Universal Audio has officially entered the microphone market with seven new offerings, some of which may seem familiar. To produce the highest quality of products possible, the company formally welcomes Townsend Labs guru Chris Townsend and legendary mic designer David Bock into the UA family. And, with Universal Audio’s expertise and resources at their disposal, it’s a sure bet that we’ve only seen the beginning of what these two industry luminaries have in store.
Of the current seven UA microphone models, three are studio mics designed by David Bock, two are modeling mics designed by Chris Townsend, and two are brand-new offerings.
Studio Classics
Created by David Bock, Universal Audio’s three large-diaphragm studio microphones are derived from the legendary mic guru’s tried-and-true designs but have revised circuitry to improve their performance.
Universal Audio Bock 251 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
The Universal Audio Bock 251 is based on a large-diaphragm tube condenser revered as one of the best-sounding mics ever built. The Bock 251 is no mere clone, however. Thanks to modern state-of-the-art technology, this microphone boasts performance and reliability that its predecessor can’t come close to, with a custom transformer for extended frequency response and expansive headroom. The Bock 251 boasts three polar patterns, enabling you to deploy it in myriad applications. It includes a robust external power supply, a connecting cable, a shockmount, a signature wooden storage box, and a vintage-style suitcase.
Universal Audio Bock 187 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The Universal Audio Bock 187 is a cutting-edge mic designed around the venerable ’87, which is often considered the industry-standard large-diaphragm condenser. The Bock 187 combines the coveted sonic characteristics of its predecessor with modern precision, enhanced performance, and rock-solid reliability. You’ll appreciate the extended low end and high headroom of this mic’s large, custom output transformer, and its creamy-smooth midrange and sparkling detail are guaranteed to blow your mind. The Bock 187 features a versatile, fixed cardioid polar pattern and a proprietary “fat” switch, and it comes with a stand mount and signature wooden box.
Universal Audio Bock 167 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
The Universal Audio Bock 167 is a state-of-the-art take on the legendary ’67 tube condenser, which is commonly lauded as one of the most natural-sounding mics ever built. Equipped with a custom K67 capsule and optimized tube electronics, the Bock 167 delivers a sound that rivals its predecessor but has enhanced sensitivity, detail, and enhancements that render it far more versatile. The Bock 167 includes a continuously variable polar pattern, a high-frequency tone-shaping switch, a “fat” switch, and a rumble filter. It comes with a shockmount, power supply, 20-foot cable, and signature wooden storage box.
Microphone Modeling Systems
Chris Townsend’s original Sphere L22 took microphone modeling to a new level. As part of the Universal Audio team, Chris is continuing to evolve the technology, integrating it closely with UA’s Apollo audio interfaces and UAD DSP systems.
Universal Audio Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone System
As the official replacement for the popular Townsend Labs L22, the Universal Audio Sphere DLX arms you with spot-on models of 38 coveted studio microphones. The newly upgraded Sphere plug-in allows you to change your mic selections and polar patterns after recording, accurately modeling the response of various microphones, including transient response, proximity effect, harmonics, and three-dimensional polar response. The Sphere DLX includes dual outputs for coincident stereo recordings, boasts 7dBA of self-noise, and comes with a 25-foot XLR cable and shockmount. Do you already have an original Townsend Labs Sphere L22? That’s not a problem since UA is continuing to support the original microphone, and the UA-branded plug-in maintains 100% compatibility with it.
Universal Audio Sphere LX Modeling Microphone System
The Universal Audio Sphere LX is a streamlined version of the Sphere DLX, featuring a smaller housing and a simplified feature set. The Sphere LX provides you with 20 mic models. You can use the Sphere plug-in to reduce unwanted coloration and room ambience in challenging spaces, and you can even change your mic selections, polar patterns, and other characteristics — even after tracking. The Sphere LX features dual outputs that allow you to blend the sound of two mono mics, but it doesn’t include stereo functionality.
All-new Future Classics
Universal Audio’s stable of microphones also has two brand-new designs: a broadcast-style dynamic mic and a small-diaphragm condenser mic. Not only do these mics offer stellar sound, but they also include channel strip presets that work with UA’s Apollo audio interfaces.
Universal Audio SD-1 Standard Dynamic Microphone
The Universal Audio SD-1 is the perfect broadcast-style dynamic mic for vocals, podcasts, Zoom calls, and more. The SD-1 features a cardioid polar pattern, yields a ruler-flat frequency response, and captures a rich, natural sound that flatters close-miked vocals and instruments. You also get low-cut and articulation boost switches, plus the aforementioned Apollo channel strip presets, which cover a wide array of applications.
Universal Audio SP-1 Standard Pencil Microphone (Matched Pair)
The Universal Audio SP-1 mics are a pair of pencil microphones that deliver amazing stereo recordings. These mics boast a rounded top end and incredible clarity, ensuring that every source is captured with stellar quality. Featuring a cardioid polar pattern, the SP-1 pair comes with a stereo T-bar for ease of mounting and positioning, two mic clips, two foam windscreens, and two thread adapters. You also get great-sounding Apollo channel strip presets, ensuring excellent results with minimal effort.
If you have any questions about Universal Audio microphones, then please give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
