Shell Rock, IA – October 2018… Chandler Limited, is the only company in the world authorized to develop, manufacture and market the ‘Official Equipment’ of EMI/Abbey Road Studios. Today, the celebrated pro-audio manufacturer introduces the TG Microphone to their esteemed Abbey Road Studios historic series lineup.
Chandler Limited’s launch into microphones with the wildly successful REDD Microphone, continues the history and heritage of EMI’s Abbey Road Studios, with the introduction of the TG Microphone.
Conceived by Chandler Limited Founder and Chief Designer, Wade Goeke, the TG Microphone is—much like the REDD Microphone—unique in design, functionality and the all important “sound;” as expected, the TG Microphone isn’t a clone of any other microphone.
The TG Microphone is a solid-state, large diaphragm condenser microphone, featuring—as one might expect—the smooth historic TG sound, a ‘Dual Tone’ voicing function and in-body NAB/IEC ‘Tape Equalizer,’ re-purposed from historic EMI TG12410 transfer (mastering) consoles and re-engineered for microphone duties.
The TG Microphone’s legendary TG color comes from its three TG amplifiers, however, its ‘larger than solid-state’ sonics are enabled by its an external dedicated power supply rather than traditional 48V phantom power.
Wade Goeke, Chandler Limited Founder and Chief Designer— “I and other engineers have often thought of phantom power as a compromise. It is low current and low voltage when compared to tube mics and is not capable of powering high fidelity circuits that could allow a solid-state mic to compete with a tube design. To me this is why solid-state mics often have a smaller and more ‘pinched’ sound. Using an external PSU has allowed us to bypass what we consider all the drawbacks of a solid-state mic design and deliver a microphone that can compete with any topology.”
The versatility of the TG Microphone is owed to its unique EMI ‘Tape Equalizer,’ born from vintage EMI TG12410 transfer desks and applied to wonderful effect in the mic. The TG Microphone’s tape equalizer allows the an audio engineer to shape the sound at the source, instead of relying on downstream EQ.
Historically, the transfer console’s (master consoles) NAB/IEC Tape Equalizer utility was used to correctly playback tapes recorded on machines of different standards. Rather than recalibrating a tape machine to playback NAB masters on an IEC spec. machine—or vice versa—the mastering engineer would select the appropriate playback speed and tape equalizer curve.
Wade Goeke, Chandler Limited Founder and Chief Designer— “I’m lucky to own one of the TG mastering desks. I often run sources through the desk, not to use the mastering equalizers or compressors, but to use the NAB/IEC EQ that is part of its input section; its passive eq section is a special sound I have not heard in any other device. The more I thought about it the more I realized it would be the perfect thing to add to the TG Microphone, not only because of its beautiful tone, but also the wide array of sounds and flexibility it would add to it. Once we re-tuned each setting for recording purposes—instead of mastering—I realized the mic could easily cover the job of a variety of classic mics, however, with even more girth. Thicker FET47 sound for bass? Simply go to setting 5 in system B, fatter vintage C414eb sound? Go to setting 4 in system A etc…”
Contributing to the utility of the TG Microphone is the ‘Dual Tone System.’ Conceptually an alternate voicing function, system ‘A’ is typically TG mid forward in tone and more open, while system ‘B’ is more pristine and capable of taking extreme SPLs; anywhere a FET47 would find use, the TG Microphone is at home.
Additional features include— switchable Low-Cut filter (90 Hz or 50 Hz,) and 10 dB PAD. The Low-Cut filter—other acting as an rumble filter—, is intended to work as a modifier to the tape equalizer’s settings, and allowing for more sounds available from the microphone. The Low-Cut filter greatly expands the TG Microphone’s exceptional ability to adapt to the source.
During development with EMI / Abbey Road Studios, the famed studios’ audio engineers and technical staff tested the new microphone along-side of some of their historic microphones, and the TG Microphone quickly found favor.
Mirek Stiles, Head of Products, Abbey Road Studios— “I love the sound of this microphone. The hyped tape EQ curves Wade has added really take it to another level. At Abbey Road we compared the TG microphone with some tried and trusted microphone models on all sort of instruments and the TG mic seemed to always come out on top. With so many sound sculpting options I think this microphone offers incredible value, it’s so unique and fun to use. It won’t disappoint.”
FIELD-TESTING WITH LUMINARIES
Producer, engineer and mixer, Ryan Hewitt was able to put the TG Microphone through its paces during sessions for a major label artist and had this to say— “The new Chandler TG Microphone is totally a modern classic. The different combinations of tape EQ curves, filters and the system A/B switch gave me great versatility in capturing a number of different sources on a recent recording session. I absolutely loved it on electric bass, acoustic guitars, drums and vocals. Any source on which you’d use a classic FET mic, the TG mic just smoked the old standards. The problem is that I need at least four of them!!!”
Producer Dave Cobb is actively experimenting with the TG Microphone and commented— “The TG Microphone is the coolest new mic I’ve heard. I preferred it on guitar over my vintage U67, this was on a small Gretsch combo using tape equalizer setting number ‘5;’ it’s already becoming one of my favorite guitar mics!”
Differing from the REDD Microphone, the TG Microphone is mic level output and may be used with the engineer or producer’s preamp of choice; Chandler Limited REDD.47 Mic amplifier is an excellent choice.
What’s included in the TG Microphone set?
TG Microphone, Dedicated PSU, Shockmount, 25’ Mogami microphone cable and wooden microphone case.
To learn more about Chandler Limited’s REDD Microphone visit: https://chandlerlimited.com/tg-microphone
When is the Chandler Limited TG Microphone available for purchase?
The TG Microphone is available for order now.
U.S. street price: $1,849
Chandler Limited and associated logos are trademarks of Chandler Limited, Inc.
Abbey Road Studios, EMI, TG, REDD and their associated logos are trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.
