The Reference Cardioid Microphone shares the same electronic attributes as the Gold Reference Series, but has a center-fixed cardioid-only capsule with a thicker gauge (6 micron) gold sputtered diaphragm. With the similar film thickness and construction, similar high frequency resonance (a little edge), similar proximity effect and pretty good immunity from pops and sibilance problems, our Reference Cardioid more closely recalls how many of the vintage European tube mics such as the beloved U47 sounded like when they were new. Its rich tonal balance and liquid character is consistently admired for instruments such as guitars, drum overheads, saxophone, and especially vocals. With your present mic, if you find yourself leaning on your compressors and boosting 5 or 10K to score a bit more testosterone, then the Reference Cardioid just might be the mic you’re looking for to cure what ails ya. If you seem to be constantly boosting 12-18K and trying to get a clean, intimate sound, then probably the Reference Gold would be the safest bet.
SPECIFICATIONS
All-Tube triode design utilizes 12AX7 or 7025EH (Previous versions used 12AT7 and 6072.)
-10 dB switchable pad
Frequency response: 10Hz-30KHz
Sensitivity: 17mV/Pa
Noise typically -120dB EIN
Max SPL: 150dB
Output Impedance: 250 Ohms
Weight: 2.25 lbs (mic)
Size: mic body 2" diameter x 9.7" long x 4.5" (mic suspension outside diameter)
Shipping weight: 15 lbs
POWER SUPPLY
As of 6/2020 SMPS Power Supply versions REFCARD7P####:
Universal MANLEY POWER™ Switch Mode Power Supply; works worldwide
Power Consumption: 8 Watts
Weight / Dims: 2.35 lbs / 5 x 3.3 x 9.3” (with handle)
Fuse: 250VAC 2A SLO BLO Ceramic - 5mm x 20mm
Input Voltage: 90VAC to 250VAC (Universal)
Mains Frequency: 50~60Hz
OLDER LINEAR POWER SUPPLY VERSION pre-2020:
Outboard Power Supply is factory set for 100V, 120V or 220-240VAC operation for original destination country's mains voltage.
Operating Mains Voltage changeable with power transformer re-wiring via internal jumpers and fuse value change.
Older units might have 120-220V Voltage changeover switch
Size: 5" x 9.3" x 3.3" (PSU including handle)
Weight: 2.6 lbs (PSU)
Mains Voltage Frequency: 50~60Hz
Mains Fuse Value: 250mA @ 100~120V; 125mA @ 220~240V operation
Mains Fuse Type: 5mm x 20mm SLO-BLO Glass or Ceramic
(older units used 1/4” x 1 1/4” size MDA or MDL type)Power Consumption: 70mA @ 120V = 8.4 Watts