Townsend Labs have announced the latest free update to Sphere, the software component of the Sphere L22 Modelling system, which as well as introducing 4 new mic models introduces IsoSphere, a new way of combatting poor acoustics and something we first became aware of via a patent application.

Some weeks ago we became aware of a patent taken out by Townsend Labs, which looked like it would help alleviate some of the unwanted colour introduced by the popular reflection filters which many people use to reduce the influence of poor acoustics on their recordings. When we asked Townsend Labs for comment, Chris Townsend told us:

Great detective work, lads! I'm happy to talk about the new patent a little bit. We have an update release of our Sphere plug-in coming up soon with a great new feature based around the patent. The feature will work with your existing reflection filters and give you better results in challenging spaces. Best of all, this feature will come at no additional cost for all customers and will add even more value to the Sphere system.

What is In Sphere Version 1.5?

Version 1.5 adds new features for voice-over artists and music producers seeking better recordings under challenging conditions. There are new models of four classic microphones, each with a proud history of vocal/voice-over use, which have been added to Sphere’s ever-growing mic locker, and Version 1.5 introduces IsoSphere, a patented new technology that helps combat the unwanted effects of poor room acoustics. It’s available in all major native plug-in formats as well as Universal UAD-2/Apollo and Avid AAX—and like all Sphere upgrades to date, it’s free of charge.

Introducing IsoSphere

For many artists and engineers, changing times and technologies have led to working more from home and collaborating remotely—and often recording in less-than-ideal spaces. Townsend Labs meets these challenges with IsoSphere, an easy-to-use yet effective technology that rethinks how microphones interact with the space around them. 

Reflection filters and portable acoustic booths are a boon to home recordists, but they also impart their own undesirable colouration to the sound, and their effectiveness at reducing reflections and background noise is limited, especially at low to mid frequencies. IsoSphere optimises how the Sphere L22 works together with commonly-available isolation devices—such as the sE Reflexion Filters, Aston Halo, Kaotica Eyeball, and even vocal booths. It enhances off-axis behaviour for maximum rejection and modifies frequency response to compensate for unwanted colouration, leading to even better-sounding recordings.

Chris Townsend, CEO and CTO, states…

"It's been truly exciting to see IsoSphere go from concept to patent to product in such a short time, and its patent protection means that the feature will be unique to Sphere for years to come. At a time when more people are working from home studios than ever before, this innovative technology will help creators achieve the best possible audio quality."

Four New Mic Models

Thanks to Sphere’s collection of included microphones (34 models and growing), users can draw from a mic locker full of iconic tones from countless classic records. Sphere 1.5 makes the Sphere L22 even more attractive for voice-over studios and artists, adding four new industry-standard models ideal for their needs:

• LD-87 Modern, based on a current production 87 in factory-shipping condition. The 87 has become a de facto standard for broadcast, voice-over, and many other applications over its 35-year lifetime, and the new LD-87 Modern is slightly brighter and more modern-sounding than our LD-87 Vintage model.

• LD-37A, based on a classic 1950s Japanese tube microphone used by countless icons, including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Jimi Hendrix. It’s known for a warmer, smoother sound than other condensers—good for taming sibilance and harsh high end, yet retaining enough 'air' in the upper register to avoid sounding dull. It’s a favourite choice for drum overheads and toms for many engineers but also excels on electric guitars and vocals.

• LD-37P, based on a lesser-known FET version of the 37A Japanese tube microphone Slightly brighter than the 37A, it can be an excellent choice to freshen up source material that is a bit dull-sounding.

• DN-20, based on an industry-standard large-diaphragm dynamic microphone used on applications ranging from broadcast and voice-over to kick drum. Its pleasant presence boost with a sharp high-frequency dip to minimize sibilance make it a go-to choice for spoken-word applications.

A New Look

Sphere 1.5 also introduces a new, refined user interface. It’s a more focused design that emphasises essential features, such as mic model selection, and neatly integrates the new IsoSphere feature, which immediately feels natural and organic.  

Chris Townsend, Townsend Labs’ CEO and CTO explains:

“Four years after the launch of the Sphere L22, we took a hard look at the Sphere plug-in user interface. Listening to our growing base of Sphere owners, we built upon and improved the user experience with a refreshed look and improved usability that reflects our commitment to cutting-edge technology and design.” 

Erik Papp, Townsend Labs’ Co-Founder and President adds:

”Those who get to know Sphere for the first time will have an even quicker learning curve and enjoy a more accessible and consistent layout. At the same time, the core controls and features that Townsend Labs customers have grown to love remain right where they should be.”

Single view of the new Sphere plug-in user interface

Artist Presets

The Sphere 1.5 update introduces a selection of new presets from world-famous artists, producers, and engineers including Chris Baseford, Joe Chiccarelli, Billy Bush, and Cassidy Turbin. It also features go-to settings by voice-over artists such as Brent Allen Hagel and Jordan Reynolds.

Price, Formats, and Availability

The Sphere L22 Microphone Modelling System is available from most pro audio dealers worldwide for $1499, excluding tax. The mic can be used with any preamp and digital interface with at least two microphone inputs, and the Sphere plug-in is free of charge and is available in the major native plug-in formats—AAX, VST 2, VST 3 and AU, with support for Universal Audio’s UAD-2/Apollo and Avid’s AAX DSP platforms at no extra cost. 

Anyone interested in exploring the system is invited to download various sound examples recorded with Sphere L22 microphones and try the free, fully-featured Sphere plug-in on their audio system.

About the Sphere L22

The Sphere L22 system consists of a dedicated, dual-channel microphone and its software counterpart, the Sphere plug-in. The models incorporate transient response, harmonics, proximity effect, and multi-dimensional polar response. Thanks to Townsend Labs' study of classic microphones, the Sphere system currently brings 34 of the world's most revered microphones to life. The accuracy and sonic results have convinced owners from home recordists to seasoned industry veterans, such as Joe Chiccarelli, Billy Bush, and Allen Sides. 

Leading pro audio industry accolades such as Sound on Sound Editors' Choice award, the win of a 2020 TEC Award for Sphere 1.3, and the recent TEC Award nomination for Sphere 1.4 underline the innovative approach of the Sphere L22.