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The Townsend Labs Sphere L22 is a microphone modeling system capable of emulating some of the most iconic studio microphones of all time with unparalleled accuracy and realism. The high-resolution, dual-channel L22 large-diaphragm condenser microphone captures crystal-clear recordings, while the included Sphere plug-in lets you change mic type, polar pattern, placement and more, before ad after tracking. With the current 1.4 version of Sphere users have access to over 30 individual models. Version 1.4 of the Sphere plug-in is available in all major native plug-in formats, as well as Universal Audio’s UAD-2/Apollo and Avid’s AAX DSP platforms.
The Sphere L22 is a precision dual-capsule microphone that utilizes groundbreaking three-dimensional modeling technology to accurately recreate the exact character of countless classic microphones—down the proximity effect and off-axis frequency response.
Unlike traditional modeling microphones that simply apply EQ to emulate other microphones, the Sphere L22 uses two channels to completely capture the entire soundfield. By utilizing two channels, the Sphere L22 is able to capture stereo recordings with stunning depth. Simply rotate the Sphere L22 90-degrees and capture separate channels from each capsule. You can even use different mic models on the left and right channels using the Sphere 180 plug-in.
Not only is the Sphere L22 able to capture the sound of classic microphones—it actually improves them. With a self-noise level of just 7 dB-A SPL, Sphere L22 is whisper-quiet in comparison to most vintage mics. And with a maximum SPL of 140 dB, you can place Sphere L22 inside kick drums, against the grill of guitar amps and more without worrying about damaging the capsule. Plus, Sphere L22 has a rugged, durable frame that stands up to the most demanding studio sessions so you don’t have to worry about accidentally destroying a vintage ribbon.
The Sphere L22 Microphone system works with any interface with at least two inputs. For extremely low latency performance, use the Sphere L22 microphone system with Universal Audio Apollo or Avid HDX systems. The Sphere plug-in is compatible with UAD, AAX DSP, AAX Native, VST, AU formats, enabling use with most DAWs.
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.
L22 Microphone
Sphere L22 Microphone – high precision, dual-capsule, large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone, which can be used with or without modeling. Includes:
Sphere Plug-in
Microphone Models:
Other Microphone Models:
Condition | New |
---|---|
Length | 8.9 in |
Diameter | 2.5 in |
Unit Weight | 1.7 lb |
Tube or Solid State | Solid State |
Transducer Type | Condenser |
Number of Microphones | Single Microphone |
Impedance | 200 Ohms |
input_pad | -10 db / -20 dB |
Sensitivity | -33.2 dBV/Pa (22 mV) |
Max. SPL | 140 dB |
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Epic greatness…future proof…great value!
Delivers on the promise. Ideal companion for Apollo.
Amazing I love it
Better than I imagined! -and I imagined it being great.
Definitely worth it! The price point is unbeatable for the level of quality that you’re able to achieve with this microphone!
Changed the game. Even the natural sound before modeling, is great. It’s forward, easy to mix, low noise and versatile. It does need two channels to be recorded at its best. This was slightly challenging for me personally because I wanted this mic but had JUST bought a 500 series single channel pre. isn’t that how it goes sometimes ! So some more investment might need to be made before using it to its full potential at my studio. I’ve connected it to an Apollo twin for the last few weeks at another location and those two work well together. It’s an inevitable next addition for most lean studio set ups in the future for sure.
The Sphere L22 is a complete no-brainer purchase and worth every penny of their asking price. I own two of them, and they've proved to be major workhorses in the studio. One thing that differentiates the mic from all others in my mic locker (I own over fifty) is that they instill more confidence when placing them in front of a performer, knowing that you have relatively so many more options in post.
If you're wondering how close they come to the models they mimic, it's close enough, as many of the originals the L22 models can differ as much between each other of the same type. And nobody is going to tell that you used a Sphere on your recordings; they are rather going to curiously ask what mic you used instead, if they mention anything.
Finally, the mic on its own with no models applied is very good and highly useful. My personal favorite model often is the Sphere Diffuse model, which doesn't mimic any other known mic. A great and highly versatile mic!
Truly stunning all-in one microphone package that features emulations of the worlds most sought after microphones, but also includes a ton of studio workhorses so you are covered no matter what you need to record. I'm currently waiting for my second microphone system from Townsend Labs... its just that good i've sold all my other microphones.
the mic modeling is great. The stereo imaging is like no other mic. You won’t be disappointed!
I have been having excellent results with the Sphere L2 recording grand piano single mic in stereo and a variety of acoustic guitars also single mic in stereo for a recent documentary film score project. Given the variety of colours with the Sphere mic collections to sculpt the finer details is astounding, especially in post-production. Every mic sounds great, thank you! BobD Vancouver, BC.
Love the versatility this thing offers. Couldn't really ask for more from one single mic. Totally worth the money.
When microphone modeling technology first started appearing, I was skeptical. Granted, so many great models of hardware have been coming out and getting so close to the originals that it shouldn’t really surprise me that similar advances are being made with microphone modeling. I wasn’t fully sold on some of the first products like this to hit the market, but I was pretty blown away by the demos of the Townsend Labs Sphere L22. As I a producer, I do a bit of traveling to work with artists in different locations, so I have a portable rig that I can take on flights as carry on. Having a single microphone that acts as many microphones is quite a help to keep my traveling gear to a minimum. The Sphere also pairs perfectly with the UA Apollo Twin I take as my interface. To work with the modeling software, the microphone requires 2 channels, and the ability to link the 2 channels of the Apollo makes controlling the input levels a snap—no thinking about perfectly matching levels of 2 preamps. (it is the 2 capsules in the Sphere that give it the ability to more accurately model microphones than other similar products)
I don’t have the microphones that the Sphere models, but I’ve used many of them in other studios, so while I can’t do an A/B comparison in my studio, I can say that the models certainly give me the same flavor of the microphones they emulate, and the quality of sound is what I’d expect from a super high end vintage mic.
So just the functionality in terms of convenience, sound quality, and saving space makes it an amazing tool, but for me, much more of the magic happens after the recording. You can choose a model and record that model directly, which I’m sure many will do, but what I prefer to do is to record the direct signal and then choose my microphone later. (You can read how to do this on the Townsend Labs web site, or in the manual of course) Since I most often mix the people I record, I choose to do this, as I find sometimes the microphone that sounds best early on is not the one that works best during mix down. Having the ability to switch out mic later in the game should one run into issues like sibilance, or a sound that is feeling too wooly or lost in a mix is great—sometimes it’s a better solution than trying to EQ(or any other method you may employ) your way out of a problem.
Though I’ll always love cool vintage and boutique microphones, the Sphere has become a very important tool in my studio…Often, it’s the only mic set up a majority of the time. That is the sign of a very useful tool.
I’ve been pretty blown away by the versitility of this mic on vocals/ acoustic guitar/ and room drum mics. I was able to a/b this mic against all the others in the store we absolutely loved what this mic did for my voice. Pretty shocking actually. Thanks Josh!
Game changing. I still can’t believe what this Mic is capable of sometimes...!
Amazing flexibility and sound!
Incredibly Versatile - Top Notch build quality. 5 Stars!
The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star rating is something as simple as the shock mount. It doesnt hold very well. You have to really crank that thing to get it to stay and sometimes, that's not enough. Other than that, this things an alien from the future. Love it
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