Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Modeling Microphone #LAI 1387 (Used)

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.

IDENTICAL EMULATIONS

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.

SPHERE L22 MICROPHONE

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.

SPHERE PLUG-IN

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.

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.

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.