Detail 01
Cardioid only
One fixed pattern. No omni or figure-eight, so it can't do Blumlein pairs or stereo room setups.
Product detailSKU #1274319727504
ManleyReference Cardioid Microphone
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A cardioid condenser aimed at studios where the mic is the most expensive piece in the chain. Vocal and single-source recording.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Studios with treated rooms and a preamp worth the mic
- Lead vocal tracking where one mic serves everything
- Close single sources: voiceover, acoustic guitar, upright bass
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Untreated rooms where the mic will just capture the room
- Loud stage use where a rugged dynamic makes more sense
- Anyone needing omni or figure-eight for room and stereo work
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Condenser element
Sensitive and detailed, but it hears everything: room reflections, HVAC, chair creaks. Treatment matters more than with a dynamic.
Detail 03
Cardioid rejection pattern
Rejects from the rear. Aim the back of the mic at your worst reflection or noise source, not just the singer at the front.
Detail 04
Reference-grade price tier
It resolves what's in front of it. A weak preamp or bad room will be more audible, not less.
Detail 05
Black finish
Low reflectivity, which matters if the mic ends up on camera for streams or video sessions.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm how it powers up — phantom from your preamp or a dedicated supply.
- 02Check what mounting hardware ships with it before ordering a separate shockmount.
- 03Cardioid condensers show proximity effect. Plan mic distance for the singer.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What polar pattern is it?
Cardioid, and only cardioid. It picks up from the front and rejects from the rear, so it's aimed at single sources rather than room or stereo capture.
02Do I need phantom power?
It's a condenser, so it needs powering one way or another. Confirm whether it takes 48V phantom from your preamp or ships with its own supply before you build the chain.
03Will it work in an untreated bedroom?
It will work, but it will faithfully capture the room's reflections along with the voice. At this level, room treatment is the limiting factor.
04Is it good for anything besides vocals?
Yes. Acoustic guitar, upright bass, voiceover and any close single source suit a cardioid condenser. Its fixed pattern rules out stereo room techniques.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
