Couple o' new 'toys'.... Or should that be 'Tuls'?

Big-G

So after much deliberation, I finally went ahead and bought one of Tully's Tul G12 amplifier mics (mainly for use in my church, but since I run the sound there, I'll consider this a perk of the job). There was the choice of either getting the SM58 type casing mounted version, or the more 'retro/vintage' looking prototype styled version. I chose the latter, as I think it looks much cooler, and also since the majority of sound engineers would try to re-position your mic in front of the cab, since this mic is designed for use right in the centre of the cone, and not at an angle to the edge of the cane as would be the case with an SM58.

I've done a few quick experiments with this mic, whilst using my amp at lower volumes, and the results have been pretty nice... Having said that though, I found I liked the sound far more when I added in my Avantone CK-1 with it (the CK-1 on its own was also not exactly what I'd like, but the two in combination really seem to work well).

Anyways, here's a couple of pics of this rather cool looking mic.....

And whilst I was there talking to Tully about these mics, he very generously allowed me to take a T12 to demo for a week or so. So, I now have a Tul T12 sitting in my home studio ready for me to try out. Haven't had any time to try it yet though, as I've been too busy, but I'm hoping to have a go later today, or tomorrow! I love the look of this mic, although two people (a friend and my wife) have referred to this mic as being a 'hairbrush thats lost its bristles'. I have to agree, but I still think its cool!

I'll give a more detailed opinion of these mics once I've used them a bit more.

Regards
G!

AlanRatcliffe

Big G wrote: this mic is designed for use right in the centre of the cone, and not at an angle to the edge of the cane as would be the case with an SM58.

A darker sound then? Even with the bright switch on?

And whilst I was there talking to Tully about these mics, he very generously allowed me to take a T12 to demo for a week or so. So, I now have a Tul T12 sitting in my home studio ready for me to try out.

Very cool of him. Do let us know your feelings on this one - I'm still considering adding one to the arsenal.

I love the look of this mic, although two people (a friend and my wife) have referred to this mic as being a 'hairbrush thats lost its bristles'.

I saw an f47 at Claremont Bothner's recently (although someone there mentioned a price that was way out of whack from other prices I've heard) and I'm still not wild about the industrial look of these mics and rather rough fit and finish. The shockmount was also quite loose on the mic - only the switches stopped it from falling through the shockmount. Still - I'd love to try the T12.

singemonkey

I really do love the styling on these.

FruitarGeek

Please tell us more about G12 when you get a chance. I am looking into getting a mic for recording and live purposes. I have been told Tul microphones are amazing (apparently Steve Vai uses them).

If I may ask . . how much is the G12 going for?

Big-G

So I managed to spend a short hour earlier recording an idea I had, and used the G12 directly into the middle of the cone, and the T12 about 8 inches back, facing the edge of the cone. Basically, this is the normal position that I use the Avantone CK-1 or CK-6 in, so I just swapped out this for the T12.

Again, after recording, I found the individual sounds of each mic to be a little thin sounding, and nothing special, but once I combine the two, its a very impressive sound (taking into account my poor guitar playing). To my ears, the T12 sounds a bit fuller than the other three mics (Avantone CK-1, CK-6 and Tul G12), which I'd expect from this kind of mic.

The G12 is actually a very clean sound, surprisingly for a dynamic mic, and as mentioned, on its own sounds a little thin to my ears. Ideally, I'd like to try it with another G12, and position the second G12 in the back of the cab behind the speaker. Then inverting the phase of the rear mic, I'd imagine it would deliver quite a remarkably full sound?

Please take into consideration here though, that technically I am being a little unfair to the G12, as its designed to sit in the middle of the cone, whilst the guitar amp is cranked to serious levels of normal human discomfort, in a sound treated and proofed room. I have it at low volume in a non treated environment, where I do actually consider my neighbours, so my amp is on about as low as I can get it whilst retaining the tone I'm looking for. I have no doubt that this will be affecting what the mic is receiving tonally. I do intend to record in a sound proofed room, or at least a room where I can crank the amp soon!

To try and answer a few of the raised questions here....

@Alan.... I have not yet used the 'bright' switch, and do not think it will actually improve my tone, since it seems to be in the low end where it is coming up short at present. It is surprisingly not dark sounding at all, but does hide some of that top end info that makes guitar amps sound sharp and brittle when using other mics, particularly condensers.

I also saw the F47 at Claremont, but they did not mention the cost to me. I know last time I spoke to Tully about this the mic was either R7500 or R8500? Can't remember which now? When I was there, the shockmount was working fine, so I guess its been overstretched by numerous fidgitter's passing in and out the shop?

@Adrian... Steve Vai's producer uses ONLY the G12 on amps now I believe? And Joe Bonamasa also uses them, entirely so on his latest album? The G12 will set you back around R2200 direct from Tully, or there abouts? He's a real top oke, and quite entertaining when he does his radio presenters voice through the mics, particularly through the F47! That thing has serious low end!

Think I've answered everything, but feel free to ask if there's anything else?

Cheers
G!