High precision, dual-capsule, large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone, which can be used with or without modeling
The Sphere L22 microphone system from Townsend Labs models the characteristics of the most sought-after large-diaphragm condenser microphones with amazing accuracy, and allows selection of different mics and patterns even after tracking.
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.
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. 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
Record with the sound of microphones many have only dreamt about
Change mic type, polar pattern, and other microphone characteristics, even after tracking!
Audition the sound of different microphones without tiring the vocalist
Reduce bleed, undesirable room coloration, and other common issues using Off-Axis Correction
Record in stereo from a single microphone
Specifications
Equivalent Noise Level: 7 dB-A
Max SPL at 0.5% THD: 140dB (with -20dB pad engaged)
Pad Attenuation: -10db and -20dB
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 lbs. (770 grams)
Dimensions (mic only): 8.9" x 2.5" (225mm x 63mm)
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
Sphere DSP Plug-In
Supported Plug-in Formats:
UAD
AAX Native
VST2
VST3
Audio Units (Mac only)
Supported Operating Systems:
Native (AAX, VST and AU):
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.
Write a review about the Townsend Labs Inc Sphere L22
5.0
Brandon Unis
Edmonton, Alberta
May 31, 2019
The magic I've been searching for!
I've been searching for a "swiss army" microphone for a couple years now. As a producer who mainly records vocals, I struggled to find a mic that worked well on everyone. Mainly because, no single mic is designed to sound great on everyone. Until now! Not only do the mic options get me a solid step closer to the right EQ vibe on the way in, but the ability to adjust proximity effect and polar pattern (even after recording) is so much more effective than just EQ tricks! Each emulation feels like an actual different mic so you can truly find the compliment to each unique singers voice. Read more
The Sphere looks amazing and is built like a brick. On its own sounds incredible - The modelling choices and flexibility are a giant bonus. Not to mention it records perfectly in phase stereo signals like nothing. Demo it if you can and you will quickly be sold. If you can't get ahold of one to try but think you may want one. JUST DO IT! Highly recommended. Couldn't be happier :)
5.0
Brandon Unis
Edmonton
May 16, 2019
Incredibly versatile mic!
The Sphere is built like a brick. It feels and looks robust and I personally love the light's illuminating behind the pop filter. Gives the vocal booth a nice ambiance! The L22 sounds incredible on it's own, even without the modelling technology. Having the ability to cycle through different mic options get's the vocal or instrument a huge step closer to where you want it to be, before you even start treating it. Read more
The ability to adjust proximity affect is a super useful feature as well. It came highly recommended to me by fellow producers and now I can pass along the same praise! Don't hesitate if you wan't a great mic that gives you a huge variety of tonal options. Also. MARIO IS THE MAN! Love Studio Economik :)
