The MANLEY GOLD REFERENCE MULTI-PATTERN MICROPHONES are a statement, quite
simply, of the finest microphones that money can buy in the pursuit of truly
accurate musical recordings. The Gold Reference Series employ our own design
of large capsules (1.25 inch overall, 1 inch diaphragm diameter) which are
executed to precise tolerances made possible by modern micro-milling machinery
available today in California. The capsule rings and back-plates are milled
from solid brass. The gold diaphragm film comes from Germany and is tensioned
using proprietary techniques by David Josephson ensuring capsule-to-capsule
constancy, combined with the speed, "air", and superb ultra-high frequency
response you have only dreamt about.
The STEREO version of our GOLD REFERENCE microphone is identical in every
respect to the MONO GOLD REFERENCE but with two complete and carefully matched
systems installed in one case with the upper capsule being fixed and the
lower capsule being continuously ROTATABLE through 90° for M-S and X-Y BLUMLEIN-STYLE
coincident pair recording technique. Each capsule has its own continuously
variable PATTERN control and individual -10dB PAD switch.
The all-tube electronics in the MANLEY REFERENCE SERIES MICROPHONES are
built around two triodes in cascade forming an entire gain-block. We have
recently switched to a dual-triode 12AX7WA, easily obtainable and replaceable,
mounted in a ceramic socket. (We used to use 6072A until it became impossible
to find quiet ones out of the NOS dreck left on the market.) The output
is coupled through a MANLEY output transformer of unparalleled quality and
substantial physical size employing nickel laminations with "hum bucking"
bi-filar windings, encased in mu-metal. The polar pattern control is continuously
variable between the OMNI, CARDIOID, and FIGURE 8 positions vastly increasing
this mic’s versatility. The Gold Mics make it possible to exactly tailor
the proximity effect to achieve the desired character. We have chosen a
very open weave stainless-steel grille for the capsule window which allows
all the highs to reach the capsule unimpaired letting the engineer choose
if, when, and how much pop screen is appropriate. As a result, the Reference
Gold reaches to the furthest extremes of highs and lows with gorgeous natural
acoustic smoothness. Some engineers tell us it sometimes "hears" more than
they do!
The base of the microphone holds a locking 5 pin gold XLR connector for
the audio signal out enabling usage of your own preference of audio cable
– as exotic as you wish . A low capacitance 5-pin XLR-F to two 3-Pin XLR-M
"Y" cable is included for your convenience. A detachable threaded 4-pin
connector for the 30 foot power supply cable carries the stringently filtered
B+ and regulated heater voltages from the separate dedicated power supply.
The microphone body is machined from brass providing excellent shielding
properties, polished to a high lustre, then plated with 24 karat gold for
an impressive finish, inspiring confidence in artists and producers.
Our precision suspension system is provided with each REFERENCE MICROPHONE
(the capsule itself is mounted onto a neoprene-rubber shock-mount.) Because
the entire working "guts" of the microphone may be removed for service in
one piece from the housing, it is envisioned that the microphone need not
be removed from the suspension. We also provide a very useful swivel of
our own design with every REFERENCE MICROPHONE; its T-bar handle and locking
clutch action require no tools to adjust. And no MANLEY microphone would
be complete without a genuine leather capsule protector with soft velour
lining which slips (and ties) onto the end of the microphone to protect
the capsule when not in use.
Each REFERENCE MICROPHONE is packaged complete in a strong locking carrying-case.
Specifications
• All-Tube triode design: 2 x 12AX7EH Electro-Harmonix specially selected
for lowest noise (MIC GRADE)
• -10 dB switchable pads for each channel
• Frequency response: 10Hz-30KHz
• Sensitivity: 17mV/Pa
• Noise typically -120dB EIN
• Max SPL: 150dB
• Weight: 3.25 Lbs.
• Custom transformerless internal preamp version also available to order
• Outboard Power Supply is factory set for 220-240VAC operation
• Operating Mains Voltage changeable with power transformer re-wiring via
switch and fuse value change
• Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~ 60Hz