--- product_id: 18841848 title: "Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone" brand: "manley" price: "HK$44594" currency: HKD in_stock: true reviews_count: 6 category: "Manley" url: https://www.desertcart.hk/products/18841848-manley-reference-cardioid-microphone store_origin: HK region: Hong Kong --- # Rugged external power supply - no phantom power needed 150 dB max SPL - industry-leading dynamic range Hand-wired with silver solder - audiophile-grade build Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone **Brand:** manley **Price:** HK$44594 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🎀 Own the studio sound that pros crave β€” the Manley Reference Cardioid Mic. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone by manley - **How much does it cost?** HK$44594 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hk](https://www.desertcart.hk/products/18841848-manley-reference-cardioid-microphone) ## Best For - manley enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted manley brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Plug & Play Power:** Includes a high-quality external power supply, eliminating the need for phantom power and simplifying setup. - β€’ **Iconic Manley Warmth:** Custom-wound output transformer delivers that signature rich, full-bodied sound loved by top producers. - β€’ **Precision Craftsmanship:** Hand-selected vacuum tube and silver-soldered wiring ensure ultra-low noise and exceptional reliability. - β€’ **Travel-Ready Protection:** Comes with a durable carrying case and extra silicone rings for secure shock mount compatibility on the go. - β€’ **Vocalist’s Best Friend:** Flattering cardioid pattern captures vocals with clarity and presence, perfect for modern pop and voiceover work. ## Overview The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone is a hand-crafted, audiophile-grade vocal mic featuring a custom output transformer and hand-selected vacuum tube for warm, detailed sound. It includes a rugged external power supply, supports a high max SPL of 150 dB, and is favored by top producers for its flattering presence and reliability. Perfect for professional vocal recording, it comes with a carrying case and accessories for secure transport and setup. ## Description The Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone has that "finished" sound right out of the box, making it the favorite vocal mic of top producers and voiceover artists alike. This is modern pop music's go-to mic: flattering, present, and larger-than-life. Review: Excelente de los mejores del mercado sin duda - Excelente producto sin lugar a duda de los mejores del mercado Review: Great full vocal sound with top end that cuts through - I own a couple other large condenser microphones like the AKG C414 and Neumann U87Ai. The Manley is the first tube mic I've owned and I love the sound of the Manley the most for voice compared to the other two mics. Out of the gate it has a great warm sound that complements my voice. To add additional warmth and smooth out the tone I use the Rupert Neve Portico II Channel strip with the Manley Reference Cardiod. The Portico II is also a great sounding piece of equipment that works well with the Manley tube mic. I tried the Neumann U87Ai with the Portico II and couldn't get the same warm sound I get with the Manley. I also tried the Manley with an Avalon Designs VT737sp vacuum tube pre-amp channel strip, but I couldn't achieve the same great sound I found with the Portico II. In addition I tried the Neumann U87Ai with the Avalon to try an achieve the same great sound, but it didn't quite get there. These are all great pieces of gear that have their strengths, but I found a winning combo with the Manley Reference Cardiod and the Portico II. The Manley has a high max SPL of 150 dB, which is unique. Like all large diaphragm condenser mics, this one is also sensitive to breath pops, so I recommend a pop filter with it for vocals. That will also help keep moisture from reaching the sensitive diaphragm. It comes with an external power supply and special mic cable. There is a standard XLR output on the power supply to connect to your mixer or pre-amp. No additional phantom power is required since the power supply is providing power to the mic. The included carrying case is a great way to store or transport the mic, power supply, and cable. Extra silicone rings are included for holding the mic to the shock mount. Hear the mic in a voice over shootout by searching the web for "Manley reference shootout". There is a YouTube video where you can hear the Manley compared to other mics. Overall I'm very happy that I added the Reference Cardiod to my mic collection. ## Features - Custom-wound Manley output transformer for that big MANLEY sound! - Unit is hand-wired with silver solder and audiophile-grade componentry - Rugged, high-quality outboard power supply - Vacuum tube is hand-selected for low noise and excellent reliability ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #111,875 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #1,122 in Multipurpose Condenser Microphones | | Customer Reviews | 5.0 out of 5 stars 13 Reviews | ## Images ![Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71vgYW4bFdL.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: Does this include manley’s newest power supply they released?** A: It came with a black power supply box. It also did not work for me. I had a technician advise from pros and finally gave up and returned it. The microphone cable would not connect to the power box. Btw the power box plugs into your wall outlet. **Q: Is this considered a dynamic mic?** A: No, it’s a condenser tube mic with a special external power supply. **Q: May I know how was this item used previously? Was it returned by a customer or used in store?** A: We only sell new. **Q: What else comes with the microphone?** A: It comes with the power supply, tube microphone cable, power cable, and the shock mount. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excelente de los mejores del mercado sin duda *by L***Z on January 22, 2026* Excelente producto sin lugar a duda de los mejores del mercado ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great full vocal sound with top end that cuts through *by U***D on February 23, 2013* I own a couple other large condenser microphones like the AKG C414 and Neumann U87Ai. The Manley is the first tube mic I've owned and I love the sound of the Manley the most for voice compared to the other two mics. Out of the gate it has a great warm sound that complements my voice. To add additional warmth and smooth out the tone I use the Rupert Neve Portico II Channel strip with the Manley Reference Cardiod. The Portico II is also a great sounding piece of equipment that works well with the Manley tube mic. I tried the Neumann U87Ai with the Portico II and couldn't get the same warm sound I get with the Manley. I also tried the Manley with an Avalon Designs VT737sp vacuum tube pre-amp channel strip, but I couldn't achieve the same great sound I found with the Portico II. In addition I tried the Neumann U87Ai with the Avalon to try an achieve the same great sound, but it didn't quite get there. These are all great pieces of gear that have their strengths, but I found a winning combo with the Manley Reference Cardiod and the Portico II. The Manley has a high max SPL of 150 dB, which is unique. Like all large diaphragm condenser mics, this one is also sensitive to breath pops, so I recommend a pop filter with it for vocals. That will also help keep moisture from reaching the sensitive diaphragm. It comes with an external power supply and special mic cable. There is a standard XLR output on the power supply to connect to your mixer or pre-amp. No additional phantom power is required since the power supply is providing power to the mic. The included carrying case is a great way to store or transport the mic, power supply, and cable. Extra silicone rings are included for holding the mic to the shock mount. Hear the mic in a voice over shootout by searching the web for "Manley reference shootout". There is a YouTube video where you can hear the Manley compared to other mics. Overall I'm very happy that I added the Reference Cardiod to my mic collection. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Modern detailed vocals *by C***A on November 6, 2018* I've owned a Ref C for years now. It's never let me down. The build quality is robust. And the sonics are second to none. I remember plugging it in for the first time with a female vocalist with a HUGE voice and being blown away with how "finished" the vocals felt right away with out EQ. It's a piece of gear I have never had any regrets about buying. ## Frequently Bought Together - Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone - Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable for Speaker or PA System, All Copper Conductors, 6MM PVC Jacket, 6 Foot, Black --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.hk/products/18841848-manley-reference-cardioid-microphone](https://www.desertcart.hk/products/18841848-manley-reference-cardioid-microphone) --- *Product available on Desertcart Hong Kong* *Store origin: HK* *Last updated: 2026-05-27*