Topic: ADK A-51TL / ADK TL

[raoulduke]

Are the ADK A51-TL and ADK TL the same 4 pattern [card, omni, hyper, figure 8] mic? Did ADK remove the "A-51" at some point and simply go with TL?

[goodcooker]

Correct. They are the same.

Mine say Model TL just like the ones pictured.

[Hypnocracy]

My old pair had A-51TL on them...and the standard 4 patterns....

[Gutbucket]

My original matched pair are engraved with 'A-51TL'.  The two singles I picked up later are engraved 'Model TL'.  Otherwise they look, perform and sound identical to my ear.  I always meant to call Larry at ADK to ask if there were any other internal changes other than the name engraving, but I've never gotten around to it.

[raoulduke]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Here's what Larry had to say:

Identical Electronics, but the first 600 Ser # have a six micron capsule, after 600 a three micron.  Most folks swap for our new 3 Zigma Aerospace Capsules that emulate one of the five best vintage mics of all times (C-12, U-47, U-67, ELam 251, M49).
 
We replaced the TL Series with a whole new division that uses these high-tech capsules – www.hybridmic.com
 
Let me know if you want to know more about the new capsules!
 
Musically yours,
Larry J. Villella, Founder -  ADK))) - 3 Zigma Audio

[JimmieC]

Someday I would like to send mine in to get the capsules replace but not sure which one.

[SmokinJoe]

I love my TL's just the way they are.  Replacing the capsules might make it better for certain studio duties but less special for ambient recording.

I've had 2 pairs of TL's, one marked each way, and I could never tell the difference sound wise.

[Gutbucket]

I love my TL's just the way they are.  Replacing the capsules might make it better for certain studio duties but less special for ambient recording.

^^This.

A big attraction of the TL for ambient recording is it's transparency (also it's pattern selection which includes a supercardioid pattern option).  All their other, current LD capsules seem to be intended primarily for close studio recording, emulating historic microphones with significantly non-flat frequency responses which flatter various sources.  That's the market for LD mics.  Some of those may be a good match for ambient recording, others no.   There isn't nearly as much market for LDs with a flatter response intended for more distant ambient recording.  I'm glad the TL exists and dig the it for exactly what it is.  Great for ambient recording, not my 1st choice as a vocal mic.

[JimmieC]

Upgrading the capsules would not remove the multi-pattern selection, right?  I thought the high frequency bump of the C-12 would be nice.  To me, a mid to high frequency bump seems to bring out the vocals and cymbals more in a live recording.  Unfortunately, sometimes it bring out the chatter too.  However, I'll probably just leave them alone and save the money.

[Rally_AK]

Upgrading the capsules would not remove the multi-pattern selection, right?  I thought the high frequency bump of the C-12 would be nice.  To me, a mid to high frequency bump seems to bring out the vocals and cymbals more in a live recording.  Unfortunately, sometimes it bring out the chatter too.  However, I'll probably just leave them alone and save the money.

No, I have a pair with the GK-12d caps (same as C-12, I think) and all patterns still work as designed. The caps need to be dual diaphragm though. These are the best sounding mics I've ever owned, I like them better then the schoeps cmc64's I had years ago but there is nothing stealth about them, they are big.

Here's a matrix I pulled on Saturday with the TL's. The mix is almost 50/50 SBD to Mics, with the SBD a little higher to help with vocals.

https://archive.org/details/gat2015-08-08.matrix.flac16

[JimmieC]

Nice Rally_AK.

[barrettphisher]

My last outing I had a downpour and I think I might have damaged the either the electronics or the capsules in my TL's.  Tried the rice trick to dry them out and had the same results.  So I sent them along to ADK.  If the capsules are damaged I'm swapping out to the 12's.  I really liked all the samples I found with them.  Plus I'm going 11+ years of the TL'S and I kinda want to switch up the sound.  I will update my post as I learn more.
Barrett Miller

[barrettphisher]

Well the TL's got swapped out yesterday from the stock caps to the C12's.  They should be here sometime soon.  Can't wait to get them out in the field!!!
Barrett Miller

[caymanreview]

cant wait to hear some samples Barrett!

[barrettphisher]

TL's in hand.  Going to test them out this weekend.  Now if I only had a show to go to! 
Barrett Miller

[barrettphisher]

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=583409

Thanks to skaggs for uploading.  Here are the new and improved TL's.

[caymanreview]

How do you feel about them compared to the originals?

[barrettphisher]

I like them a lot more.  After running the mk4v's for the last few years my tastes tended to lean that way.  The TL's were nice and transparent especially with the V3.  These now seem to have more thump, a more in your face up front presence, and cleaner mids than before.  I need to get them outdoors and split them now  . 
Barrett