Universal Audio | SD-3, SD-5 & SD-7 Dynamic Microphones
Learn More About the Latest Dynamic Mics to Feature Universal Audio’s Hemisphere Microphone Modeling Technology at CME!
Did you know that you can find an assortment of some of the best-sounding pro audio and microphone brands available anywhere at Chicago Music Exchange? Now, you can get studio-quality recordings with some of the most highly sought-after microphones used in professional recording studios today—plus, some of their most sought-after vintage predecessors—with the Universal Audio SD-3, SD-5, SD-7 dynamic modeling microphones available at CME!
Add Five Workhorse Mics Per Hemisphere Modeling Plug-In Collection!
Powered by the same mic Hemisphere mic modeling technology found in Universal Audio’s award-winning UA Sphere microphone, the UA SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 dynamic microphones come loaded with fie famous workhouse mics apiece, each going far beyond subtle EQ curves to give users unprecedented precise control over filter, proximity, and axis.
Built using all-metal construction, with hand-selected capsules sporting a retro-style fit and finish, the UA SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 dynamic microphones provide high SPL tolerance to deliver pro-level, high-quality sound in any music recording or performance environment, whether bedroom-, project-, pro-studio—or, even on-stage—boasting ultra-high SPL tolerance and exceptional isolation.
Harnessing the sounds of the most popular microphones ever made—each of which has imparted its own unique sonic character to the history of modern recorded music—the plug-ins included with the UA SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7, respectively, work with or without UA hardware.
UA SD-3: A Go-To Dynamic Mic For Snare, Percussion, Guitar Cabs, & Instruments
A compact cardioid dynamic microphone for drum and instrument recording, the UA SD-3 includes the ideal plug-in to help users find that “sweet spot” for a guitar cab, or tame harsh frequencies on a snare or tom drum, offering a selection of "sit-in-the-mix" sounds heard on countless hits.
Modeling Mics
- DN-57 — Based on a recent product model of the best-selling microphone of all time, which was first introduced in 1965, the now-ubiquitous “57” can be used to achieve a more balanced sound when blended with other mics, such as ribbons and large-diaphragm condensers.
- DN-545 — Based on the 57’s predecessor, which featured a Unidyne III capsule and was used extensively on The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, in addition to countless other recordings of that era.
- DN-604 — Based on a current production European-made 604, a compact clip-on mic with myriad uses—most notably snare and tom drums—this dynamic mic is now a standard on stages and studios worldwide.
- DN-409U — Well-suited to electric guitar amps, the 409 has a smooth top that shines on many sources, but its low-end response below 100 Hz helps instruments and vocals, especially, sit nicely in the mix.
- DN-4 — Based on a modern compact instrument mic that works great for recording toms, yet is equally at home on guitar cabinets and snare drums, the DN-4 includes a three-position filter to let users sculpt its sound even further.
UA SD-5: Capture Thunderous Kick Drum and Bass Tones
Built to capture all the punch and heft of your kick drums, bass amps, and anything else where extended low-end is required, Universal Audio’s SD-5 is a super-cardioid dynamic microphone designed for kick drums and bass amps. Offering users professional-grade sound quality, no matter where they record, the SD-5 helps users reliably capture the low-end frequencies necessary to round out the sound of any track—from percussive thumps to tonal nuances and transients produced by a particular instrument—all without bleeding from other sources.
Modeling Mics
- DN-12A — Based on a dynamic microphone that’s been popular since the 1950s and is now favored by producer/engineer John Leckie (Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd), who often uses a 12 model alongside a 421 on kick drums.
- DN-112 — Based on an Austrian-made kick drum microphone with extended low-frequency capture and a clear top-end presence for beater attack, this model has been used on countless Hip-Hop and rock recordings and is now an industry standard.
- DN-6 — Based on an American kick drum mic that has become a go-to for studio recording, with its deep bass and heavily contoured sound, the DN-6 model works especially well for tight, syncopated Metal genres.
- DN-52 — Based on a current production version of the American 52-style kick drum microphone, the DN-52 model provides extended low-frequency capture, and an overall balanced sound useful on nearly any kick drum or bass instrument.
- DN-SUB — The DN-SUB model is based on a studio trick that uses a full-range speaker driver wired-in-reverse for extended sub-frequency capture. Many engineers will blend this sound along with a traditional mic for adding weight to kick drums and bass cabinets—now an easier task with just a single mic and the Hemisphere plug-in.
UA SD-7: Record Toms & Instruments With Remarkable Clarity
The Universal Audio SD-7 Hemisphere modeling mic is a hyper-cardioid dynamic microphone suited for drums and other instruments, designed to let users easily capture tom drums, guitar cabs, horns, and more with a natural open tone, delivering precise, professional-quality recordings, in any environment. From a rowdy stage to a quiet studio, the SD-7’s ultra-high SPL capability makes it a perfect choice for loud, transient-rich sources. And, thanks to its hyper-cardioid polar pattern, users can back the mic away for added "air," without sacrificing isolation.
Modeling Mics
- DN-421B — Featuring a slightly brighter and harder sound than earlier iterations, making it the most famous tom mic of all time, this model is based on a modern 421—which is also no slouch on a kick drum or brass instruments.
- DN-421S — This model has slightly more vintage character based on the rare, early 421 model, which had a script logo, making it useful for warming up guitar amplifiers, drums, or even vocals.
- RB-160 — Boasting a rich mid-forward character, this model is based on a vintage 1960s ribbon microphone that was notably used on famous rock recordings—from the ones used to record Jimi Hendrix’s screaming guitar amps, to the pair used John Bonham’s drums on Led Zeppelin’s "When the Levee Breaks.”
- DN-409N — Based on the earliest version of the 409 line of microphones, this vintage version has slightly more coloration than current production models, making it useful on various sources, including electric guitar and vocals.
- DN-441 — From Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty to Tame Impala, many engineers and artists have relied on the classic 441 for its balanced and natural sound on vocals, snare drums, and guitar amps.
To be among the first to add these microphones' modern tonal flexibility to your recording arsenal, chat with us or give us a call today!
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