Chandler tg2

[gonorrheaction]

[gonorrheaction]

Thinking about borrowing a tg2 from a friend of mine to track upright bass through a u87 in omni mode tonight. Anyone ever used the tg2 on an upright bass?

[mElt]

It would be so great to hear ppls records here on GS. I bet some threads would be much shorter and some people would stop writing nonsens, because everyone could obviously see, that they don´t have a clue what they are talking about. Puh, it´s really hard to read so much ......t.

[isham]

Would users using it with synth recommend to use a DI box to reach mic level before hitting the preamp part ? How is the DI ?
Thanks

[AllBread]

DI is fantastic. The whole box is fantastic. You can use it on absolutely any source and dial in the desired amount of distortion with the input/output controls. I have honestly never heard anything sound bad through it - I'd have no problems if it was my only preamp (heck, it was Abbey Roads only preamp for years when they had the EMI consoles and they certainly didn't place any restrictions on the instruments that they recorded with the console). It's one of those tools that doesn't require any thought - just plug in your mic or high inpedance instrument, set the levels, and record.

[isham]

Thanks allbread, the DI bypass the input transformer as far as I read, will try both when possible..

[Kenny Gioia]

Originally Posted by AllBread

DI is fantastic. The whole box is fantastic. You can use it on absolutely any source and dial in the desired amount of distortion with the input/output controls. I have honestly never heard anything sound bad through it - I'd have no problems if it was my only preamp (heck, it was Abbey Roads only preamp for years when they had the EMI consoles and they certainly didn't place any restrictions on the instruments that they recorded with the console). It's one of those tools that doesn't require any thought - just plug in your mic or high inpedance instrument, set the levels, and record.

Totally agree. I like to use it to warm up tracks that were not originally recorded thru it. It really is an amazing box.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by isham

Thanks allbread, the DI bypass the input transformer as far as I read, will try both when possible..

Do a search and you'll find lots of people commenting on how great - if not the best DI - they've used for keyboards.I know it's the best I've personally tried for this application

[Babaluma]

Great on keyboards and synths (digital and analogue/modular), but very dark on guitars/bass. Use it on keys all the time, but don't like the passive pickup sound through it much, usually prefer an Avalon U5 for that.

[Cathedral Guitar]

In case anybody is interested in photos inside the TG2 showing the circuit board / transformer layout (scroll):

<Chandler TG2 Mic Preamp DI with EMI Abbey Road TG console Circuit>

[jono_3]

I find the DI on the TG 2 great for synth and keys, but too dark for bass guitar.

My favourite DI sound is into an Avalon U5, then mic out into the TG 2 mic input.

[AllBread]

Originally Posted by jono_3

I find the DI on the TG 2 great for synth and keys, but too dark for bass guitar.

My favourite DI sound is into an Avalon U5, then mic out into the TG 2 mic input.

Oh man, me and every bass player I've ever tracked in my studio think that it kills on bass. Just dont be afraid to clip it a little and you'll get a bass that that sits tight in any rock and roll mix.

[jono_3]

I have always run it clean DI'd for bass and for some reason never push it too hard on the input. I'll have to try it, thanks!

[axlepaas]

Originally Posted by AllBread

Oh man, me and every bass player I've ever tracked in my studio think that it kills on bass. Just dont be afraid to clip it a little and you'll get a bass that that sits tight in any rock and roll mix.

yo Allbread, what do u mean by "clip a little"? I was under the impression that since the DI signal bypasses the transformer that it wouldn't overdrive in a good way? Am i wrong? I have tracked bass into the DI, and it does sound great, but if i was trying to get it to overdrive a bit, I usually use an actual DI box and plug into the Mic input....correct me if i'm wrong though, I'm curious to know.

-kp

[Faderjockey]

Originally Posted by axlepaas

yo Allbread, what do u mean by "clip a little"? I was under the impression that since the DI signal bypasses the transformer that it wouldn't overdrive in a good way? Am i wrong? I have tracked bass into the DI, and it does sound great, but if i was trying to get it to overdrive a bit, I usually use an actual DI box and plug into the Mic input....correct me if i'm wrong though, I'm curious to know.

-kp

No nothing wrong with hitting it hard.. It's a different breakup then distortion.. It has more of a clipping overdrive.. which can work on gtr for that Beatle revolution kind of thing..

I don't like the DI on gtr that much.. But have used it on bass more and did the overdrive thing.. Depends on songs but sounds cool.
Most times I'm using our Barber Launch Pad as my DI (since I sold my U5) and hitting the TG that way.. but I do sometimes still us the DI on front.

Try hitting it hard.. you're not going to break it. You either will like it or not but again it depends on the tune.

[nomoreflakes]

Originally Posted by jono_3

I find the DI on the TG 2 great for synth and keys, but too dark for bass guitar.

+1

[axlepaas]

Originally Posted by Faderjockey

No nothing wrong with hitting it hard.. It's a different breakup then distortion.. It has more of a clipping overdrive.. which can work on gtr for that Beatle revolution kind of thing..

I don't like the DI on gtr that much.. But have used it on bass more and did the overdrive thing.. Depends on songs but sounds cool.
Most times I'm using our Barber Launch Pad as my DI (since I sold my U5) and hitting the TG that way.. but I do sometimes still us the DI on front.

Try hitting it hard.. you're not going to break it. You either will like it or not but again it depends on the tune.

Thanks for clearing that up. I've used it both ways and got the results i was after, just good to know.

[thenoodle]

I have yet to hear the tg2 and have always gravitated towards the Germanium (which I have used). Do any of you guys use both? Preferences?

So far, most all the glowing descriptions of the tg2 are the same I read about the germanium.

To tell you the truth, I didn't like much of the Beatles sonics back when the Beatles were making noises. The songs were great.. the Abbey Road "sound".. not a fav of mine at all. Seems the TG2 really promotes nailing the Abbey Road consoles both pre transistor and after-transistor days.

Can anyone point me to a few album examples that are all tg2 in the path?

[Faderjockey]

Originally Posted by thenoodle

I have yet to hear the tg2 and have always gravitated towards the Germanium (which I have used). Do any of you guys use both? Preferences?

So far, most all the glowing descriptions of the tg2 are the same I read about the germanium.

To tell you the truth, I didn't like much of the Beatles sonics back when the Beatles were making noises. The songs were great.. the Abbey Road "sound".. not a fav of mine at all. Seems the TG2 really promotes nailing the Abbey Road consoles both pre transistor and after-transistor days.

Can anyone point me to a few album examples that are all tg2 in the path?

I think it sounds less Beatle-y then they say.. That's like saying you got a M49 because you like some singers voice and they used that mic.. But you don't have the pres,comp,eq whatever else plus let's say the tape that was used..
So your awesome M49 which is still amazing may not sound like that reference...

I think the (and even this isn't exact but hard to describe) TG sounds between the API quickness and Neve thickness.. but not as full as Neve more punchy but can be pushed to have a little hair on it..

I've liked it on every source.. I mean there are so many pres that are great.
But if I had a TG console I still may use other pres for different things.. But if I had to only use the TG I wouldn't be upset at all.

I've said many times on GS that I used it as the backend to my Folcrom mixing and even now..using a dangerous for summing I still throw the TG on the backend.. I just like how it adds punch to my mixes.

You should try one.. I have not tried the Germ myself so I can't compare them for you.

[GearGuy]

Originally Posted by thenoodle

I have yet to hear the tg2 and have always gravitated towards the Germanium (which I have used). Do any of you guys use both? Preferences?

So far, most all the glowing descriptions of the tg2 are the same I read about the germanium.

To tell you the truth, I didn't like much of the Beatles sonics back when the Beatles were making noises. The songs were great.. the Abbey Road "sound".. not a fav of mine at all. Seems the TG2 really promotes nailing the Abbey Road consoles both pre transistor and after-transistor days.

Can anyone point me to a few album examples that are all tg2 in the path?

I own a Germanium and it's great and unique as well. But as for the TG2, I think you might be referencing the wrong era a little bit. It's EMI studios late 60's through mid 70's.... What Wade references is final Beatles recording, the "Abbey Road" album (notice how that record sounds difference from the earlier stuff?) and Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon."

I think those two are pretty good idea's to reference the sound of the TG2... at least in as much as you can infer the sound of a pre-amp from a completed album. Of course, you could also reference the 3D Audio "Preamps in Paradise" DVD-ROM product, which has the TG2 on it. Finally, buy from a dealer that takes returns if you don't like it.

[Kenny Gioia]

I own the TG2 and tried the Germanium and can say that they're both great. I didn't buy the Germanium because I didn't need another mic pre. Otherwise I would have.

When I tried it I preferred one of them for the 57 and the other for the Royer on electric guitar but I forget which one was which. But it was a subtle difference.

Try them both.

[cabbo]

I've had both for several years. I prefer the Germ DI for bass, it's more open than the TG2 to my ears.The thick switch is a nice feature too, but I never need it for bass. Neither are currently my go to pres (except the Germ DI for bass), but both are great when I want to add some character to a signal. Both are great on synths, and are complementary to each other without being redundant soundwise. Same goes for the LTD1.

[drmmrboy]

Separate DI, into mic input. Yields very nice results for bass. Built in di is cool for some things, but either JDI or U5 for bass over here.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by drmmrboy

Separate DI, into mic input. Yields very nice results for bass. Built in di is cool for some things, but either JDI or U5 for bass over here.

I can't believe I've never gotten around to using the Mic out of my U5 into my VP25 for bass. The VP25 has a BIG low end and it seems like a natural combo. Will try it next session

[Watersound]

Originally Posted by cabbo

I've had both for several years. I prefer the Germ DI for bass, it's more open than the TG2 to my ears.The thick switch is a nice feature too, but I never need it for bass. Neither are currently my go to pres (except the Germ DI for bass), but both are great when I want to add some character to a signal. Both are great on synths, and are complementary to each other without being redundant soundwise. Same goes for the LTD1.

Agree 100%. The Germ DI for bass is simply amazing. TG2 on a guitar amp with a Royer is heaven.

[xj32]

Originally Posted by SnappyvonPappy

Folks are still buying Chandler?

2 TG-2
2 Germ Comps
2 Tone Controls
4 Lil Devil EQs
2 Lil Devil Pre's

Yeah, I'm still buying Chandler! Hope to have a Curvebender someday!

XJ

[Baz]

Originally Posted by SnappyvonPappy

Folks are still buying Chandler?

[christian666]

Tg channel x 2
Tg-1
really the bomb
Put 4038 thru tg2 as o/h's and kiss the tg-1 in limit mode
Instant mojo.
For me it's also hard to imagine tracking upright piano without the same combo in comp mode.
The extra mid cutting options and top end boost and low pass eq are a help to sculpt early-on.
Ill buy more,

[jono_3]

Originally Posted by AllBread

Oh man, me and every bass player I've ever tracked in my studio think that it kills on bass. Just dont be afraid to clip it a little and you'll get a bass that that sits tight in any rock and roll mix.

I gave this a shot today, ran the input at 12 o'clock and the output just shy of 12, and it turns the overly dark di'd bass sound into a excellently big fat monster. Highly recommended!

[RightOnRome]

Originally Posted by jono_3

I find the DI on the TG 2 great for synth and keys, but too dark for bass guitar.

My favourite DI sound is into an Avalon U5, then mic out into the TG 2 mic input.

U5 is the shn!t ..awesome on bass!