Universal Audio Sphere LX Modeling Microphone

Based on the TEC Award-winning Sphere L22 acquired from Townsend Labs, the Universal Audio Sphere LX is a premium modeling microphone system capable of emulating 20 of the most renowned condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones from music history. Combining ultra-transparent, low-noise circuitry with the powerful UA Sphere plug-in, the Sphere LX gives you the sound of famous mics from Neumann, Telefunken, AKG, Sony, and more. The system makes it possible to seamlessly audition different mics before, during, and after recording—and, with a Universal Audio Apollo interface, you can do it all with near-zero latency.

STEREO SOUND AND MORE FROM A SINGLE MIC

The microphone itself features a dual-capsule design that picks up sound from the front and rear to capture the spatial information necessary to accurately model the electroacoustical characteristics measured from real microphones. A special dual-channel cable provides discrete outputs for each capsule, and a CAL switch on the rear of the mic makes it easy to precisely match the gain on two preamps for optimal performance.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL RECORDINGS

The UA Sphere plug-in works in any DAW and allows you to choose from 20 legendary microphone models. Using dual mono mode, you can even combine two microphone models to achieve rich, complex tones without worrying about phase and comb filtering. By combining the signal from both microphone capsules, the plug-in makes it possible to virtually alter the pickup pattern, axis, and proximity effect, and even compensate for popular isolation shields including the sE Reflexion Filter, Aston Halo and Kaotica Eyeball. In addition to the mic and plug-in, the Sphere DLX includes a 25-foot microphone cable, professional shock-mount, mic stand mount, and carrying case.

FEATURES:

• Record with 20 of the most sought-after microphones ever made
• Change mic type, polar pattern, and other characteristics, even after tracking
• Use Dual Mode for rich-sounding mic combinations on snare drums and guitar cabs
• Add the ultimate modeling mic to your collection, with dual gold-sputtered diaphragms and the lowest noise of any mic in its class

INCLUDED MIC MODELS:

• LD-47K: Created in 1947, Neumann U47 has stood the test of time as the ultimate studio mic. Extensively used by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and countless others, only about 6,000 of these mics were produced. The Neumann U47 analyzed for this model has a fully brass capsule with a screw-mounted mylar diaphragm and a genuine VF14 tube.
• LD-87: The Neumann U87 was brought to market as a replacement for the U67, even though it sounds quite different. The LD-87 model is based on a mid-'70s version with a split backplate capsule which sounds slightly different from a modern 87. The high-pass filter and pad switch settings are also fully modeled.
• LD-87 Modern: Based on a current production Neumann U87Ai, the LD-87 Modern emulates this classic large-diaphragm FET condenser and de facto standard for broadcast, voiceover, and many other applications. The third 87-type mic in the Sphere Core Collection, the LD-87 Modern is slightly brighter than the LD-87 Vintage.
• LD-67 NOS: After the Berlin Wall fell, a warehouse was found with Neumann U67 parts on the East German side of the border. In 1991 a limited production of U67 reissues were made from these new-old-stock parts.
• LD-103: The LD-103 model is based on a Neumann TLM103 and gives you a nice presence peak in the 8 kHz to 12 kHz region.
• LD-12: The LD-12 model is based on the iconic AKG C12 from the '50s, faithfully capturing its gorgeous high-end sheen and sparkle. The LD-12 is a great choice for lush, breathy vocals without overly accentuating sibilance.
• LD-251: The LD-251 is based on the Telefunken ELA M 251 built for export to the US which has a 6072 tube and an original fully brass capsule. The 251 is one of the rarest and most highly regarded microphones of all time. It is the go-to vocal mic for many A-list artists, including Beyonce.
• LD-800: The LD-800 model is based on the legendary Sony C800G. The 800G is often the perfect choice for a modern pop or hip-hop sound and is the go-to microphone for countless big-name artists, including Mariah Carey.
• LD-414 Brass: The original AKG 414 with a brass-ringed capsule is one of the greatest studio mics of all time. It uses the same CK12 capsule as the legendary C12, although just about everything else is completely different from the electronics to the body design. The LD-414 Brass is a perfect choice for drum overheads, snare drum, and acoustic guitar.
• LD-414 US: The LD-414 US is based on one of the most ubiquitous condenser microphones of all time, the later-period AKG 414. The mic uses essentially the same nylon capsule as the later production AKG 414 EB, so the sound is quite similar although a bit more neutral.
• SD-416: The SD-416 is based on an industry-standard shotgun microphone, commonly used in the studio for voice-over and ADR duties. It is the go-to mic for that big voice-over sound in Hollywood-produced movie trailers that we're all so familiar with. The 416 also enjoys wide popularity in broadcast, tv, and film location sound.
• SD-451: The SD-451 is based on the AKG 451 modular end-address small diaphragm condenser mic which has become an industry standard. The full complement of capsule options are modeled, so you have all the flexibility of the original. The two 75 Hz and 150 Hz high-pass filter options are also modeled from the original.
• RB-121: Based on a Royer R-121 ribbon microphone with a fixed figure-8 pattern, this mic is unique in that the rear side of the figure-8 pattern is brighter than the front. It's a good option when the standard sound is a little too dark. The easiest way to achieve this alternate sound is to set the Axis control to 180 degrees.
• DN-20: An industry standard, the Electro-Voice RE20 large-diaphragm dynamic microphone is used for everything from broadcasting and voiceovers to kick drums. The DN-20 captures the original mic's pleasant presence boost and sharp high-frequency dip that minimizes sibilance, as well as its consistent bass response regardless of its distance from the source.
• DN-57: Introduced in 1965, the Shure SM57 is very likely the best selling studio microphone of all time. It can be a particularly good option when blended with other mics, such as ribbons and large diaphragm condensers, to achieve an overall more balanced sound. The DN-57 model is based on a recent production SM57.
• DN-7: Based on the Shure SM7A, the same mic Bruce Swedien used to record Michael Jackson's vocals on Thriller, the DN-7 model captures the magic that has allowed it to hold its own with some of the best condensers ever made. The DN-7 is based on the "A" version, and when the Axis control is set to 180 degrees, the model emulates the mic without the windscreen installed. Some recording engineers prefer this sound and permanently remove the windscreen.
• DN-12A: The DN-12A model is based on a dynamic microphone from the 1950s which has gained wide use as a kick drum mic for its very unique tonal qualities. The filter settings in the model are designed to complement this mic and can be used to achieve a more modern kick drum sound. The Proximity EQ control adjusts the amount of bass resonance in the model and is an easy way to dial in exactly the right sound.
• DN-409U: The 409 is an all-around great mic but it especially shines on electric guitar. It has a smooth top end particularly for a dynamic mic and the low-end response below about 100 Hz is greatly reduced which can help instruments and voice sit nicely in the mix. This version is from the 1980s. The 409 is no longer in production and it sounds quite different, and arguably much better than modern incarnations, such as the 609 and 906.
• DN-421B: The DN-421B is based on a current production black 421 which has a slightly brighter and modern sound than earlier incarnations.