Buyer's Guide: Universal Audio Microphones

Universal Audio and its affiliated brands have a longstanding reputation for producing top-tier studio hardware that has become highly sought after by engineers, even decades later. From Bill Putnam’s innovative early preamp and console designs to the famous Teletronix LA-2A and UREI 1176 compressors, these products have achieved almost mythical status, inspiring many reissues and copies. Today, Universal Audio is known for its popular interfaces, advanced DSP systems, and convincing analog emulation plugins.

Universal Audio’s small but growing lineup of microphones combines its legacy of analog excellence and forward-thinking technology. The Bock Series large-diaphragm condensers recreate (and improve upon) legendary vintage mic designs, while the Sphere DLX and LX modeling microphones utilize cutting-edge tech to accurately reproduce the electro-acoustical characteristics of classic studio mics. Finally, UA’s Standard Series mics make studio-grade sound accessible to everyone at a superb value.

Sphere Modeling Microphones

Universal Audio’s Sphere line of modeling microphones combines the company’s advanced DSP technology with designs acquired from Townsend Labs to give you access to a virtual mic locker full of vintage and modern classics. These microphones work in tandem with the UAD Hemisphere Microphone Modeling Plugin, which allows you to switch between different microphone models before, during, and after recording (and in real-time with UA Apollo systems). You can even adjust the virtual polar pattern, mic positioning, and proximity effect to unlock new creative possibilities from each mic model.

Sphere DLX

Universal Audio’s flagship modeling microphone system, Sphere DLX, is capable of emulating 38 different condenser, ribbon, and dynamic mics with stunning accuracy. Two large-diaphragm condenser capsules with individual outputs capture sound coming from the front and sides, providing the spatial information necessary to emulate different polar patterns, virtually rotate the mic in post, and even model stereo mic configurations. Ultra low-noise circuitry, a three-position pad switch, and a calibration control make the Sphere DLX the ideal “clean slate” platform for emulating a huge variety of tones.

Sphere LX

The Universal Audio Sphere LX provides the same highly accurate modeling capability as the DLX model at a more approachable price point. The mic includes 20 of the most popular vintage microphone models, giving you plenty of options for finding the perfect tone. Instead of stereo modeling, the Sphere LX features a dual-mono mode that allows you to pair two different microphone models on the same source, making it easy to try out various combinations without worrying about complicated phase relationships.

Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Universal Audio partnered with microphone designer David Bock in 2020, acquiring the Soundelux and Bock Audio brands in the process. The fruits of this collaboration are UA’s Bock Series large-diaphragm condensers: recreations of legendary vintage mics updated with more robust build quality, greater consistency, updated styling, and other modern touches. Thanks to Bock’s engineering and UA’s market power, these studio-classic designs are available at a fantastic value compared to pricy vintage units.

Bock 251 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

The Bock 251 recreates the famous ELA M 251, a collaboration between Telefunken and AKG that has become one of the most-replicated microphones in history. The Bock 251 stays true to the original design with an all-brass C-12-style capsule and three-way polar pattern switch but includes a custom Cinemag output transformer that has been re-engineered to provide even wider frequency response and greater headroom.

Bock 167 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Just like the Neumann U 67 it’s based on, the UA Bock 167 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser with a continuously variable polar pattern control that seamlessly transitions from omnidirectional to cardioid to bidirectional. The K67-style dual-diaphragm brass capsule captures all the richness and detail of the original mic, while the new-old-stock (NOS) EF732 tube ensures an authentic sound that maintains the same nuanced musicality.

Bock 187 Large-Diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone

Built to emulate the legendary Neumann U 87, the Universal Audio Bock 187 utilizes a K67-style capsule and custom field effect transistor (FET) circuitry to deliver extremely clear, detailed sound with no rough edges. While the original featured selectable polar patterns, the Bock 187 is cardioid-only. This reduces the cost of the mic compared to true clones but sacrifices some flexibility. Controls include a pad, low-cut filter, and “Fat” switch for increased low-end.

Standard Series Microphones

Universal Audio’s Standard Series microphones are simple yet well-built workhorses that deliver studio-quality sound at an accessible price point for everyone. Between the SC-1 large-diaphragm condenser, the SP-1 small-diaphragm condenser, and the SD-1 dynamic microphone, there’s a Standard Series mic for everyone from basement bands to professional podcasters. All Standard Series microphones come with the Hemisphere Microphone Modeling Plugin, which gives you access to the sound of legendary studio mics with adjustable Polarity, Filter, Proximity, and Axis controls.

SC-1 Standard Condenser Microphone with Hemisphere Modeling

The SC-1 is a capable large-diaphragm condenser even before you factor in its modeling capabilities. Full-range capture from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ultra-low self-noise of just 12 dB, and a maximum SPL rating of 145 dB allow this mic to handle a wide range of vocals, instruments, and amplifiers. Using the Hemisphere plugin, the SC-1 can transform into eight of the most beloved large-diaphragm condensers ever made, giving you plenty of options in the mix.

SP-1 Standard Pencil Microphone

The Universal Audio SP-1 is a premium small-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic that captures full-range sound with superb sensitivity and detail. With excellent rear rejection, maximum SPL handling of 142 dB, and only 1% total harmonic distortion, the SP-1 is a fantastic choice for everything from gentle fingerpicking to bombastic rock drumming. Sold exclusively in matched pairs, the set comes with two foam windscreens, two mic stand mounts with ⅝” to ⅜” thread adapters, and a T-bar for precise stereo configuration. The Hemisphere plugin provides access to five of the most popular vintage small-diaphragm condensers, each with its own unique tonal signature.

SD-1 Standard Dynamic Microphone

Universal Audio’s first dynamic microphone, the SD-1 is a broadcast-style mic designed specifically to capture speech and vocals with fullness and clarity. Like many mics in its class, the SD-1 sports a familiar body shape with an integrated windscreen and swivel mount that’s perfect for desk-mounted boom arms. EQ switches on the bottom of the mic toggle a low shelf at 200 Hz for taming muddiness and a presence boost from 3-5 kHz for adding crispness. The Hemisphere plugin includes five legendary dynamic and ribbon models, so you’re sure to find the right match for your voice.

SD-3 Standard Dynamic Microphone

Universal Audio's SD-3 is a compact cardioid mic that's tailor-made for tracking drums—specifically snares and toms. Its high SPL-handling capabilities make it a solid choice for guitar cabs and horns, too. The SD-3 comes with emulations of famous Shure, Sennheiser, and Audix mics models, including the aptly named DN-57, DN-545, DN-604, DN-409U, and DN-4.

SD-5 Standard Dynamic Microphone

The SD-5 is a super-cardioid dynamic modeling mic that's ideal for high SPL, low-end focused sources like kick drums and bass amps. When using the microphone with the Hemisphere Mic Collection, you'll gain instant access to emulations of all-time greats from Shure, Audix, and AKG, including the DN-421B, DN-421S, RB-160, DN-409N, and DN-441.

SD-7 Standard Dynamic Microphone

UA's SD-7 is a dynamic modeling mic designed for miking rack and floor toms, but it also sounds great on guitar cabs and horns. Its hypercardioid helps eliminate unwanted bleed while its high SPL tolerance ensures you capture even the loudest sounds without distortion. The SD-7 includes the following emulations: DN-421B, DN-421S, RB-160, DN-409N, and DN-441.

If you are interested in Universal Audio Microphones for your studio, we're here to help! Please contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.