Setting a New Benchmark for Vocal Microphones
Record stellar vocals, podcast episodes, and more with Universal Audio’s SD-1 Dynamic Microphone. UA’s flagship dynamic microphone, the SD-1, boasts a flat frequency response and captures a rich, natural sound that’s dynamite on close-miked vocals and instruments. At Sweetwater, our team members have taken advantage of the SD-1’s cardioid polar pattern to participate in Zoom calls from home without any background noise bleeding through. Plus, the SD-1 comes armed with Hemisphere, an exciting microphone modeling plug-in descended from Sphere that contains five iconic dynamic models. This microphone also includes UA-designed Apollo Channel Strip Presets with settings for any source imaginable. Complete with its low-cut and articulation boost switches, the Universal Audio SD-1 Dynamic Microphone makes it easier than ever to capture top-notch audio from any source.
Note: The Universal Audio SD-1 requires a Universal Audio Apollo audio interface to access Apollo Channel Strip Presets. Please call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer to make sure your interface is compatible.
Get polished results right away with Apollo Channel Strip Presets
The design team at Universal Audio didn’t just aim to emulate the world’s most popular podcasting microphone, they designed the SD-1 to firmly surpass it. How so? By including a selection of Apollo Channel Strip Presets with your purchase. Use the SD-1 with a compatible Universal Audio Apollo interface, and you get instant access to radio-ready EQ and compression settings for broadcasting, vocals, and guitar. If you’re ready to up the production value of your projects, pick up a Universal Audio SD-1 Dynamic Microphone.
Included Hemisphere mic models:
- DN-7: Renowned for its use on high-profile records by everyone from Michael Jackson to Metallica, this ubiquitous cardioid dynamic mic can also be found in radio and broadcasting studios around the world. By adjusting the AXIS control, you can get the sound of the mic without a windscreen — a studio secret favored by pro engineers.
- DN-20: This industry-standard broadcasting mic has applications ranging from vocals to kick drums. Its presence boost and high-frequency dip minimize sibilance, and with the filter switch, you can get additional tone shaping by cutting below 400Hz.
- RB-77DX Satin: This classic ribbon mic has been wielded by musical icons such as Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash, as well as by famous TV personalities such as David Letterman and Larry King.
- DN-88: This all-purpose dynamic mic delivers smooth, even sound that's flattering but not overpowering. Famously used as a vocal mic by Phil Collins, it's also an effective option for bass guitar amps and tom drums.
- DN-441: The classic 441-style mic has been used by countless artists, including Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, and Tame Impala. Many engineers have relied on this model for its balanced and natural sound on vocals, snare drums, and guitar amps.
Related Videos: SD-1 Dynamic Microphone with Hemisphere Modeling
Explore Hemisphere’s virtual mic locker
Included with your new SD-1 microphone, the Hemisphere modeling plug-in takes the concept of UA’s Sphere software and applies it to cardioid mics. It spans models of five iconic dynamic mics from the world’s most respected manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for the industry-standard podcast sound or other unique sounds, Hemisphere has you covered — and then some. Better still, Hemisphere is compatible with every Universal Audio Standard series microphone and includes modeled microphones optimized for the SC-1 large-diaphragm condenser, the SD-1 dynamic mic, and SP-1 pencil condenser.
Enjoy total control with Hemisphere
There’s more to like about Hemisphere beyond the larger-than-life microphone models. The plug-in also offers proximity, axis, and filter parameters. The proximity knob virtually increases or decreases the distance of your microphone from the source, so you don’t have to physically move the mic to achieve an optimal sound. Furthermore, the axis control virtually alters the axis at which the mic is placed — an industry first. This control helps tame harsh, unwanted frequencies on your guitar amps, snare drums, and much more. Most importantly, Hemisphere is so powerful that you can change the filter, proximity, and axis controls even after you’re done tracking. Using Hemisphere is the easiest way to get perfect recordings the first time.
Sculpt your sound at the source
The SD-1 comes with two passive switches mounted to the back of the microphone. The selectable low-cut switch cuts rumble below 200Hz out of the equation. Turn on the articulation boost switch, and you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying bump between 3–5kHz. Use them together or separately to achieve clear and present recordings like never before. The SD-1 offers the perfect sound for any source.
Universal Audio SD-1 Dynamic Microphone Features:
- Universal Audio’s flagship dialogue microphone
- Classic dynamic design is ideal for close-miked vocals and instruments
- Hemisphere modeling technology gives you access to 5 classic microphone models
- Track through legendary mic models in real time
- Proximity, filter, and axis controls shape your sound —before or after tracking
- Cardioid polar pattern focuses on your voice
- Internal shockmount and built-in windscreen keep distracting noises to a minimum
- Low-cut switch cuts rumble for greater clarity
- Articulation boost switch enhances presence
- Included Apollo Channel Strip presets help you sound your best with a single click
- Sleek design looks great on camera
