This is a review of the Chandler Limited TG2-500(´◔౪◔)◞
I got my first Chandler Limited product, which I’ve always wanted to use.
And it’s a mic preamp from the TG series, which I’ve been most interested in.
This time I’m reviewing the TG2-500, which is compatible with the API 500 size standard.
I immediately tried out the microphone recording.
I’ve also uploaded a comparison of the sound with the API and Neve copy mic pre in the text.
The sound of the Chandler Limited TG is so good(`･ω･´)
About the Chandler Limited TG Series
The TG series from Chandler Limited is a reproduction of the TG console from EMI/Abbey Road Studios in the UK.
The TG console was the desk used by The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.
In addition to the mic pre,
CHANDLER LIMITED TG12413 ZENER LIMITER サウンドハウス
There is a comp/limiter and,
CHANDLER LIMITED TG12411 Channel サウンドハウス
There is a channel strip with EQ.
CHANDLER LIMITED TG2 BACK TO BASICS サウンドハウス
There is also a Japan-only TG2 that has been modified by the distributor.
CHANDLER LIMITED TG2-500 サウンドハウス
This is the one I bought,and it plugs into the API lunch box.
For the price, it’s the easiest way to become a Chandler Limited user(`･ω･´)
Review of the unit
So let’s start the review.
It is very small as it is API 500 size. The design is also very cool and cultured.
Insert the cartridge that pops out the back into the lunch box.
Inserted figure.
Finally, I have 500 more mic pres other than the API512C(´⊙౪⊙)۶
There are not many parts to operate.
COARSE GAIN is a rotary switch with 5dB steps.
It is fixed in place with a tick-tock mechanism.
FINE GAIN is a knob that can be trimmed from -10 to +10 for a total of 20 dB.
This is a stepless volume trim.
Together, the two knobs provide up to 60 dB of gain.
And here’s an interesting point！
You can enjoy different tones by combining these two knobs!
For example, you can have the same 45dB gain with,
The FINE GAIN is set to +10dB Max, and the CORSE GAIN is set to +35dB, for a total of 45dB,
The sound texture is different when the FINE GAIN is set to 0dB and the CORSE GAIN is set to 45dB for a total of 45dB.
I’ll try this out later in the recording.
Now for the next feature.
You can switch the impedance between 300 ohms and 1200 ohms.
You can change the volume by clicking on the switch.
Then there is the mic/line switch.
No need to explain, right(´◔౪◔)◞
The bottom knob controls the output volume.
The basic idea is to use the top two knobs to gain and adjust the texture, and then turn it down at the output!
The bottom row has only a phase switch and phantom power.
Very simple.
There is no DI input.
This is my only regret. It looks like it would be really good for bass recording.
I guess you’ll have to do that with the rack type.
So, I fired up the power supply and started recording!
Try to record
I recorded an acoustic guitar with a microphone.
This time I used a NEUMANN U87 microphone.
The audio interface is the Prism Sound Titan.
The acoustic guitar was recorded on two tracks and panned left and right.
The rhythm is a looped instrument included with Logic X. No plug-ins were inserted into the recording file.
No EQ and comp, just a fader to adjust the volume somehow!
As mentioned above, the TG-2 500 sounds different depending on the combination of the CORSE GAIN and FINE GAIN.
So, I recorded three patterns with the same gain.
I’ve got a mic pre for comparison,
API512C and,
I used warm audio wa73-EQ that Neve-type micpreamp.
Now let’s listen to them side by side!
TG-2 500 CORSE GAIN+50dB FINE GAIN-5dB
TG-2 500 CORSE GAIN+45dB FINE GAIN 0dB
TG-2 500 CORSE GAIN+35dB FINE GAIN+10dB
API512c
warm audio wa73-EQ
impression
Wow, the sound changes so much when the mic pre is different…!
First of all, the TG-2 500 does not have a good S/N ratio, does it…?
The first file, with the CORSE GAIN (red knob) turned up to +50dB, has a lot of noise.
-setting of the first file-
On the other hand, if I turn down the CORSE GAIN (red knob) to +35dB and turn up the FINE GAIN (middle knob) to +10dB, the S/N is not that bad.
-Setting up the third file-
Basically, I think it’s better to adjust the volume from the maximum FINE GAIN setting.
If you adjust the position of the output knob more, you might be able to get a better signal-to-noise ratio.
The tone is mild, warm, and deep, just like a vintage tone!
I love the texture of this thing(´⊙౪⊙)۶Just the tone I wanted!
And it’s true that the tone changes as the fine gain is increased or decreased.
As the gain goes up, the volume of the low frequency range increases and the sound becomes more crisp and responsive.
It’s great for acoustic guitars, but I’m sure this texture would be great for recording vocals.
As expected, API512c is loose and dry, and it feels like summer!
The sparkle of the strings comes out well.
The warm audio wa73-EQ is also very well made once again.
It’s so thick, yet so clear. It’s wonderful(`･ω･´)
It seems to handle anything and any occasion!
Vintage tone for peace of mind.
The TG-2 500 has a vintage tone that can be used with confidence
New but vintage.
CHANDLER LIMITED TG2-500 サウンドハウス
The atmosphere is outstanding….
I’m convinced that its support has spread rapidly around the world.
Of course, it’s popular in Japan, too.
I think everyone loves the vintage sound.
I love it too(`･ω･´)!!!!
summary
I was so excited to get my first Chandler Limited product.
I really like this kind of texture.
I’d like to compare it with a real vintage amp in another article.
Let’s do it next time.
Thank you for reading to the end!
