Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Review
Precision Microphone Modeling System
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 8 of 8 Reviews
Most satisfying mic purchase ever.
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System
Reviewed by Bradley K. on Reverb
This mic... let me tell you. There are a few things the Sphere system doesn’t quite do: 1. exact polar pattern replication per each mic model’s capsule & circuitry (this is simply physically impossible) 2. unique break-up/overloading signatures, because it’s actually hard to overdrive this mic 3. the exact darkness/smoothness of ribbon mics (obviously, this is again due to just very different technologies) 4. the mic “models” also don’t deliver an the authentic self-noise signature that these mics (especially, the vintage ones) tend to yield This said: these limitations absolutely pale when compared to all that the Sphere can do—and does remarkably well. Let’s start a basic idea: do you want the classic, rich 3 dimensional sound of a U67, U47, U87, Elam 251, or C12 without having to deal with noise issues, failing parts, or spending $30,000 for the originals? How about being able to switch out those mics on a vocalist at a moment’s notice, alter the polar pattern to gain more or less of the room—or better yet, even make these choices later as a song’s production evolves? *Oh, and by the way, always be dealing with a microphone that operates with only 7-10db of self noise? I am not a professional reviewer, and I have no affiliation with Townsend... But in all honesty, I’d challenge anyone to make a single microphone system that provides more flexibility, speed, ease-of-use, immediately evident sonic quality, and instantly recognizable classic, easily doubly-to-quadruply priced mics. *And I just saw that they added another 10 models, including the CMV-563, which I haven’t even downloaded yet. Honestly, this mic has me reconsidering the other mics I own these days, because the more I use the Sphere system, the more it seems ridiculous (if not, at least redundant) to use anything else, in particular, for lead vocals. *And I’ve barely begun to explore how it performs on instruments. There have been a plethora of software / hybrid / hardware based products over the years that have been disappointing for how they perform versus what I’ve paid. And as you know, the hype in the gear world is pretty much a never ending cacophony to sift through for the truth. But I’m telling you... aside from the discrepancies that I first listed, this thing delivers exactly what it says. The real proof is in the Townsend user base: everyone consistently and repeatedly raves about this—I haven’t seen a single detractor anywhere. As for me, I just need my own ears to tell me that this thing just works. It does it for me, and it does it more easily and more quietly than any other tube LDC I’ve used, and I’ve auditioned more mics than I’d like to admit. Simply put, hearing is believing, and I’ll add that, if you already have an Apollo interface, there is absolutely no reason you wouldn’t want to give this thing a try. There are other mic modelers out there, to be sure, but when it comes to self noise specs, polar pattern control, ease of use, and UAD integration, I have zero regrets that I went with the top of the heap. Thank you, Townsend Team for delivering exactly what you promised—and much more than I expected. This system really is a dream come true. ... More
No regrets, only choices. Instant legend.
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System
Reviewed by Glen S. on Reverb
I'd worked with this mic in two studios, so I had a chance to compare it to a U47, a U87, and C12. In all cases, the mic owners thought the L22 was the original in blind tests, and we used them as much as we could on all three projects. The L22 sounded more like the mic it was emulating than the vintage mics. This is probably due to the added depth and clarity that results from Townsend Labs not including the noise or headroom limitations of the modeled mics. Both producers bought one or more while we were still working, and I ordered mine a week later, and I'm even more impressed than ever. It reproduces all the depth, heft, or shimmer of the originals at a fraction of the price of one of them, and you get 30 mics in one flight case. The U49 and U47 models are extraordinary, but they are even better when mixed with a 251 or C12. Being able to choose any of these emulations or mixes during the mixing phase is HUGE. I rarely have to use more than a de-esser and some compression on vocal tracks now because the plugin lets me find the exact tone that fits the mix. Being able to automate these parameters is another invaluable feature that can't be duplicated, no matter how many hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of mics are in your locker. This mic is simply the most extraordinary piece of kit currently in production. It surpasses the U49's legendary sound and remote control of pickup patterns as the most revolutionary thing to happen in the history of microphones by a long mile—it's literally like adding a time machine to your sessions! The TEC Award it got at NAMM 2020 is so well deserved! I'm finding that just about any voice or instrument can sound sublime with a custom mix of the Soyuz 017 and the Telefunken 251, but the possibilities with this system are limitless, so I'm still exploring. I can't imagine ever buying any other mic aside from a handheld, lav, or anything else for which the L22's form factor isn't workable. This is no Slate VMS. This is the real deal. You simply can't go wrong with one of these. It's a must for any small or new studio, and I'd sooner buy another L22 than pay maintenance on a vintage mic, so I suspect these will become ubiquitous over the next decade. One other thing I love is the cooperation with UAD. Using the Unison preamps does not effect the plugin's ability to properly model the chosen mic, and being able to let the performer monitor emulations in real time helps get better performances. It also saves a lot of time trying to find the right mic and even placement to some degree, because all of these things can be changed later. This is a dream come true! ... More
Uncannily extraordinary...and utterly convenient.
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System
Reviewed by Robert C. on Reverb
Townsend's ingenious 2-capsule recording methodology and accurate modeling of ridiculously expensive, rare, fragile and often temperamental mics is uncanny. With an investment of $1500, I now have access to a world-class mic locker. (I purchased the mic used and received the Townsend plug-in for free. I also bought the Ocean Way and Bill Putnam plug-ins at a discount.) Perhaps the most amazing and convenient aspect of this system is the ability to choose mics AFTER recording (and to change the proximity, polar pattern, axis, etc.). This allows me to pick the best mic(s) for each voice or instrument WHILE MIXING. Insane. After using this system for a few weeks, my workflow has gotten more streamlined. I spend zero time choosing a mic, because I always use the Townsend. My only choices are where to place the mic and whether to position it to record in mono or stereo. ... More
Game changer
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Mic System DSP Software
Reviewed by Duane on B&H Photo Video
I can't believe there are no reviews for this! Check them out on other sites. This is easily the most impressive purchase I've made in a long while. The flexibility of being able to change mics AFTER the fact is astounding, as well as adjust for proximity, off-axis correction, and even iso booth reflections. It sounds absolutely pristine, the modeling is like performing magic, and the plug-in is a cinch to master. This is a total no-brainer, but you will need a good stand. It's big and heavy. Cannot recommend it enough.
Blown away.
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System
Reviewed by Eoin N. on Reverb
At first i was a skeptic as I,m sure most are with any Modeling technology , But I am now An Extremely happy owner of one of the best recording tools that i think any Recording STUDIO should have.Have owned Peluso p67 miktek CV4 and Lauten atlantis 383 , which were all very nice mics , but they don,t have sh$T on the SHHERE.
Ads
Amazing
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System
Reviewed by Jason M. on Reverb
The fact that you can switch the mic models after you record is brilliant. And lots of pop mic modeling options.
Modélisation , super!
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System
Reviewed by Abdou B. on Reverb
J’ai été étonné du rendu du micro aussi bien au niveau de la voix et en 180 degrés: guitare en stéréo , 😍
Not Worth It
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System
Reviewed by Pete L. on Reverb
I’ve had many high end mics. I’m primarily a singer and to me the quality isn’t there nor does it work properly with the UAD console
