Universal Audio's Unique & Affordable Hemisphere Microphones! | SD-3, SD-5, SD-7
TLDRIn this Anderson TV episode, host Pete and guest Pedro from Universal Audio explore the new Hemisphere microphones, SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7. These microphones offer unique capabilities with their companion software, allowing users to model different microphone responses post-recording. The discussion covers the microphones' uses, from drums to guitars, and the software's features like proximity effect and axis control. They demonstrate the microphones' sound quality and compare them to traditional setups, highlighting the value and flexibility of the Hemisphere series.
Takeaways
- ๐๏ธ Universal Audio has introduced a new line of microphones called the Hemisphere series, which includes the SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 models.
- ๐ The SD-3 is versatile and can be used for various instruments like drums and guitars, while the SD-7 is suitable for multiple instruments including percussion and brass.
- ๐ The SD-5 is designed for capturing low-end frequencies, making it ideal for kick drums and bass guitars.
- ๐ These microphones come with unique software called 'Hemisphere' that allows users to model and emulate the sound of different microphones post-recording.
- ๐ Users can change the microphone model after recording, offering flexibility similar to reamping a guitar amp.
- ๐๏ธ The software includes features to adjust proximity effect and axis, which can refine the sound of the recording without needing to re-record.
- ๐ป The Hemisphere plugin is compatible with both DSP (requiring an Apollo interface) and native systems, providing options for different setups.
- ๐ The microphones are affordably priced, with the potential to cost less than $200, offering great value for the range of features included.
- ๐ต The video demonstrates a recording session with the new microphones, comparing their sound to traditional setups using a Shure SM57 and a Royer 121.
- ๐ The comparison shows that the Universal Audio microphones with Hemisphere modeling can closely emulate the sound of more expensive microphones.
- ๐ง The plugin also allows for detailed adjustments and the ability to experiment with different microphone characteristics to find the perfect tone.
Q & A
What new microphones are being introduced by Universal Audio in the video?
-Universal Audio is introducing three new microphones as part of the Standard Series with Hemisphere modeling: the SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7.
What makes the SD-3 microphone unique?
-The SD-3 is versatile and can be used on various instruments such as drums and guitars, especially electric guitars.
What is the primary function of the SD-5 microphone?
-The SD-5 is designed for capturing the extra low end and is suitable for use with kick drums and bass guitars.
How does the SD-7 differ from the other microphones in the series?
-The SD-7 is a 'bad boy' of the series, suitable for multiple instruments including percussion, drums, brass, and guitars.
What is the special feature of these new microphones in terms of software integration?
-These microphones come with an incredible piece of software called 'Hemisphere,' which allows users to sculpt the sound further after recording.
How does the Hemisphere modeling work with the microphones?
-Hemisphere modeling allows users to access a locker of different microphone models and change the sound characteristics post-recording, similar to reamping a guitar amp.
What is the process of using the Hemisphere plugin after recording with the microphones?
-After recording, you load the plugin and select the source microphone used. Then, you can access various microphone models and adjust settings like proximity and axis to refine the sound.
Can the microphones be used without the Hemisphere software?
-Yes, the microphones can be used traditionally by plugging an XLR cable into an interface and recording as usual without the need for the software.
What is the price range for these new microphones?
-The new microphones are affordably priced, with prices suggested to be less than $200, offering great value for money.
How does the microphone's performance compare to traditional setups like the Shure SM57 and Royer 121?
-The microphones, when used with the Hemisphere plugin, can emulate the sound of traditional setups like the Shure SM57 and Royer 121, offering similar warmth and low-end response at a fraction of the cost.
What additional features does the Hemisphere plugin offer for sound manipulation?
-The Hemisphere plugin offers features like proximity control, which adjusts the low-end enhancement, and axis adjustment, allowing users to refine the sound directionality post-recording.
Outlines
๐๏ธ Introduction to Universal Audio's New Microphones
In this introductory paragraph, Pete from Anderson.TV welcomes viewers to a special educational segment featuring Pedro from Universal Audio. They discuss the launch of three new microphones from the Standard Series with UAD Sphere modeling technology. Pete is intrigued by the microphones' capabilities, which include recording with or without the accompanying software. Pedro explains that while the microphones can be used traditionally, the Sphere software allows for extensive sound sculpting post-recording, including changing microphone models and adjusting proximity effects.
๐ Exploring the Features of the Standard Series Microphones
This paragraph delves into the features of the new microphones, namely the SD3, SD7, and SD5, each designed for different recording applications such as drums, guitars, and capturing low-end frequencies. Pedro emphasizes the versatility of these microphones, which can be used traditionally or with the Sphere software for enhanced sound design. The conversation highlights the ability to change microphone models post-recording, similar to reamping a guitar amp, and the potential for creative sound manipulation in the mixing process.
๐ต Hands-on Demonstration of Microphone Recording
The hosts transition to a practical demonstration of the microphones in action. Pete plays a guitar loop through his pedalboard and amplifier, recording it with both the traditional setup and the new Universal Audio microphones. They discuss the process of mic placement and the importance of capturing a consistent sound for comparison. The paragraph concludes with the recording of the guitar loop using the SD3 and SD7 microphones, setting the stage for an A/B comparison of the sound quality.
๐ A/B Testing and Sound Comparison
In this segment, Pete and Pedro compare the sound of the guitar loop recorded with the traditional setup and the Universal Audio microphones without Sphere modeling. They discuss the natural warmth and character of the ribbon microphone and the focused sound of the SD7. The paragraph highlights the differences in low-end response and the potential for further sound shaping with the Sphere plugin, which has not yet been applied.
๐ ๏ธ Utilizing Sphere Modeling for Sound Customization
The conversation shifts to the capabilities of the Sphere plugin, which allows for the emulation of different microphone models and adjustments to proximity and axis. Pedro demonstrates how to load the plugin and select the appropriate source microphone for accurate modeling. They discuss the plugin's interface, which provides information about each microphone model, and the potential for creative sound manipulation, such as changing the microphone model after recording to fit the mix better.
๐๏ธ Fine-Tuning with Proximity and Axis Controls
Pete and Pedro explore the advanced features of the Sphere plugin, such as adjusting the proximity effect and axis to fine-tune the sound. They experiment with these controls to demonstrate how the sound can be made more or less present, and how different microphone models can be applied to the same recording for comparison. The paragraph emphasizes the flexibility and creative potential of the plugin, allowing for a wide range of sound adjustments post-recording.
๐ถ Reflecting on the Value and Creative Potential of the Microphones
In the final paragraph, the hosts reflect on the value of the Universal Audio microphones, considering their price point and the creative possibilities they offer. They discuss the comparison between the SD7 and high-end microphones like the Royer 121, noting the affordability and quality of the SD7. The paragraph concludes with a discussion about the benefits of recording with a real amplifier and the additional creative options provided by the Sphere plugin for post-recording sound design.
๐ฝ๏ธ Wrapping Up and Encouraging Further Exploration
The video concludes with Pete and Pedro summarizing their positive experience with the new microphones and the Sphere plugin. They encourage viewers to explore the technology further and to subscribe to their tech channel for more content. The hosts express their enthusiasm for the creative control and sound quality offered by the Universal Audio microphones and look forward to future videos and experiments with the equipment.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กUniversal Audio
๐กHemisphere Microphones
๐กSD-3, SD-5, SD-7
๐กMicrophone Modeling
๐กProximity Effect
๐กAxis
๐กUnison
๐กLuna
๐กDSP
๐กAB Testing
๐กValue for Money
Highlights
Introduction of Universal Audio's new Hemisphere microphones, offering unique and affordable options for recording.
The SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 microphones are part of the standard series with Hemisphere modeling, suitable for various instruments.
The SD-3 is versatile for recording drums, guitars, and other instruments, while the SD-7 is ideal for capturing multiple instruments including percussion and brass.
The SD-5 is designed for kick drums and bass guitars, focusing on capturing the extra low end.
Hemisphere modeling software allows for post-recording sound sculpting, offering multiple opportunities to enhance the audio.
The plugin informs the software of the source microphone used, enabling accurate sound modeling.
Access to a 'locker' of microphone models through the plugin, allowing for emulation of various microphones.
The ability to change microphone models post-recording, similar to reamping a guitar amp.
Modeling the sound and behavior of different microphones, including proximity effects and axis adjustments.
Proximity effect can be adjusted in the plugin, simulating the low-end enhancement as the microphone gets closer to the sound source.
Axis adjustment allows for refining the sound by tilting the microphone, even post-recording.
The microphones come with free emulations, enhancing their value for money.
The plugin is compatible with both DSP (requiring an Apollo interface) and native modes.
The convenience of using the plugin with an Apollo interface for real-time sound shaping during recording.
Comparison of the SD-3 and SD-7 microphones to traditional dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 and ribbon mics like the Royer R121.
Demonstration of the microphones' performance through a recording session with a guitar amp.
The affordability of the Hemisphere microphones, offering professional sound quality at less than $200 each.
Practical applications of the microphones and plugin in various recording scenarios, including live recordings and studio sessions.