Shell Rock, IA – October 2023… Chandler Limited, the ‘Official Equipment Manufacturer of classic EMI Abbey Road Studios recording equipment,’ adds to their Abbey Road Studios series with the introduction of the TG Microphone ‘Type L.’
The TG Microphone Type L is a handmade phantom powered, solid-state large diaphragm condenser microphone, and — as the name implies — the Type L is descended from the innovative TG Microphone.
While the Type L retains the core circuitry, capsule and ‘Dual Tone System’ of the larger TG Microphone, it is voiced considerably different compared to its forebearer.
With its TG circuit, compact form factor — 6.125” long — and Dual Tone System, the Type L represents the perfect cross-section of larger than solid-state sounds, utility and versatility.
The Dual Tone System — familiar to TG Microphone users — modifies the input stage of the Type L and extends the versatility of the microphone to accommodate a greater array of sources. System ‘A’ is characteristically TG and rich in harmonics, whereas the ‘B’ voicing handles extreme SPLs — with the PAD engaged — and by contrast is, more pristine with a ribbon-like quality.
The TG Microphone Type L is cardioid and intended as the quintessential recording studio workhorse. The Type L is capable of rivaling scenarios where the C414, FET47, U87, U67 and C12 have been preferred, and may replace the practice of employing a dynamic and a ribbon in combination on guitar cabinets.
Chandler Limited’s Founder and Chief Designer, Wade Goeke, wanted to deliver a go-to utility microphone that would handle an assortment of scenarios. This new microphone needed to be more than a scaled-down version of the TG Microphone; he wanted the Type L to feature unique voicings and stand on its own.
Wade Goeke, Chandler Limited Founder and Chief Designer— “The main focus on the Type L (little), was that it would be a fat — out-sized — sounding workhorse that was still affordable; it’s really the culmination of my last 15 years of microphone research and development. The heart of its versatility is the Dual Tone System, which is inspired by both the Drive switch on the REDD microphone and System A/B from the TG Microphone. System ‘A’ is a “more everything” setting, with lots of tonality, while ‘B’ is a round, warm and smooth sound, that several of our beta testers referred to as having a ribbon microphone type quality.”
Mirek Stiles, Head of Audio products at Abbey Road Studios, shared his thoughts on the significance of the Type L to the well-established microphone lineup and its performance during testing at Abbey Road Studios.
Mirek Stiles, Head of Products, Abbey Road Studios— “Wade and I have toyed with the idea of a more accessible microphone for a while. Our main priority was being able to translate the TG sound into a more compact design. The end result is a totally unique and versatile little powerhouse of sound. I was quite taken back by its performance compared to other mics in the Abbey Road collection. This microphone is destined to become an instant classic and I’m sure will inspire the next generation of producers, engineers and artists who are looking for something a little bit different.”
FIELD-TESTING WITH RECORDING LUMINARIES
Producer, engineer and mixer, Ryan Hewitt used the Type L on session with Cody Jinks— “It sounds bigger than it is, it sounds bigger than it looks. Of course, the first thing that I had to do was really loud guitars. I’ve got my Marshall hundred watt amp and various other hundred watt amps; and my Chandler amp actually [GAV19T]…in front of my Marshall cabinet and did what I thought would certainly test a condenser microphone for its SPL handling capacities. The [TG Microphone] Type L, it sort of took it all in stride and was just like a perfectly balanced picture of what this amp sounded like in the room…It was loud, it was punchy and it had all the low-end I wanted. I pretty much got the sound of one microphone, which is pretty tough to do these days.”
Producer, engineer and mixer Vance Powell— “I thought it [TG Microphone Type L] sounded exactly like what I wanted it to sound like. And that’s the best thing you could say for any microphone. It sounded exactly like the amp we tried it on, it sounded exactly like what I wanted it to.”
Producer, engineer and mixer Bobby Holland— “Piano was one of the more ‘Wow’ instruments for me. In the ‘A’ setting it just had all of this wonderful color and rich harmonics, and it was just very big sounding in a really nice way. And then you switched over to ‘B’ and it was just beautiful; it wasn’t as colorful, but it was just perfect sounding…sort of like drums, it was just like ‘wow’ that’s what my piano sounds like; I just loved it. Normally I never reach for a condenser on electric guitar…and I really think that I will probably use this [TG Microphone Type L] more than any of my other microphones after hearing that, it was ‘that’s what an electric guitar is supposed to sound like,’ it was just right…it was just so versatile and cool and it didn’t have the brittle sort of harsh thing that a lot of condensers have on electric guitar.”
To learn more about the TG Microphone Type L visit the: Type L product page.
When is the TG Microphone Type L available for purchase?
The TG Microphone Type L is available for order now; shipping begins October 2023.
U.S. street price (MAP): $789
