Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Condenser Studio Mic

The Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Condenser Studio Mic allows you to record with the sound of microphones many have only dreamt of! The Sphere L22 is a 3D precision microphone modeling system providing the characteristics of the most sought-after large-diaphragm condenser microphones with outstanding accuracy. The Sphere™ system consists of a high precision dual channel microphone, which, when paired with the included Sphere DSP plug-in (UAD, VST, AU, AAX Native), accurately models the response of a wide range of mics, including transient response, harmonics, proximity effect and three-dimensional polar response. With the DSP plugin you change the mic, polar pattern and other characteristics even after tracking!

Sphere’s three-dimensional approach captures the spatial nuances, proximity effect and off-axis frequency response of a wide range of microphones, which until now was not possible with any other product. The Sphere system employs the high-resolution, dual-channel L22 large-diaphragm condenser microphone, custom designed to capture the three-dimensional soundfield with exacting detail. Manufactured to extremely tight tolerances, the L22 ensures that modeling is consistent and accurate

Sphere – How It Works

Using a dual-capsule microphone with dual-outputs makes it possible to more completely capture the soundfield—including the directional and distance information otherwise lost with a conventional single-channel microphone. This allows the Sphere system to precisely reconstruct how different microphones respond to the soundfield. In contrast, other microphone modeling technologies apply EQ to filter the sound from what is essentially a conventional microphone. This is fundamentally no different from using EQ to process a recorded track.

The Sphere L22 microphone modeling system comprises this precision dual-channel microphone, plus an audio plug-in for your DAW. The software plug-in does all of the DSP processing used to create the microphone models. Using a plug-in, instead of DSP processing built into the mic, has the major advantage of allowing the user to change all of the modeling settings, such as mic type and polar pattern, after the audio is recorded.

Precision Microphone

Sphere L22 Microphone – high precision, dual-capsule, large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone, which can be used with or without modeling.

Includes:

• 10 Foot (3 Meter) Breakout Cable
• Shock Mount
• Hard Mount
• Hard Carrying Case
• Plush Dust Cover

Sphere Plug-in

• Sphere™ DSP algorithms – accurately models a wide range of the most sought-after microphones in the world
• Re-Mic technology – allows the user to change the mic type and polar pattern even after tracking.
• New patented features – including Off-Axis Correction™, which can produce more accurate polar patterns for reduced bleed, room coloration, and feedback
• Supports a wide range of plug-in formats – including UAD, VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, and AAX Native on Mac and Windows

Microphone Models:

• LD-47: For many the 47 is the ultimate vocal mic. Rumor has it that Frank Sinatra would not sing without his. The specimen Townsend modeled is an original 47 with a fully brass K47 capsule with a mylar diaphragm and a VF-14 tube.
• LD-12: Released in 1953 the C12 is another iconic mic which has a gorgeous high-end sheen and sparkle, due to the uniquely designed CK12 capsule. It's a great choice for lush, breathy vocals, without overly accentuating sibilance.
• LD-67: The 67 is a very unique and wonderful mic that tends toward warm, yet without sounding dull. Townsend modeled a mid 1960s version. It really shines on distorted guitar amps where it can cut some of harshness, while maintaining detail.
• LD-49K: Although the M49 used the same capsules as the U47, it has a number of “enhancements” which give it its iconic and distinctive sound. The center position on the pattern knob is approximately cardioid, but often the pattern was dialed in a little more exactly to get the best cardioid pattern possible. The model uses this “best” cardioid position.
• Sphere Linear: The Sphere Linear model provides ruler flat frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz, as well as an extremely smooth and well controlled off-axis response. A first of its kind, for a directional microphone.

Other Microphone Models:

• LD-87
• SD-451
• RB-4038
• DN-57

Features:

• Breakthrough Microphone Modeling Technology: Sphere’s three-dimensional approach captures the spatial nuances, proximity effect and off-axis frequency response of a wide range of microphones, which until now was not possible with any other product
• Dream Collection: Access some of the most prized microphones of all time,
• including a 47 (with VF14 tube), a 67, an M49, and a C12
• Sphere L22 Microphone: The Sphere system employs the high-resolution, dual-channel L22 large-diaphragm condenser microphone, custom designed to capture the three-dimensional soundfield with exacting detail - manufactured to extremely tight tolerances, the L22 ensures that modeling is consistent and accurate
• Realtime UAD Processing: With Universal Audio Apollo, achieve extremely low latency (approx 1.6 ms round trip at 96 kHz) for guaranteed real-time performance. Also supports native AAX, VST and AU
• Polar Pattern Modeling: Because Sphere captures the three-dimensional response of target microphones, it precisely emulates the polar patterns and other off-axis characteristics of vintage microphones which are essential to their unique sound
• Re-Mic Sphere Tracks: Select mic type, polar pattern and other settings both before and after tracking.
• Adjustable Proximity Effect: No need to move a microphone solely because of too little or too much bass due to proximity effect - great for punching in a vocal where distance from the mic varies from take to take
• Dual Mic Models: Dual Mode in the Sphere plug-in makes possible phase-coherent mixing of multiple virtual mic models from the same physical microphone, before or after tracking - it's also possible to adjust the relative phase alignment of the two mics with the Align control
• Record In Stereo (With One Mic): With just one Sphere L22 mic it’s possible to make coincident stereo recordings, and even have different mic models on the left and right channels, using the Sphere 180 plug-in
• Off-Axis Correction™: Virtually rotate the axis of the mic to give a more off-axis sound before or after tracking
• Axis Shift: Create more accurate polar patterns to reduce bleed, room coloration, and susceptibility of feedback before or after tracking
• Polar Meter: The Sphere plug-in features a visually informative (and very cool) Polar Meter that dynamically displays the direction and level of sound being picked up by the microphone, as well as the currently selected polar pattern
• Low Noise: The microphone hardware has a self-noise level of 7 dB-A SPL, well below most vintage microphones and comparable to many of the best modern microphones
• High SPL Handling: The L22 can handle in excess of 140 dB SPL before clipping and is remarkably rugged - it won’t be damaged by high SPLs or air blasts as some vintage microphones can be

Microphone Specifications:

• Equivalent Noise Level: 7 dB-A
• Max SPL at 0.5% THD: 140 dB (with -20 dB pad engaged)
• Pad Attenuation: -10 db and -20 dB
• Sensitivity: 22 mV/Pa
• Output Connector: 5-pin male XLR
• Breakout Cable: 10’ (3m) 5-pin female XLR to dual 3-pin male XLR
• Weight (mic only): 1.7 lb (770 grams)
• Dimensions (mic only): 8.9" x 2.5" (225 mm x 63 mm)
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: >1000 Ohms
• Phantom Power
• Voltage: 44 to 52 V per channel
• Current: 5 mA per channel typical, 8 mA at max SPL

DSP specifications:

• Supported Plug-in Formats: UAD, AAX Native, VST2, VST3, Audio Units (Mac only)
• Supported Operating Systems: Mac OSX 10.8.5 and above, Windows 7 and above / Apollo Interfaces and UAD-2 hardware (AAX, VST, AU, and RTAS) Mac OSX 10.9.5 and above, Windows 7 and above

System Requirements:

• 4 GB of RAM
• 200 MB free disk space
• 1024 x 768 display resolution
• Internet connection to download software
• Two microphone preamplifiers with phantom power
• Compatible plug-in host application (DAW) software supporting AAX, VST2, VST3, AU or UAD.