Universal Audio SD-3 Microphone - Out Of The Box at Front End Audio

Front End Audio
13 May 202403:59

TLDRRyan from Front End Audio reviews the Universal Audio SD-3, a dynamic microphone with a hypercardioid pattern. It's praised for its smooth upper mid-range, fullness in the mids, and subdued bottom end, making it ideal for recording rack toms, guitar cabs, and snare drums. The SD-3 also features UAD Hemisphere mic modeling software, allowing for versatile sound customization. The video highlights the microphone's performance and creative possibilities with mismatched mic models, emphasizing its compact design and great looks.

Takeaways

  • 🎤 The SD-3 is a dynamic microphone from Universal Audio's Standard Series.
  • 🔍 It features a hypercardioid pattern for focused sound capture.
  • 📦 The package includes a mic mount, a zipper pouch, and a booklet.
  • 🔑 The SD-3 has a smooth upper mid-range, providing punch and roundness to transients.
  • 🎶 It offers fullness in the mid-range and a slightly subdued bottom end.
  • 🥁 Ideal for recording rack toms, guitar cabinets, and snare drums.
  • 🌐 Compatible with the UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling software for additional mic models.
  • 🔧 Users can mismatch models for creative recording options.
  • 🎵 The SD-3 can be used on various instruments, enhancing their natural sound.
  • 🛍️ For more information, visit Front End Audio's website.
  • 👍 Ryan from Front End Audio highly recommends the SD-3 for its sound quality and versatility.

Q & A

  • What is the SD-3 microphone from Universal Audio part of?

    -The SD-3 is part of Universal Audio's Standard Microphone Series.

  • What type of microphone is the SD-3?

    -The SD-3 is a dynamic microphone with a hypercardioid pattern.

  • What is included in the purchase of the SD-3 microphone?

    -When you purchase the SD-3, you get a booklet, a mic mount, the microphone itself, and a zipper pouch.

  • What is special about the frequency response of the SD-3 microphone?

    -The SD-3 has a frequency response that provides a smoother upper mid-range, more punch and roundness to the transients, fullness in the mid-range, and a slightly subdued bottom end.

  • What instruments did Ryan test the SD-3 microphone on?

    -Ryan tested the SD-3 on 12, 13, and 14-inch rack toms, a 16-inch floor tom, a 13-inch piccolo snare, a 22-inch kick drum, guitar cab, and bass cab.

  • How does the SD-3 microphone perform on guitar cabs?

    -The SD-3 performs exceptionally well on guitar cabs, providing a stellar sound.

  • What additional utility does the SD-3 offer as part of the Standard Series?

    -As part of the Standard Series, the SD-3 comes with UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling software, offering additional mic models for enhanced utility.

  • Can the SD-3 be used with other Universal Audio microphone models for creative purposes?

    -Yes, the SD-3 can be purposely mismatched with models from other Universal Audio microphones like the SD7, SD5, SP series, or SC series for creative effects.

  • What is the recommended use for the SD-3 microphone on a kick drum?

    -It is recommended to use the SD-3 on the inside of the kick drum and have a secondary mic on the outside to help full out the bottom end.

  • Where can more information on the SD-3 and other Universal Audio products be found?

    -More information can be found on the Front End Audio website at frontendaudio.com.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Introduction to Universal Audio's SD3 Microphone

Ryan introduces the SD3, a dynamic microphone from Universal Audio's Standard Microphone Series, featuring a hypercardioid pattern. He mentions the included accessories such as a booklet, mic mount, and zipper pouch, and notes that the microphone offers a smooth upper mid-range with punchy transients, fullness in the mid-range, and a slightly subdued bottom end. This makes it suitable for recording rack toms, guitar cabinets, and snare drums. Ryan also highlights the microphone's compatibility with Universal Audio's UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling software, which provides additional mic models for enhanced versatility and creative possibilities.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Universal Audio SD-3 Microphone

The Universal Audio SD-3 Microphone is the central subject of the video. It's a dynamic microphone with a hypercardioid pattern, which means it picks up sound primarily from the front and sides, making it ideal for live performances and recordings. In the video, Ryan from Front End Audio discusses its performance on various instruments, highlighting its smooth upper mid-range and fullness in the mid-range, which complements rack toms and guitar cabinets.

💡Dynamic Microphone

A dynamic microphone is a type of microphone that works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It is known for its durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels. In the context of the video, the SD-3 is a dynamic microphone, which is why it performs well on loud instruments like drums and guitar cabinets, as mentioned by Ryan.

💡Hypercardioid Pattern

The hypercardioid pattern is a directional pickup pattern of a microphone that is more sensitive to sound from the front and sides, and less sensitive to sound from the rear. This pattern is useful for isolating a specific sound source, such as a vocalist or a drum kit. The video script mentions that the SD-3 has a hypercardioid pattern, which contributes to its performance on various instruments.

💡Frequency Response

Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can accurately reproduce. It is a critical aspect of microphone performance, affecting how the recorded sound will be perceived. The script describes the SD-3's frequency response as having a smoother upper mid-range, more fullness in the mid-range, and a slightly subdued bottom end, which makes it suitable for specific types of audio recording.

💡Rack Toms

Rack toms are a type of drum used in drum kits, mounted on a rack to elevate them above the floor toms. They are known for their distinct sound and are often used for fills and solos in music. In the video, Ryan mentions that the SD-3 microphone sounds wonderful on rack toms, indicating its suitability for capturing the sound of these drums.

💡Guitar Cab

A guitar cab, short for guitar cabinet, is an enclosure for a loudspeaker used in electric guitar amplifiers. It is an essential component for the sound of an electric guitar. The script highlights that the SD-3 microphone performs exceptionally well on guitar cabinets, suggesting it can capture the nuances of the guitar's sound effectively.

💡UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling

UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling is a software developed by Universal Audio that allows users to emulate the sound of different microphones. This feature enhances the versatility of the SD-3, as it can sound great on its own and also emulate other microphone models. Ryan explains in the video that this software is included with the SD-3, adding to its appeal.

💡Mic Mount

A mic mount is a device used to hold a microphone in place, often during recording sessions or live performances. The script mentions that the SD-3 comes with a mic mount, which is a practical accessory for positioning the microphone correctly and securely.

💡Zippers Pouch

A zippers pouch is a small bag with a zipper closure, typically used for storage and transport of small items. In the context of the video, the SD-3 comes with a zipper pouch, which is useful for protecting and carrying the microphone when not in use.

💡Mismatching Models

Mismatching models refers to the creative use of microphone models that are not traditionally associated with a particular sound source. Ryan discusses this concept in the video, explaining that one can use the SD-3 on a snare drum and then apply a mic model from the SD7, which is geared towards snare drum recording, to achieve unique and creative sound results.

💡Standard Series

The Standard Series is a line of microphones produced by Universal Audio. The SD-3 is part of this series, which is known for its quality and versatility. The video script mentions that the Standard Series includes the SD-3 and other models, all of which come with the UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling software, enhancing their utility.

Highlights

Introduction to the Universal Audio SD-3 Microphone from Front End Audio.

SD-3 is a dynamic microphone with a hypercardioid pattern.

Unboxing includes a booklet, mic mount, microphone, and a zipper pouch.

The product box features a foam insert for storage.

SD-3 has a smoother upper mid-range for more punch and roundness.

Ideal for recording rack toms and guitar cabinets.

Personal experience with the SD-3 on various drum sizes and guitar cabinets.

Outstanding performance on guitar cabinets and rack toms.

SD-3's frequency response is well-suited for snare drums and floor toms.

Suggestion to use SD-3 on the inside of a kick drum with a secondary mic for the outside.

SD-3 comes with UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling Software.

The ability to utilize additional mic models for enhanced utility.

Mic models from other Universal Audio products can be mismatched for creative purposes.

Overview of the entire Standard Series of microphones available.

SD-3's compact size and aesthetic appeal.

For more information, visit Front End Audio's website.