Manley REFERENCE MICROPHONES - 1992 - 2010 - Manual (Page 5)

A - PATTERN SELECT CONTROL (GOLD MODELS)
This control provides the user with a choice of any typical polar patterns. Many
high quality condenser Microphones give the user 3 or 4 patterns only. We chose
to provide you with an infinite number of patterns via this control. For example,
a setting between the "heart shaped" CARDIOID and FIGURE 8 will result in
"SUPER-CARDIOID" and "HYPER-CARDIOID" patterns.
"TRICK": Remember from basic theory that PROXIMITY EFFECT is primarily
affected by the polar pattern. Often with vocalists one wants a certain amount of
bass boost associated with certain mics and certain distances. Rather than just
hoping that the CARDIOID setting will do the right thing, this time try adjusting
the PATTERN SELECT POT to "dial in" the amount of proximity effect for this
particular vocal. More OMNI will give less PROXIMITY EFFECT while more
FIGURE 8 will bring in more lows. In other words, while this is only true for close
miking, the PATTERN SELECT can be an effective bass control.
NOTE: Compared to many Microphones, the Manley Reference Gold Microphones
exibit less proximity effect for a given close distance. This, we feel is a clear
advantage. Most engineers we consulted preferred the options of bass control from
the console rather than the typical situation where a few inches of distance can
make or break a take. We also chose to allow the frequency response of the
Reference Mics to extend below 20 Hz. Some mics seem to have a low frequency
resonance that can be desirable at times while boomy or tubby at other times. Our
goal was and is "flat and natural".
NOTE: You may also notice that as the pattern becomes more FIGURE 8 that
certain air conditioning rumbles and room noise exibit reduced pick-up.
B - 10 dB PAD SWITCH (ALL MODELS)
This tiny switch near the base of the Microphone Body reduces the signal by 10
dB. Rather than changing the capsule voltage or adding a resistor into the signal
path we chose a better technique. We change the amount of negative feedback
derived from a dedicated transformer winding. While the tube circuit will handle
any signal the capsule can deliver the pad may be needed with some pre-amps. If
you suspect that the mic is distorting, first try a different mic pre. The capsule is
rated for 150 dB SPL but wind or air movement are exceptions. A pop filter will
be needed for close vocals.
MICROPHONE CONTROLS