User Manual

Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Precision Microphone System Guide Introduction
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• Flat Frequency Response - It is possible to create a virtual mic with an extremely flat response over
the entire audible spectrum (20 Hz - 20 kHz), and even compensate for the proximity effect.
• Polar Meter - The plug-in features a unique, visually informative Polar Pattern Meter that dynam-
ically displays the direction and level of sound arriving at the mic.
• Low Noise - The microphone hardware has a self-noise level of 9 dB-A SPL, which is well below
most vintage microphones and compares favorably with the best modern microphones.
• High SPL Handling - The Sphere mic can handle more than 140 dB SPL before clipping and is
very rugged. It will not be damaged by high SPLs or air blasts like some vintage mics.
• 48 V Phantom - Uses standard 48 V phantom power.
Summary of Key Concepts
The following concepts are so important in understanding the new capabilities offered by the Sphere
L22 that we are including them here in the introduction, even though they are repeated elsewhere in
this user guide.
If you do not read anything else in this guide, please read this:
• Sphere L22 is a dual-output mic that requires two 3-pin XLR mic preamp inputs for mic modeling
and other DSP features to function.
• Since the two preamp channels must be set to the same gain, we recommend using digitally controlled
preamps, such as a Universal Audio Apollo or Apogee Quartet.
See http://townsendlabs.com/prelist/ for a list of recommended preamps.
• All mic modeling and other advanced DSP features occur in the Townsend Labs Sphere plug-in
(included).
• The Townsend Labs Sphere plug-in has a stereo input and a mono output; the Townsend Labs
Sphere 180 plug-in has stereo input and output.