MANLEY Reference Cardioid Microphone (Official Japanese Product, Delivery Dates Separately) (Manray)
Product Condition
| Brand New | Unused, as sold. |
|---|---|
| Mint | Like new, no flaws. |
| Excellent | Barely used, very minor wear. |
| Very Good | Light wear, fully functional. |
| Good | Visible wear, plays fine. |
| Fair | Heavy wear, still playable. |
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Description
Description
The Reference Cardioid is exactly what its name suggests: a benchmark for tube microphones.
With its right sound, this microphone has established itself as a favorite of the world's top producers and voice-over artists, and its distinctive vocal presence and richness make it a powerful addition to any modern pop production.
The Reference Cardioid has earned a reputation as a microphone that "brings out the talent."
The Reference Cardioid uses the same electrical circuitry as the Reference Gold, except for the capsule, which is a fixed-center cardioid polar pattern, and the gold diaphragm is 6 microns thick.
With similar film thickness and construction, similar high-frequency response (with a slightly sharper edge), resistance to pop noise and sibilance, and proximity effect, the Reference Cardioid is close to European vintage tube microphones like the U47, reminiscent of their original sound. Its rich tonal balance and mellow character make it ideal for recording not only vocals, but also guitar, drum overheads, saxophone, and other instruments.
If you're currently using a compressor on your mic and boosting it around 5 or 10k to add thickness, the Reference Cardioid may be the microphone for you. If you're looking for a clean, open sound with a constant boost around 12-18k, the Reference Gold may be a better fit.
If you want to achieve Don LaFontaine's "Voice of God" sound, use this Reference Cardioid and you'll hear it when you sound like him.
■Features◎Tube microphone (triode design)
◎Cardioid capsule ◎Capsule shock mount ◎6 micron thick, 1 inch gold-deposited large diaphragm ◎-10 dB pad switch ◎Dedicated power supply unit ◎Dedicated shock mount included ◎Genuine leather capsule protector included
■MANLEY POWER power supply
The MANLEY POWER power supply used in Reference Cardioid (shipping from June 2020 onwards) is the result of an innovative design developed for Manley Laboratories by Bruno Putzeys and a team of world-renowned power supply experts, specifically tailored for high-voltage tubes and audio applications. First used in the Manley CORE and already proven to be sonically superior, this power supply features a 300V DC rail to drive the tubes, a generous 6V line to power the tube heaters, and several voltage rails for phantom power and other solid-state circuitry. High voltage is essential for ample headroom, which in turn contributes to sonic performance. Great sonic performance comes from a superior power supply. The MANLEY POWER power supply is designed for extremely low high-frequency noise, ensuring stable, low-impedance, and efficient power supply operation.
This new power supply is quieter than the previous design, giving you a sense of speed in the high frequencies, greater clarity, and even deeper blacks in the silence. The MANLEY POWER power supply is also universal, compatible with all voltages and frequencies, so it will work anywhere in the world without the need for voltage selectors or power transformer rewiring.
■Specifications◎Vacuum tube: 12AX7
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 30 kHz
Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
Noise: -120 dB EIN
◎Maximum SPL: 150 dB
Output impedance: 250 Ω
◎Power consumption: 8.4W (70 mA @ 120V)
◎ Operating voltage: 100V-240V @ 50-60 Hz (universal power supply)
◎Dimensions
Microphone: Approx. 114.3 mm x 114.3 mm x 246.4 mm
Power supply unit: Approx. 127 mm x 82 mm x 198 mm
◎Weight
Microphone: Approx. 1.02 kg
Power supply unit: Approx. 1.05 kg
Payment & Security
Payment methods
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
For orders exceeding Paypal’s transaction limit of 1 million yen, we will provide more details. For secure transactions, items will only be shipped to the address registered in your Paypal account.
Regarding detailed information and contact information to us, please check FAQ.
Please Note
The following information applies to international orders.
■ Condition
Items with “USED” in the product name are pre-owned and will be delivered as shown in the photos. Signs of wear may be present. All items are function-tested by our staff and rechecked before dispatch.
■ Stock
Many products are stocked across Ikebe stores in Japan. As a result, shipment may take several days. In-store sales may also cause items to sell out. If an item is unavailable, we will contact you promptly; in that case, the order will be canceled and any payment will be refunded.
■ Shipping
We ship via FedEx. Shipments are fully insured against damage or loss during transit.
- Asia: 10–20 days (estimated)
- North America & Oceania: 20–30 days (estimated)
Shipping costs are calculated based on the delivery address and confirmed at the time of dispatch.
■ Taxes & Duties
Import duties, taxes, and fees are the buyer’s responsibility and are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These fees are typically collected by the carrier upon delivery or at pickup. Please check with your country’s customs office for details before purchasing.
■ Other
We cannot declare a reduced item value or mark purchases as gifts.
* Warranty
Our product warranty is valid only within Japan.
* Voltage
All electrical products are intended for the Japanese market and are designed for 100 V operation.
About us
Founded in 1975, Ikebe Music is one of Japan's largest general music stores.Thanks to its long history and proven track record, it has earned the trust of musicians and music fans not only in Japan but around the world.
Ikebe Music ships not only within Japan, but also overseas.As a well-known retailer of used musical instruments in Japan, we have a wide selection of used and vintage instruments.
We have a wide variety of unusual and rare instruments, so please take a look.Please note that we do not list new products, as our contracts with our suppliers prohibit international shipping.
About our stores
In Japan, we have about 30 stores in Tokyo (Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Akihabara) and Osaka.
We have just opened our flagship store, IKESHIBU (IKEBE SHIBUYA), in Shibuya, Tokyo, which brings together numerous musical instrument specialty stores and serves as a hub for entertainment culture.
Please be sure to stop by if you are visiting Japan.

About Shipping




We carefully pack every item with protective materials to ensure it arrives safely.
The photos above show an example of how we securely pack a bass guitar for shipping.







