Manley Laboratories consists of a dedicated family of engineers and
deep-thinkers. They are a bunch of
people in jeans hunched over circuit boards and computer screens… who make some
of the finest preamps, analog dynamic processors and microphones. They have a great sense of humor, too.
The founder, EveAnna Manley, is actually the daughter of the
former owner of Ampeg (who sells guitar and bass amps, preamps and
cabinets). She was raised on tube power,
and that laid the foundation for Manley’s innovative and high-end
selection. Manley Labs employs fewer than 50
people in Southern California, most of who are
long-time, dedicated members.
Manley’s three main microphones stand in a class all their
own. They are undoubtedly high-end, and
it shows in their price tags. Their most
coveted piece is the Reference Gold. Its
casing is made of solid brass, plated in 24 carat gold and houses a 1”
diaphragm. The Reference Series uses
triode (tube) circuitry. Manley also
makes a stereo version of the Reference Gold.
Their third mic, clearly at the bottom of the barrel, is the Reference
Cardioid Microphone. Manley compares its
characteristics to a brand new Neumann U47.
The Reference Gold is just around $5,000. The stereo version is about $7,200. And priced at a modest $2,700, is the
Reference Cardioid.
...
After we wrote this Manley Laboratories profile, we reached out to the company founder EveAnna Manley. The correspondence was as follows.
Dave's Email:
Hello EveAnna,
Love your website and story - Manley Labs looks like an awesome place to work!
I am a recording engineer who writes reviews of audio gear for a New Jersey-based business. The articles are published in online magazines specific to the gear; we have separate websites for headphones and speakers, and are about to launch one for microphones.
As we expand our websites with reviews, articles and columns, we'd like to invite more microphone manufacturers to be part of our network. Usually, we start with a review or two of one of the company's products. This can open up a load of opportunities for Manley, like participating in ads, contests and newsletter sponsorships. All this ads up to great publicity and target marketing.
I'd love to see Manley on the microphone site when it's launched. If you're interested, please let me know and we can make some arrangements. I'd also be happy to explain exactly what I'll be doing with that microphone before sending it back.
Thanks, EveAnna. Look forward to hearing back from you.
EveAnna Response:
Maybe later. I cannot deal with this now, especially as I am overseas
right now. I will get back to you later if we are interested.
