Gear Hunter

Townsend Labs Sphere

Description

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 L22 system consists of a dedicated, dual-channel microphone and its software counterpart, the included Sphere plug-in. The exacting models incorporate transient response, harmonics, proximity effect, and multi-dimensional polar response. Thanks to Townsend Labs' exhaustive and curated study of classic microphones, the Sphere system currently brings the soul of 34 of the world's most revered microphones to life, in the included Sphere plug-in (UAD, AAX DSP, AAX Native, VST, AU).

What the Sphere L22 can do:

• Record with the sound of some of the most prized microphones of all time, including a 47 (with VF14 tube), a 67, an M49, and a C12


• 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

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 the Universal Audio Apollo, achieve extremely low latency (approx. 1.6ms round trip at 96kHz) for guaranteed real-time performance. Also supports AAX DSP, AAX Native, 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.

Record In Stereo (With One Mic)
With just one Sphere L22 mic its possible to make coincident stereo recordings, and even have different mic models on the left and right channels, using the Sphere 180 plug-in.

Low Noise
The microphone hardware has a self-noise level of 7dB-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 140dB SPL before clipping and is remarkably rugged. It wont be damaged by high SPLs or air blasts as some vintage microphones can be.

Sphere L22 Microphone Specs:

• 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

What's Included:

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

Bundled Accessories

• 10 Foot (3 Meter) Breakout Cable


• Shock Mount


• Swivel Mount


• Hard Carrying Case