Give Your Mic Locker a Little Kick
Actually, give it a lot! The Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone leverages the same Hemisphere technology found within UA’s other Standard series mics, resulting in five of the most iconic dynamic kick drum microphones together in a single, sleek package. This dynamite supercardioid dynamic mic is poised to become a daily studio staple from the moment you unbox it, with its hand-selected capsule that handles extremely high SPL, easy-to-place design, and all-metal construction. Sweetwater studio engineers are quick to point out that the SD-5 isn’t just for kick drums, however — look at the Hemisphere interface for your SD-5, and you’ll see some familiar faces that have featured on bass cabs and other basement-dwelling instruments for decades. Whether you track drums, bass cabs, synth amps, or other low-frequency instruments, the Universal Audio SD-5 with Hemisphere mic modeling technology belongs in your mic locker.
Related Videos: SD-5 Dynamic Microphone with Hemisphere Modeling
Explore Hemisphere’s virtual mic locker
Included with your new SD-5 microphone, the Hemisphere modeling plug-in takes the concept of UA’s Sphere software and applies it to a dynamic mic meant for snare drums, guitar cabs, and other loud instruments. It spans models of five iconic dynamic mics from the world’s most respected manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for the industry-standard snare drum sound or other unique instrument sounds, Hemisphere has you covered — and then some. Better still, Hemisphere is compatible with every drum microphone in Universal Audio’s Standard series, and includes modeled microphones optimized for the SD-3 snare/drum instrument mic, the SD-5 kick drum mic, and the SD-7 tom/instrument mic.
Included Hemisphere mic models:
- DN-12A: This '50s-era mic is favored by producer/engineer John Leckie (Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd), who often uses it alongside a 421 on kick drums.
- DN-112: Used on countless hip-hop and rock records, this Austrian-made kick drum mic is now considered an industry standard.
- DN-6: Thanks to its deep bass and contoured sound, this American kick drum mic has become a go-to for studio recording, especially for tight, syncopated metal genres.
- DN-52: Based on a current production version of the American 52-style kick drum microphone, this mic offers extended lows and an overall balanced sound.
- DN-SUB: This model is based on the DIY'd reverse-wired speaker technique that high-level studio pros have used for decades to add extra weight to kick drums and bass cabs.
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.
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone Features:
- Supercardioid dynamic microphone designed for kick drum, bass cabs, or other low-frequency instruments
- Hemisphere modeling technology gives you access to 5 classic microphone models
- Proximity, filter, and axis controls shape your sound — before or after tracking
- Hand-selected dynamic capsules to handle extreme SPL in daily use
- Rugged all-metal construction stands up to regular use and wear and tear
- Vintage aesthetic is cool, classic, and never goes out of style
- Easy to place; standmount with angle adjustment and storage pouch and box are also included
