capsule leaves plenty of headroom.

Workflow 3: Drum overheads

Overheads with controlled cymbals.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the microphone above the kit.
2. Choose cardioid for focus or omni for more room.
3. Set the gain on the loudest hits.
4. Record.

Tip: The controlled high-frequency response keeps cymbals smooth.

Workflow 4: Acoustic guitar and banjo

Recording plucked strings with a smooth character.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone facing the instrument.
2. Select cardioid.
3. Engage the high-pass filter if low rumble is present.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: The high-pass filter is -3 dB at 55 Hz, 6 dB/octave.

Workflow 5: Ensemble and room recording

Capturing a group or a room with one microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch the pattern to omni.
2. Place the microphone at the centre of the ensemble.
3. Adjust the distance for the balance of direct sound and room.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: Omni gives a diffuse, open capture of the room tone.

Workflow 6: Electric guitar and snare

Close-miking loud sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Select cardioid.
2. Place the microphone close to the source.
3. Set the preamp gain on the loudest parts.
4. Record.

Tip: MANLEY names electric guitars, snare and horns as natural high-SPL applications.