Inside Sphere L22 Microphone
The Sphere L22™ microphone system from Townsend Labs models the characteristics of the most sought-after large-diaphragm condenser microphones with remarkable accuracy. It allows the selection of different mics and patterns even after tracking.
The Sphere L22 system consists of a dedicated, dual-channel microphone and its software counterpart, including Sphere plug-in (UAD, AAX DSP, AAX Native, VST, AU). 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. The striking accuracy and sonic results have convinced owners from home recordists to seasoned industry veterans, such as Joe Chiccarelli, Billy Bush, and Allen Sides.
Why I Purchased the Sphere L22
I have to admit I was unsure that this microphone could emulate all these great microphones. When I started tracking vocals on my Self-title EP, I put all my effort and money into purchasing the Neumann u87. I had recorded with this microphone before and loved it. Being a big fan of Universal Audio-Luna and their plug-ins, the Bill Putman Microphone collection got my attention. After doing some research on the company and plug-in – it was a no-brainer. The U87 is around $3,000+ USD, the SphereL22 around $1,500.00 USD. Along with having a dream microphone collection and accessing some of the most prized microphones of all time, including a 47 (with VF14 tube), a 67, an M49, a C12, and the 800. I had to have it for the newly formed studio I was creating in my home. When I got the Sphere L22, I was very happy and satisfied with the results.
How Does Sphere L22 Work
Using a dual-capsule microphone with dual outputs makes it possible to capture the sound field more completely—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 sound field.
In contrast, other virtual microphones apply EQ to filter the sound from 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. Instead of DSP processing built into the mic, utilizing a plug-in can significantly allow the user to change all modeling settings, such as mic type and polar pattern, after the audio is recorded.
Now you Can:
- Record with a world-class microphone collection of 34 stunning-sounding mics
- Change mic type, polar pattern, and other microphone characteristics, even after tracking!
- Audition the sound of different microphones without tiring the artist
- Reduce coloration and room ambience in challenging spaces combined with popular isolation filters, such as the sE Reflexion Filters, Aston Halo, Kaotica Eyeball, and more.
- Record in stereo from a single microphone
Hear it yourself
Download unprocessed tracks recorded with the Sphere L22 and audition various mic models using the plug‑in from Universal Audio. Check the best studio mics on a budget.
