Universal Audio acquires Townsend Labs Inc. assets

Townsend’s Sphere L22 mic and mic-modelling technology will join Universal Audio’s product line.

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Universal Audio Townsend Labs

Universal Audio has announced an asset purchase agreement of Townsend Labs Inc, the mic manufacturer and software developer.

Townsend Labs Inc is known for its TEC award-winning Sphere L22 Microphone System, which can emulate a range of different microphones. Universal Audio’s asset acquisition will mean that the Sphere L22 will join its line of audio recording products, alongside Apollo interfaces and UAD plug-ins.

Universal Audio has been cooperating with Townsend Labs since 2017. The two companies’ releases include the Ocean Way and Bill Putman Microphone Model Collections for Sphere L22 on UAD and Apollo platforms. UA says that it will continue to support the Sphere L22’s current audio platforms, including UAD, AAX DSP, AAX Native, VST and AU.

Townsend Labs founders Chris Townsend and Erik Papp will join the Universal Audio team in light of the agreement. They will develop future microphone products under the UA brand.

“The Sphere L22 microphone is the perfect platform for us,” said Bill Putnam, CEO of Universal Audio. “With UA’s expertise in modelling vintage audio gear, and Townsend’s industry‑leading mic modelling technology, we’re poised to bring customers significant innovations in this fast‑growing segment of the pro audio industry.”

MusicTech reviewed the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 in 2018, granting it a Choice Award, saying: “We loved having the Townsend Sphere L22 to experiment with. It’s a great quality microphone in its own right, but the opportunity to experiment with different options after the recording is over is invaluable”.

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