I worked in a studio over 20 years ago that had a pair of the Manleys. When we got them, the band at the time heard them and wound up re- recording half their tracks with those microphones. They are that good. Also, I rewatch your videos for the songs you perform. I really enjoy them.
Alec I'm here to formally request that you put together an actual album or ep or the songs you have done on all you're reviews. I mean they are just freaking awesome and I think I speak for many when I say we would love to just hear more or it. Keep up the great work on the reviews, the channel is just pure gold
Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words! That has really made my week. It is very much part of the plan for this year, it’s a delicate balance at the moment between paying studio clients and creating content. Hopefully as time continues I’ll be able to dedicate more time to writing and showing more of the creative production side too! Thanks again for the super kind words. It’s really appreciated.
Great video as always Alec - thought I’d let you know that I did pick up a Daking mic pre ii for acoustic guitar on your recommendation and couldn’t be happier! The acoustic in this video sounds spot on by the way. Nice one!
Alec, it seems like you had better luck than I did with this mic. Had it, sold it. I found its self noise to be poor, though it likely had a less than great tube in it. I reached out to Manley and they said their tubes are picked and checked before the mics go out. I didn't pursue it further and didn't appreciate the low level white noise from it. The one you demo here sounds great. As always, a great review.
@@alecbrits Hey Alec! Just sub'd because you really do such a great job and these reviews are informative also! To piggyback off of the ATC review, I'd like to hear your opinion in comparative monitors. What do you hear? Most of us come up the ranks to such a thing - (The Yamaha HS8's, Kali Audio's, etc.) Really value your thoughts!
@@alecbrits IMHO, love to hear what do you think about the acoustic/frequency responses to your room and your ears. I know those ATC usually cannot go very deep, so also love hear your Sub setup as well! I also noticed you swapped from SCM25A to SCM45A, what do you think about the Side Ported deisgn Front Ported design? Thank you a lot of your value review!
@@alecbrits I'd like to know your overall impression, how well they integrate in your studio vs size, pros and cons while mixing, tracking, mastering etc.. and why you switched from the Barefoots
Thank goodness I stumbled across your channel. Your videos are probably the most comprehensive and entertaining gear reviews I have seen on RUclips. Most just talk about the hardware or do very simple demos but you really show the unit's full potential. After watching your Neve 1073DPX and RND Shelford Channel videos, now I'm not sure what to pair my Manley Ref C with (especially since you went with the Neumann V402 as your choice of preamp).
Thanks so much Glenn! :) I chose the Neumann as it was cleanest and best to showcase the tone of the microphone. I can’t imagine you could go wrong with either of those choices. The shelford offers better flexibility, compression and tonal options. If it was down to those two choices, I’d go for the Rupert Neve. :)
Hey Alec you should do a mix walkthrough on one of these songs you record in the gear demos. I'm impressed how you get a full mix with one microphone and keep it feeling natural. Would like to understand how you're doing that.
Great review and oh man, the music, I mean your music is always outstanding! Love it. Could you do a review on the Chandler REDD mic if you get a chance?
@@alecbrits Can you get your hands on the new Warm Audio WA8000 and do a review on it? I actually went for the WA8000 instead of the Manley Ref in hopes of saving a few thousands.
Loved your song and voice. I own the Manley. I agree it really shines on acoustic guitar! Was thinking about modding the tube as it can be a little bright on vocals at times.
@@alecbrits Hey. It has been recommended by a few Manley owners to upgrade the tube to a Telefunken 12AT7 Diamond or similar. Have you heard about this?
Yo other than the fact that the gear and tracks sound great, your tune is quite awesome. I like the vibe and style. Performance is good and mix is good. I like well executed takes! Sometimes it takes a few runs right? lol. Dig it!
Thank you Jordan! :) it sure does take some time! Around 20-30 takes on most instruments with the exception of drums, that’s around 5-10. 😂 so much time, but it’s worth it! Thanks for the comment!
I just recently got this mic. Near finished acoustic guitar sound on the first strum. Sounded great on your voice. Wasn't a huge fan of how it sounded on the electrics. Impressive final result.
Hey Alec! Awesome review! I personally think the Manley is quite expensive even though it sounds great. Any experience with Lauten Audio, Townsend or the Warm Audio equivalent?
Thank you! :) I have not spent any time with the Lauten, Warm or Townsend mics yet. I would usually lean towards the Neumann TLM 107 (check my review on it) for a more affordable versatile mic. I’m looking forward to trying out more mics from the manufacturers you mentioned earlier.
I don’t think you do! If it’s not in the budget for the studio, then it’s not worth it. Check out my Neumann TLM107 review, that’s one of my favourite vocal microphones.
Hey Harvey! :) sure thing, I’m planning on focussing in more affordable gear in the next batch after the next three videos. I’ll see what I can do with the Mojave mics.
is there a reiteration of this mic?? i ordered one already but I'vee noticed the blue cord is grey for other models and you mentioned the new power supply.
noob here. i thought that if microphone comes with its own power supply, then it doesn't need preamp, as the power supply will already be driving the amplification stage. what am i misunderstanding? what is the power supply for then?
The power supply provides power to the valve circuitry in the microphone. It does not amplify the signal to line level. :) hope that helps. (The only valve mic I know that does have the pre and power supply built in, is the Chandler Red Microphone. That has everything included in the the box to go straight to your interface)
@@alecbrits thanks, alec! so, it would still need 48V phantom power? also, microphones, which have solid state electronics inside, how come they never require external power supply? i thought it was because of the phantom power, which provide electricity to those circuits. so valve-based electronics require higher electrical demands, hence the power supply?
Valve microphones with Power supplies don’t require phantom power (+48v). Condenser microphones do require it, these will state it in the instruction manual if it is required. Yes, valve based designs require a much higher voltage for the circuitry to work in an optimum way. :)
I saw this mic on an Emily Linge video. It immediately struck me that the clarity and definition were superior to anything else out there (at least on RUclips). I just had to watch a whole bunch of videos to find a frame with the brand name in focus so I could find out what it was.
Fantastic vídeo with international master of music. Good sound and beauty microphone, however Very expensive. Can you recommend this Microphone for talking?. Lord bless you and family, Liverpool. Thanks for attention.
This microphone proves that chinese capsules improved a lot. Important is to be carefuly tested and calibrated and used in a good circuit with quality components. You could obtain a very good sound you could work with. Still not the same league as Neumann, Gefell but not far.
@@alecbrits I've gone through about 5 microphones to get rid of it personally. My Neve preamp has a Silk button and I always leave it off. I use a Telefunken 47 and it's as clean as a whistle. I has a Sontronis Mercury that sounded exactly like this, I had to get rid of it!
I worked in a studio over 20 years ago that had a pair of the Manleys. When we got them, the band at the time heard them and wound up re- recording half their tracks with those microphones. They are that good. Also, I rewatch your videos for the songs you perform. I really enjoy them.
Thanks so much Drew! :) yeah, they are pretty awesome mics, really curious about the Manley Silver mics too now.
Came for the mic, stayed for the music. So good!
Thank you so much! :)
As always a pleasure to listen to your music!
Thank you so much! :)
What an amazing presentation. Purchasing a Manley Ref. C shortly. It will be a sheer joy upon it's arrival. Thank you. Subscribed.
Thank you Ernest! :) enjoy the mic!
Alec I'm here to formally request that you put together an actual album or ep or the songs you have done on all you're reviews. I mean they are just freaking awesome and I think I speak for many when I say we would love to just hear more or it. Keep up the great work on the reviews, the channel is just pure gold
Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words! That has really made my week.
It is very much part of the plan for this year, it’s a delicate balance at the moment between paying studio clients and creating content. Hopefully as time continues I’ll be able to dedicate more time to writing and showing more of the creative production side too!
Thanks again for the super kind words. It’s really appreciated.
@@alecbrits I agree with VersatyleMusicGroup! I want to be able to listen to this stuff out of RUclips!
The mic sounds sublime yo and that song is a vibe🔥
It’s a stunning piece of kit! Thank you so much. :)
Man Your channel is so Underrated. Kudos for this amazing content
Thanks so much! :)
This really sounds great. Congrats...you achieved interesting, natural, and musical sound. I think that this connect better because of this.
Thanks! :) was a pleasure to work with this piece. It required a delicate touch with the instruments.
Song brought a tear to my eye. Please upload full versions!
Thank you. Working on it! :)
@@alecbrits you are very talented! Always look forward to the uploads :3 I'm sure you could start a music career for yourself!
Thank you so much Ivan. :)
Another great review. I love my Manley Ref mic. Now i wish I had the Neumann U67 reissue as well. 😊
That would be a heck of a combo. 👌🏽
Love this, so refreshing... actual musicianship
Thanks so much Robert! :)
Alec! Great video! Even greater musicianship. Thanks
Thank you Warren!
Great video as always Alec - thought I’d let you know that I did pick up a Daking mic pre ii for acoustic guitar on your recommendation and couldn’t be happier! The acoustic in this video sounds spot on by the way. Nice one!
That’s awesome news! :) I’m glad you are enjoying the Daking!
Alec, it seems like you had better luck than I did with this mic. Had it, sold it. I found its self noise to be poor, though it likely had a less than great tube in it. I reached out to Manley and they said their tubes are picked and checked before the mics go out. I didn't pursue it further and didn't appreciate the low level white noise from it. The one you demo here sounds great. As always, a great review.
Thanks for the kind words. :) was it one of the older ones? The newer ones have the better power supply which helps with noise.
@@alecbrits YES, I'm going back about 15 years ago or so. I'll suppose that Manley made improvements on the model, which improved it's self noise.
It's not just a demo song, it's pleasure and peace. The mic sounds awesome, great review! Any chance of your ATC speaker review?
Thank you so much Peter. :)
I will do one in the future on the ATC’s. What would you like to be addressed in the review?
@@alecbrits Hey Alec! Just sub'd because you really do such a great job and these reviews are informative also! To piggyback off of the ATC review, I'd like to hear your opinion in comparative monitors. What do you hear? Most of us come up the ranks to such a thing - (The Yamaha HS8's, Kali Audio's, etc.) Really value your thoughts!
@@alecbrits IMHO, love to hear what do you think about the acoustic/frequency responses to your room and your ears. I know those ATC usually cannot go very deep, so also love hear your Sub setup as well! I also noticed you swapped from SCM25A to SCM45A, what do you think about the Side Ported deisgn Front Ported design? Thank you a lot of your value review!
@@alecbrits I'd like to know your overall impression, how well they integrate in your studio vs size, pros and cons while mixing, tracking, mastering etc.. and why you switched from the Barefoots
Thank goodness I stumbled across your channel. Your videos are probably the most comprehensive and entertaining gear reviews I have seen on RUclips. Most just talk about the hardware or do very simple demos but you really show the unit's full potential. After watching your Neve 1073DPX and RND Shelford Channel videos, now I'm not sure what to pair my Manley Ref C with (especially since you went with the Neumann V402 as your choice of preamp).
Thanks so much Glenn! :) I chose the Neumann as it was cleanest and best to showcase the tone of the microphone. I can’t imagine you could go wrong with either of those choices. The shelford offers better flexibility, compression and tonal options. If it was down to those two choices, I’d go for the Rupert Neve. :)
@@alecbrits thanks for the reply! Do you feel that the 1073 would make the Manley a little bit too harsh ? I’m stuck between the shelford and 1073 😭
@@glennfaustino7502 I don’t think it will be too harsh, that will be up to you. But the shelford has a wider tonal palette. :)
The capsule in this is a Feilo k67. Which is the same used in the VTL/Langevin CR3a, the mic Elliott Smith used to record Either/Or.
Amazing! Thank you for sharing. :)
Great songs in all the reviews!
Thank you so much Saami! :D
Hey Alec you should do a mix walkthrough on one of these songs you record in the gear demos. I'm impressed how you get a full mix with one microphone and keep it feeling natural. Would like to understand how you're doing that.
That sounds cool! :) perhaps a video on the process of a review could include that.
❤love the V02 also Al your awesome
Great review and oh man, the music, I mean your music is always outstanding! Love it. Could you do a review on the Chandler REDD mic if you get a chance?
I would love to review one of them. :) I’ll do my best to get my hands on one.
wow that lead vocal solo stem sound is insane. how is that not eq ed? unbelievable...so open and bright but not harsh.
That’s the mic doing what it’s meant to do! :)
I just come here for the music dude LOL!! Excellent!!
Thanks so much!! :D
@@alecbrits Can you get your hands on the new Warm Audio WA8000 and do a review on it? I actually went for the WA8000 instead of the Manley Ref in hopes of saving a few thousands.
I’ll do my best to get one in! :)
awesome music & video, mate!
Thank you Ylly! :)
Loved your song and voice. I own the Manley. I agree it really shines on acoustic guitar! Was thinking about modding the tube as it can be a little bright on vocals at times.
Thanks so much! :) it’s super open, let me know how the tube changes effect the mic.
@@alecbrits Hey. It has been recommended by a few Manley owners to upgrade the tube to a Telefunken 12AT7 Diamond or similar. Have you heard about this?
@@angelvox1603 I have not looked into upgrading Manley mics. The one I had in was for review only.
@JetBeatMusicThat's good to hear. So you think the mic is worth keeping after the upgrade?
@JetBeatMusic Nice. Thanks for your recommendation. Look forward to upgrading soon.
Yo other than the fact that the gear and tracks sound great, your tune is quite awesome. I like the vibe and style. Performance is good and mix is good. I like well executed takes! Sometimes it takes a few runs right? lol. Dig it!
Thank you Jordan! :) it sure does take some time! Around 20-30 takes on most instruments with the exception of drums, that’s around 5-10. 😂 so much time, but it’s worth it! Thanks for the comment!
That song slaps. Good vocals.
sounds ridiculously good.
It’s a beast! Can’t wait to try the new Reference Silver.
I just recently got this mic. Near finished acoustic guitar sound on the first strum. Sounded great on your voice. Wasn't a huge fan of how it sounded on the electrics. Impressive final result.
Really recommend a Stager SR-2N for guitar amps, add SM57 if you need a bit of punch and top end.
Thanks Ssgmail! :) it’s a stunning piece of kit for sure.
That Stager is a stunning mic, borrowed a pair for a while here. Big fan of the work they do! :)
Hey Alec! Awesome review! I personally think the Manley is quite expensive even though it sounds great. Any experience with Lauten Audio, Townsend or the Warm Audio equivalent?
Thank you! :)
I have not spent any time with the Lauten, Warm or Townsend mics yet. I would usually lean towards the Neumann TLM 107 (check my review on it) for a more affordable versatile mic. I’m looking forward to trying out more mics from the manufacturers you mentioned earlier.
This was great. Many thanks!
Thank you! :)
What about a Mojave MA 37 compared to this?
If you had to pick out of Neumann M149 & Manley Reference Cardoid, which one would to pick??
I’d lean towards the M149 because of the different polar patterns and flexibility for what I need out of a large condenser. :)
Thank you!, I think is good in the instruments, harsh in vocals.
Thanks for the feedback! :)
Alec ,I am in the market for a vocal mic,do i really need to spend 4k?
I don’t think you do! If it’s not in the budget for the studio, then it’s not worth it. Check out my Neumann TLM107 review, that’s one of my favourite vocal microphones.
Please review the Mojave MA-50, that would be cool.. more affordable equipment but amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing videos
Hey Harvey! :) sure thing, I’m planning on focussing in more affordable gear in the next batch after the next three videos.
I’ll see what I can do with the Mojave mics.
is there a reiteration of this mic?? i ordered one already but I'vee noticed the blue cord is grey for other models and you mentioned the new power supply.
As far as I’m aware, the only thing that has changed is the power supply. :)
Can you review the Neumann TLM 49?
Sure thing! It’s on the list. :)
Really Nice, Thanks !!!
Thank you!! :)
Which mic did you end up using with your sibilant clients? Thx
U67 is my winner in those cases. :)
@@alecbrits Thank you!
Your body look wider than before XD.
Always sound great.
My body looks wider than before?
@@alecbrits just joking about your shape. 😁
This song is playing in mind for couple of days where do i get it?
I’ll start releasing next year. :)
Can you do a video on your camera and lighting setup?
Sure thing! :)
sushi on the cemetery bench nice line
Thanks! :) always easier to write about something that actually happened isn’t it?
Do I need to keep the Mic On for 30minutes to warm up the Tube Before Start Recording coz it's a Tube Mic ?
Thats always a good idea!
Will do
👌🏽👌🏽
noob here. i thought that if microphone comes with its own power supply, then it doesn't need preamp, as the power supply will already be driving the amplification stage. what am i misunderstanding? what is the power supply for then?
The power supply provides power to the valve circuitry in the microphone. It does not amplify the signal to line level. :) hope that helps. (The only valve mic I know that does have the pre and power supply built in, is the Chandler Red Microphone. That has everything included in the the box to go straight to your interface)
@@alecbrits thanks, alec! so, it would still need 48V phantom power? also, microphones, which have solid state electronics inside, how come they never require external power supply? i thought it was because of the phantom power, which provide electricity to those circuits. so valve-based electronics require higher electrical demands, hence the power supply?
Valve microphones with Power supplies don’t require phantom power (+48v). Condenser microphones do require it, these will state it in the instruction manual if it is required. Yes, valve based designs require a much higher voltage for the circuitry to work in an optimum way. :)
@@alecbrits i think i (finally) got it. thanks! :-)
now, naturally, we're all wondering how this mic compares to its siblings: silver and gold.
Love your song.
Thank you! :)
I saw this mic on an Emily Linge video. It immediately struck me that the clarity and definition were superior to anything else out there (at least on RUclips). I just had to watch a whole bunch of videos to find a frame with the brand name in focus so I could find out what it was.
It’s a great microphone for sure. 👌🏽
sick!!
Thanks! :)
Fantastic vídeo with international master of music.
Good sound and beauty microphone, however Very expensive.
Can you recommend this Microphone for talking?.
Lord bless you and family, Liverpool.
Thanks for attention.
Thank you Felipe! :) I think this mic will be a little aggressive for spoken word, but it might be worth trying first before purchasing.
This microphone proves that chinese capsules improved a lot.
Important is to be carefuly tested and calibrated and used in a good circuit with quality components.
You could obtain a very good sound you could work with.
Still not the same league as Neumann, Gefell but not far.
Thanks for the input. :)
Almost has city and colour vibes
That’s a big compliment. :)
@@alecbrits just saw him live in phoenix AZ! Maybe I'll get to see you live too!
❤🎶
☺️☺️☺️
Sounds kind of thin to me
To each their own. :)
earthworks, reference cardioid, u67, c800g...
All great microphones! :)
@@alecbrits that was a subtle idea that you should do a c800g demo!
If I can find one, I’ll give it a go!
Loads of distortion in this track
Yup! :)
@@alecbrits Yeah but not in a good harmonic distortion way sorry Al, sounds really crunchy!
@@CircusNormal that’s all good man. We all have our own choices with distortion. :)
@@alecbrits I've gone through about 5 microphones to get rid of it personally. My Neve preamp has a Silk button and I always leave it off. I use a Telefunken 47 and it's as clean as a whistle. I has a Sontronis Mercury that sounded exactly like this, I had to get rid of it!