The sound and reach of vintage tube microphones is a forever-moving target, not only due to differences between two or more models but also how several microphones of one type have aged over time. Manley Labs looked to nail down the best qualities of the most sought-after European mics from the 50s and 60s when designing a new microphone, and the Reference Cardioid is the perfectly ripe fruit of their labor. A larger-than-life bass response with primo proximity effect mates with a nice push in upper mids to perfectly sit any vocal or instrument into even the densest arrangements.