Recording - February 2018 - 46

REVISITED

Universal
Audio
Ocean Way
Microphone
Collection

A new mic collection for the Townsend
Labs Sphere mic and UAD-2/Apollo DSP
By Paul Vnuk Jr.

Just a few months ago, in our November 2017 issue,
we took our f irst look at the Sphere L22 Modeling
Microphone from Townsend Labs. While I assumed
that we'd be revisiting the L22 as new models became
available down the line, I admit I wasn't expecting that
to be just a few months later... not that I'm complaining!
If you missed that review, the Sphere L22 is a dual-capsule
8.9" x 2.5" large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed
to offer a clean and neutral capture of a source. Then, with
the use of the Sphere modeling plug-in, you can alter the
microphone to take on the sonic characteristics of a selection
of well-known microphone brands and models.
While not the only modeling microphone on the market, the
L22 sets itself apart from the pack in two significant ways. First,
unlike other mics which require a fixed combination of microphone
and preamp/interface, the L22 can be used with any matched
2-channel preamp or interface. The reason it needs a 2-channel
interface leads us to the other part of its unique design.
The L22 is a true multipattern modeling mic; it uses a dual
XLR breakout cable to take a tap off of each individual capsule
diaphragm. These signals are then recombined in the plug-in,
where you can alter the polar pattern, proximity effect, and
off-axis rejection, and use a single L22 in stereo... all during
tracking or later during mixdown.
The Sphere plug-in is included as a native plug-in for VST 2,
VST3, AAX Native and Audio Units. If you own a Universal
Audio UAD-2 accelerator card or Apollo interface, it is the only
46

RECORDING February 2018

modeling mic authorized to work as a UAD plug-in as well. As
of version 9.4 of the UAD software, the L22 has picked up some
exclusive UA mic models in addition to its existing collection.
Universal Audio's latest v9.4 update not only includes brand
spanking new emulations of the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor,
Dytronics Tri-Stereo Chorus, and the Gallien-Krueger 800RB
Bass Amp, but it also includes UA's second collaboration with
Ocean Way Studios and engineer Allen Sides. The first was
the Ocean Way Studios dynamic room modeling plug‑in, and
now it's The Ocean Way Microphone Collection.
In the Sphere's original line up are are the large-diaphragm
models LD-47K, LD-49K, LD-67, LD-87, LD-12, LD-251, and
LD-800, as well as the specialty models SD-451, RB-4038,
and DN-57. Each number gives away the family of origin,
and according to Townsend Labs, that is exactly what each
model is. They are based on pristine modern familial sonics
rather than any single specific classic unit.
The new Ocean Way collection is the exact opposite: The
Ocean Way Microphone Collection is made up of 12 microphones from engineer Allen Sides' personal microphone locker,
which is legendary as one of the premier mic collections in
the world. The microphones modeled in this collection have a
pedigree of use that includes Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand,
Phil Collins, Joni Mitchell, Little Richard, Alanis Morissette, Faith
Hill, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and many more stars.
This new collection of mic models is made exclusively for use
with the Sphere L22 and a Universal Audio UAD-2 or Apollo. It
is not available as a native plug-in; it's a UAD-exclusive product
that uses the Sphere and UAD DSP as a combined platform. It's
important to clarify this, as some users were initially confused by
the release of a new model collection that's not a free upgrade
for Sphere owners.

The Ocean Way models

In use, the GUI and functions of this plug-in are exactly the same
as the regular Sphere plug-in. The only difference is aesthetics: the
GUI is done in Ocean Way brown with a square pattern window.
The mics in this collection are:
OW-47 (Neumann U 47), OW-12 #1 and OW-12 #2 (two
different AKG C12), OW-49 (Neumann M 49), OW-269

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - February 2018