Townsend sphere
Author: f | 2025-04-24
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone System Guide Chapter 3: Townsend Labs Sphere Plug-ins The Townsend Labs Sphere plug-ins are a key part of the Sphere microphone system. The Sphere microphone system can record in stereo or mono. ไมโครโฟน Townsend Labs Sphere L22. ไมโครโฟน Townsend Labs Sphere L22 เป็นไมโครโฟนที่จำลองเสียงไมค์ยอดนิยมในการบันทึกเสียงระดับโลก ที่มี software จำลองต่างๆ รวมถึง
Townsend Labs Sphere 1.4
The Townsend Labs Sphere microphone system has gained respect amongst professional users in a relatively short time. It can be difficult to appreciate when the fuss is about without experiencing it first hand. the best way to experience Sphere is, of course, to record with the L22 mic but there is a way to experience the flexibility and quality of results possible by taking advantage of the free Sphere plug-in and the free demo sessions available direct from Townsend Labs.How Do I Get The Free Sphere Plug-in And Demo Sessions?To access the downloads from Townsend Labs you’ll have to set up an account on the Townsend Labs website. Go to the Downloads Page and download the appropriate plugin installer for your OS. You’ll be prompted to log in or register if you haven’t already.Install the plugin (no iLok required, AAX VST and AU) and download your choice of sessions for your DAW or if you prefer, download the WAV files.
Townsend Sphere cutting in out
Example...Tracking a jazz trio live, there was a fair amount of leakage of the drums into the piano Townsend. The band wanted a tight sound with less room in it. Once I switched the Putnam model to a ribbon mic, the room sound was instantly attenuated, the piano sounded warm and round, and the band was happy. I could not have done that with a pair of 47's that were previously capturing the piano. I use the townsend far more than any other mic in our studio. #18 Re: Overheads...I did a test with my townsend in 180 stereo mode, placing it right next to the 2 Sony C37a's that my studio has been using for overheads. Using the stock Sphere plugins, it honestly was stomped by the Sony's. Then I loaded the Putnam c37a's and it was dead on with the real Sony's. The one mic I haven't been able to really replicate is the U47. I've heard others say the same (I wish I would have tested my Pearlman 47 against the Sphere before I sold it.) Still, i see the Sphere as an incredibly useful tool vs. an exact sound replica of every vintage mic.In another example...Tracking a jazz trio live, there was a fair amount of leakage of the drums into the piano Townsend. The band wanted a tight sound with less room in it. Once I switched the Putnam model to a ribbon mic, the room sound was instantly attenuated, the piano sounded warm and round, and the band was happy. I could not have done that with a pair of 47's that were previously capturing the piano. I use the townsend far more than any other mic in our studio. Yep, that's the magic of Sphere. #19 Hi, I've also been investigating the Sphere, and all the positive reviews give me confidence to buy one. But what do you guys think about this? Is it legit? Did the competition modeled the harmonic distortion better? I would think that the tube's would give such harmonic content. Last edited: Dec 23, 2021 #20 Hi, I've also been investigating the Sphere, and all the positive reviews give me confidence to buy one. But what do you guys think about this? Is it legit? Did the competition modeled the harmonic distortion better? I would think that the tube's would give such harmonic content. issues I see:Is it realistic? Without having the real hardware mics be part of the test, do we know that the harmonics are actually there?Do we want digitally-generated distortion in a microphone? Plugins don't have a great reputation in this area.With both Townsend and Slate, the hardware mics are nothing like the mics they're modeling and thus the software is doing A LOT of work. You really want to pick a company you trust. This is probably why the Antelope hasn't caught on as much, they could be excellent but they don't have UA's reputation (yet).Review: Townsend Labs Sphere L22AudioTechnology
Totally separate? Good question. The Ocean Way Microphone Collection is exclusive to UAD-2, so there won't be a native version. We don't have a coupon. #11 So , non UA users , who have also invested in your mike system are sol ? #12 Hi UAD people. I’ve posted about this before in the wishes forum, but it seems apropriate to leave this question in this thread. Is there a possibility for UAD to allow placing the Townsend Labs Sphere plugin before before the Unison pres in Console, so that the real workflow of Mic->Preamp could be emulated? The present solution of placing the UAD pres in the DAW after the Sphere feels like a compromise. I know the Sphere system can work with the Unison pres in the reverse order in the DAW as stated in the Sphere manual, but still it would be nice to fully emulate the real world workflow. Can this be done and if so are there any plans to realize this?Please Chris and Gannon, can you shine some light on this?Thanks,Miguel Barrosa This is definitely something I have brought up with UA. They seem open to it but really I have no idea if and when this will happen. I will continue to bring it up until they do it. #13 Hey all, in the event that you're curious what one of these new models might sound like in a mix, I just finished a simple "rock" track that includes my vocals run through. Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone System Guide Chapter 3: Townsend Labs Sphere Plug-ins The Townsend Labs Sphere plug-ins are a key part of the Sphere microphone system. The Sphere microphone system can record in stereo or mono.Townsend Labs Sphere L22 - Sound On
Townsend Labs wowed us back in 2018 when we reviewed their impressive Sphere L22 modelling mic. Since then, they’ve partnered up with Universal Audio to offer even more classic mic models. And now they’re tackling a new problem: portable vocal booths. With an increasing number of vocalists and broadcasters working at home in suboptimal acoustic […]Townsend Labs wowed us back in 2018 when we reviewed their impressive Sphere L22 modelling mic. Since then, they’ve partnered up with Universal Audio to offer even more classic mic models. And now they’re tackling a new problem: portable vocal booths.With an increasing number of vocalists and broadcasters working at home in suboptimal acoustic environments, there’s an increased need for reflection filters such as the Kaotica Eyeball, sE Electronics Reflexion Filter and Aston Halo. These all succeed in reducing unwanted room reflections. However, they often introduce new and also unwanted colouration. Townsend Labs’ new IsoSphere technology is designed to remedy that.According to its makers, the newly patented IsoSphere technology in the Sphere 1.5 software enhances off-axis behaviour for maximum and tailors the frequency response to compensate for unwanted colouration. And Townsend Labs say this will lead to even better-sounding recordings.The new software also introduces four new mic models, joining the existing 30+. The first is the LD-87 Modern, based on a current Neumann U87 – renowned for voiceover and broadcasting. Next is the LD-37A, modelled on the warm-sounding Sony C-37P as used by Frank Sinatra – which is ideal for taming sibilance while retaining ‘air’. The third is the LD-37P, a model of a rarer FET version of the Sony which has a brighter character for adding excitement. Finally, for the DN-20, Townsend Labs has modelled the Electrovoice RE-20, a large-diaphragm dynamic mic, that’s equally at home in the broadcast studio as in front ofTownsend Labs Sphere L22 microphone
To notice the differences. I think the Slate choices do emphasize the differences slightly more — good or bad. #14 There's a cheap Sphere on Reverb. He says there's an issue with the volume with the front of the capsule but that might just be a software calibration issue (to those who don't own one, the Sphere has calibration on the settings page): Has anyone used it as an overhead for drums? I have been toying with the idea of getting a ribbon mic but this seems way more versatile. I read that it can tolerate high SPL, so seems like a fit, and I think there are ribbon mics in one or more of the modeling bundles. It's not a replacement for a ribbon but will work great (maybe even better, given the amount of control it provides). I think the Slate choices do emphasize the differences slightly more — good or bad. True. I thought I would love the Slate's Intensity control but I usually leave it at the lowest setting. It's too exaggerated. #15 There's a bigger difference between my real U47 and C12A than there is between the Townsend U47 and C12A. The differences in the Slate ML-1 models are generally more obvious but, since Slate doesn't have a C12A, I can't make the direct comparison. I would agree with this - when I had my (now sold) 47 and a C12 the real ones were further apart than the Townsend models ... but the Townsend model definitely pushes in the correct directions.Personally I'd rather have the subtlety and be able to process something to make it brighter/darker. Many times over the years I've regretted tracking a vocalist with a $3000 mic because it was too dark/bright even though it sounded good at the time because my ears were fatigued by listening all day etc etc. #16 Personally I'd rather have the subtlety and be able to process something to make it brighter/darker. Many times over the years I've regretted tracking a vocalist with a $3000 mic because it was too dark/bright even though it sounded good at the time because my ears were fatigued by listening all day etc etc. It might benefit from having something like Slate's Intensity control added. Similarly, the Slate might benefit from having the Intensity go below 100%. #17 Re: Overheads...I did a test with my townsend in 180 stereo mode, placing it right next to the 2 Sony C37a's that my studio has been using for overheads. Using the stock Sphere plugins, it honestly was stomped by the Sony's. Then I loaded the Putnam c37a's and it was dead on with the real Sony's. The one mic I haven't been able to really replicate is the U47. I've heard others say the same (I wish I would have tested my Pearlman 47 against the Sphere before I sold it.) Still, i see the Sphere as an incredibly useful tool vs. an exact sound replica of every vintage mic.In anotherTownsend Labs Sphere L22 Microphone
Development. #8 It was just a question borne out of curiosity. I'm totally okay with it remaining in the UAD world, and after re-reading the entry on the site, it sounds like it's a UAD exclusive anyways.I am already in the UAD world and was just asking because I tend to track monitoring through the UAD plug but not committing so I can experiment later. And when I do, I tend to use the native plugin so I can use my DSP on other plugs. #9 Hi UAD people. I’ve posted about this before in the wishes forum, but it seems apropriate to leave this question in this thread. Is there a possibility for UAD to allow placing the Townsend Labs Sphere plugin before before the Unison pres in Console, so that the real workflow of Mic->Preamp could be emulated? The present solution of placing the UAD pres in the DAW after the Sphere feels like a compromise. I know the Sphere system can work with the Unison pres in the reverse order in the DAW as stated in the Sphere manual, but still it would be nice to fully emulate the real world workflow. Can this be done and if so are there any plans to realize this?Please Chris and Gannon, can you shine some light on this?Thanks,Miguel Barrosa #10 Hey Chris,Is this going to exist as a native plugin as well or just in the UAD realm? Do Sphere users get any kind of coupon or is this. Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone System Guide Chapter 3: Townsend Labs Sphere Plug-ins The Townsend Labs Sphere plug-ins are a key part of the Sphere microphone system. The Sphere microphone system can record in stereo or mono.Comments
The Townsend Labs Sphere microphone system has gained respect amongst professional users in a relatively short time. It can be difficult to appreciate when the fuss is about without experiencing it first hand. the best way to experience Sphere is, of course, to record with the L22 mic but there is a way to experience the flexibility and quality of results possible by taking advantage of the free Sphere plug-in and the free demo sessions available direct from Townsend Labs.How Do I Get The Free Sphere Plug-in And Demo Sessions?To access the downloads from Townsend Labs you’ll have to set up an account on the Townsend Labs website. Go to the Downloads Page and download the appropriate plugin installer for your OS. You’ll be prompted to log in or register if you haven’t already.Install the plugin (no iLok required, AAX VST and AU) and download your choice of sessions for your DAW or if you prefer, download the WAV files.
2025-03-25Example...Tracking a jazz trio live, there was a fair amount of leakage of the drums into the piano Townsend. The band wanted a tight sound with less room in it. Once I switched the Putnam model to a ribbon mic, the room sound was instantly attenuated, the piano sounded warm and round, and the band was happy. I could not have done that with a pair of 47's that were previously capturing the piano. I use the townsend far more than any other mic in our studio. #18 Re: Overheads...I did a test with my townsend in 180 stereo mode, placing it right next to the 2 Sony C37a's that my studio has been using for overheads. Using the stock Sphere plugins, it honestly was stomped by the Sony's. Then I loaded the Putnam c37a's and it was dead on with the real Sony's. The one mic I haven't been able to really replicate is the U47. I've heard others say the same (I wish I would have tested my Pearlman 47 against the Sphere before I sold it.) Still, i see the Sphere as an incredibly useful tool vs. an exact sound replica of every vintage mic.In another example...Tracking a jazz trio live, there was a fair amount of leakage of the drums into the piano Townsend. The band wanted a tight sound with less room in it. Once I switched the Putnam model to a ribbon mic, the room sound was instantly attenuated, the piano sounded warm and round, and the band was happy. I could not have done that with a pair of 47's that were previously capturing the piano. I use the townsend far more than any other mic in our studio. Yep, that's the magic of Sphere. #19 Hi, I've also been investigating the Sphere, and all the positive reviews give me confidence to buy one. But what do you guys think about this? Is it legit? Did the competition modeled the harmonic distortion better? I would think that the tube's would give such harmonic content. Last edited: Dec 23, 2021 #20 Hi, I've also been investigating the Sphere, and all the positive reviews give me confidence to buy one. But what do you guys think about this? Is it legit? Did the competition modeled the harmonic distortion better? I would think that the tube's would give such harmonic content. issues I see:Is it realistic? Without having the real hardware mics be part of the test, do we know that the harmonics are actually there?Do we want digitally-generated distortion in a microphone? Plugins don't have a great reputation in this area.With both Townsend and Slate, the hardware mics are nothing like the mics they're modeling and thus the software is doing A LOT of work. You really want to pick a company you trust. This is probably why the Antelope hasn't caught on as much, they could be excellent but they don't have UA's reputation (yet).
2025-04-16Townsend Labs wowed us back in 2018 when we reviewed their impressive Sphere L22 modelling mic. Since then, they’ve partnered up with Universal Audio to offer even more classic mic models. And now they’re tackling a new problem: portable vocal booths. With an increasing number of vocalists and broadcasters working at home in suboptimal acoustic […]Townsend Labs wowed us back in 2018 when we reviewed their impressive Sphere L22 modelling mic. Since then, they’ve partnered up with Universal Audio to offer even more classic mic models. And now they’re tackling a new problem: portable vocal booths.With an increasing number of vocalists and broadcasters working at home in suboptimal acoustic environments, there’s an increased need for reflection filters such as the Kaotica Eyeball, sE Electronics Reflexion Filter and Aston Halo. These all succeed in reducing unwanted room reflections. However, they often introduce new and also unwanted colouration. Townsend Labs’ new IsoSphere technology is designed to remedy that.According to its makers, the newly patented IsoSphere technology in the Sphere 1.5 software enhances off-axis behaviour for maximum and tailors the frequency response to compensate for unwanted colouration. And Townsend Labs say this will lead to even better-sounding recordings.The new software also introduces four new mic models, joining the existing 30+. The first is the LD-87 Modern, based on a current Neumann U87 – renowned for voiceover and broadcasting. Next is the LD-37A, modelled on the warm-sounding Sony C-37P as used by Frank Sinatra – which is ideal for taming sibilance while retaining ‘air’. The third is the LD-37P, a model of a rarer FET version of the Sony which has a brighter character for adding excitement. Finally, for the DN-20, Townsend Labs has modelled the Electrovoice RE-20, a large-diaphragm dynamic mic, that’s equally at home in the broadcast studio as in front of
2025-04-07To notice the differences. I think the Slate choices do emphasize the differences slightly more — good or bad. #14 There's a cheap Sphere on Reverb. He says there's an issue with the volume with the front of the capsule but that might just be a software calibration issue (to those who don't own one, the Sphere has calibration on the settings page): Has anyone used it as an overhead for drums? I have been toying with the idea of getting a ribbon mic but this seems way more versatile. I read that it can tolerate high SPL, so seems like a fit, and I think there are ribbon mics in one or more of the modeling bundles. It's not a replacement for a ribbon but will work great (maybe even better, given the amount of control it provides). I think the Slate choices do emphasize the differences slightly more — good or bad. True. I thought I would love the Slate's Intensity control but I usually leave it at the lowest setting. It's too exaggerated. #15 There's a bigger difference between my real U47 and C12A than there is between the Townsend U47 and C12A. The differences in the Slate ML-1 models are generally more obvious but, since Slate doesn't have a C12A, I can't make the direct comparison. I would agree with this - when I had my (now sold) 47 and a C12 the real ones were further apart than the Townsend models ... but the Townsend model definitely pushes in the correct directions.Personally I'd rather have the subtlety and be able to process something to make it brighter/darker. Many times over the years I've regretted tracking a vocalist with a $3000 mic because it was too dark/bright even though it sounded good at the time because my ears were fatigued by listening all day etc etc. #16 Personally I'd rather have the subtlety and be able to process something to make it brighter/darker. Many times over the years I've regretted tracking a vocalist with a $3000 mic because it was too dark/bright even though it sounded good at the time because my ears were fatigued by listening all day etc etc. It might benefit from having something like Slate's Intensity control added. Similarly, the Slate might benefit from having the Intensity go below 100%. #17 Re: Overheads...I did a test with my townsend in 180 stereo mode, placing it right next to the 2 Sony C37a's that my studio has been using for overheads. Using the stock Sphere plugins, it honestly was stomped by the Sony's. Then I loaded the Putnam c37a's and it was dead on with the real Sony's. The one mic I haven't been able to really replicate is the U47. I've heard others say the same (I wish I would have tested my Pearlman 47 against the Sphere before I sold it.) Still, i see the Sphere as an incredibly useful tool vs. an exact sound replica of every vintage mic.In another
2025-04-10Plug-in first with the LD-47 and then with the LD-12 mic model. Axis ShiftVirtually rotate the axis of the mic to give a more off-axis sound before or after tracking.Off-Axis Correction™Create more accurate polar patterns to reduce bleed, room coloration, and susceptibility of feedback before or after tracking. Polar MeterThe 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 NoiseThe 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 HandlingThe L22 can handle in excess of 140dB SPL before clipping and is remarkably rugged. It won’t be damaged by high SPLs or air blasts as some vintage microphones can be.All modeled product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Townsend Labs Inc. These product names and descriptions are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Sphere’s sound model development. Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone Modeling System Includes Sphere L22 Microphone – high precision, dual-capsule, large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone, which can be used with or without modelingBundled Accessories10 Foot (3 Meter) Breakout CableShock MountSwivel MountHard Carrying CasePlush Dust CoverSphere Plug-inSphere® Core plug-in – accurately models a wide range of the most sought-after microphones in the world.Re-Mic technology – allows the user to change the mic type and polar pattern even after tracking.New patented features – including Off-Axis Correction™, which can produce more accurate polar patterns for reduced bleed, room coloration, and feedback.Supports a wide range of plug-in formats – including UAD, VST2, VST3, Audio Units, and AAX Native on Mac and Windows. Voucher included for free UAD Sphere plug-in.This item is sold As-DescribedThis item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
2025-04-14