Description

The Micpro team take a look at the Chandler Limited TG Condenser Microphone by Chandler, available in the Uk from a UK supplier & UK Warranty.

Here's what Chandler Limited say about the TG:

The Chandler Limited EMI Abbey Road Studios ‘TG Microphone’ is a solid-state large diaphragm condenser microphone. Continuing the rich tradition of innovation, the TG Microphone is unique in its feature-set, isn’t a clone of any other microphone, and as the name implies, the sound is TG.

Tape Equalizer

The TG Microphone’s unique on-board EMI ‘Tape Equalizer’ section combined with its ‘Dual Tone System’, dedicated PSU and other features create an extremely flexible microphone capable of rivaling scenarios where the FET47, C414 and U47 traditionally have found favor.

The Tape Equalizer is adapted from the NAB/IEC tape equalizer facility found on vintage EMI TG12410 transfer consoles or mastering consoles, and applied with great effect in the TG Microphone. Historically used to compensate for tapes played back on machines of the opposite standard, the repurposed tape equalizer allows the engineer to shape the sound at the source and mitigates the need for injecting equipment downstream.

Dual Tone System

The ‘Dual Tone System’ modifies the input stage of the TG Microphone and extends the versatility of the microphone to accommodate a greater array of sources. System ‘A’ is what you’d expect, TG mid forward, while the alternate ‘B’ voicing is more pristine, takes extreme SPLs and is at home wherever a FET47 would be the choice.

The microphone’s specialized Low-Cut filter in combination with Tape Equalizer work together to create a super-set of 5 additional tonal variations available from the mic. The Low-Cut filter is frequency selectable at 90 Hz or 50 Hz.

Chandler Limited TG Microphone, EMI Abbey Road StudiosMuch like tube microphones, the TG Microphone relies on a dedicated power supply (PSU). The use of a dedicated PSU, rather than 48V phantom power is integral to the TG Microphone’s larger than solid-state sound. Other features include: cardioid and omni patterns, and a 10 dB pad.

TG History

Conceived from meetings in 1967 between Abbey Road engineers and EMI’s Central Research Laboratories technical team, the EMI TG12345 desk (later known as the Mark I), would usher in a sea change in sound and flexibility at Abbey Road Studios.

The new transistorized EMI TG12345 recording console was modular in design, with twelve dual channel microphone cassettes. The TG desks featured expanded EQ, and for the first time ever, a compressor/limiter on every channel.

Specifications

• Microphone Type Large Diaphragm Condenser
• Transducer Type Gold membrane, custom spec.
• Circuit Type TG, Solid-state
• Dual Tone System A/B voicing
• Tape Equalizer TG, 5 settings
• Low-Cut Filter Switchable— Out, 90 Hz/50 Hz
• Patterns Cardioid / Omni
• PAD 10 dB / Switchable
• Impedance 200Ω

Also Included:

• Shockmount
• 25’ Mogami 4-pin mic cable 
• Dedicated PSU
• Wooden case