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Chandler Limited TG2 stereo microphone preamplifier
by: Mike Caffrey
www.monsterisland.com
I really like the Chandler TG2 preamp. It's a recreation of the EMI mic preamp
found in the TG-series consoles, such as the one installed at Abbey Road. The
TG2 is a single-rackspace two-channel unit. It's very well constructed with
nicely laid out controls. The rear panel has all the standard ins and outs.
The front panel has an instrument DI as well as switches for phantom power,
polarity, and enabling the DI. It uses an external power supply that will power
two Chandler devices such as the TG1 compressor (Tape Op #31).
I first tried the TG2 briefly on a variety of sources -- drums, bass, vocals --
and was happy with the results on all of them. It was when I tried it on guitar
that I really got hooked. I had a ribbon mic on an AC15 and heard one of the most
beautiful guitar sounds ever -- and I literally haven’t used another preamp to
record a guitar since that very moment. I can best describe the TG2 by comparing
to other well known preamps, as I've spent a lot of time A/B'ing them on guitar.
For a long time I had been very happy using a Beyer M160 through an API 312/512
preamp straight to tape. That was the first comparison I made, and the TG2 made
the API sound anemic. I was surprised at how big of a difference I heard,
especially considering how happy I had been for a long time using the API preamps.
The TG2 had the presence of the API, but I found it to have much more punch and
body overall. The next comparisons I made were with some Neve preamps. I recently
got a hold of some super mint condition 1073's -- with all original parts and still
up to factory specs -- and 1272's that had never been used until they were racked
by Brent Averill. The TG2 was up against some tough competition. I found the TG2
to have a comparable low end to both Neve preamps. I found the midrange of the TG2
a little more present than the 1272 and the high end smoother. The differences
were most noticeable when switching from the TG2 to the 1272 because it was clear
that the 1272 was missing some nice qualities that the TG2 had. The comparison to
the 1073 was similar in that there were qualities that I preferred in the TG2.
When I compared the TG2 to the 1073 with the 1073 EQ in, it was still a tough call.
I couldn't make the decision outside of a specific recording context. I think that
says a lot when a preamp can hold its own against a preamp combined with an EQ.
When they say "dare we say nicer top than a Neve" while describing the TG2 on the
Chandler website, I have to say yes. I know it's all subjective, but it's not out
of line to consider that possibility.
Having used both the TG1 compressor and the TG2 preamp, I feel like I am seeing a
pattern: all Chandler gear sounds really good. Everyone knows that vintage preamps
are some of the best sounding preamps you can buy. However, vintage gear frequently
suffers from reliability issues and high maintenance costs. The Chandler TG2 can be
compared very favorably to some classic preamps, but it should really be recognized
for its own great sound. It's refreshing to have the EMI sound to add to the palette,
without the problems associated with vintage gear. At a street price of around $1600
I think the TG2 is a very safe purchase. An eBay search shows no Chandler gear for
sale used, even in completed items. I don't find that surprising at all. ($1900
MSRP; www.chandlerlimited.com)
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