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. The SD-3 offers a smooth upper mid-range, making it ideal for recording rack toms, snare drums, and guitar cabs. It comes with a mic mount, pouch, and booklet. Unique to the Standard Series, it includes UAD Hemisphere mic modeling software, allowing for creative mic model mismatching and versatility in sound recording.

Takeaways

  • 🎤 The SD-3 is a dynamic microphone from Universal Audio's Standard Series with a hypercardioid pattern.
  • 📦 The package includes a booklet, mic mount, the microphone itself, and a zipper pouch.
  • 💡 The SD-3 has a smooth upper mid-range, providing punch and roundness to transients, with a full mid-range and slightly subdued bottom end.
  • 🥁 It's particularly well-suited for recording rack toms and guitar cabinets due to its frequency response.
  • 🏠 Ryan from Front End Audio tested the SD-3 on various drum sizes and found it to perform excellently on guitar cabinets, rack toms, snare drums, and even floor toms.
  • 🔊 The microphone can be used for both inside and outside kick drum recording, though a secondary mic might be needed to capture the full low-end.
  • 🔧 Being part of the Standard Series, the SD-3 comes with UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling software, adding versatility to its use.
  • 🛠 The microphone can be creatively mismatched with models from other Universal Audio microphones for unique sound applications.
  • 🌐 Universal Audio's software is praised for its high quality and the plugins are known to be great tools in the audio industry.
  • 🔗 An overview of the entire Standard Series of microphones is available for those interested in exploring more options.
  • 🌐 For more information on the SD-3 and other Universal Audio products, visit Front End Audio's website.

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 does the SD-3 microphone package include?

    -The package includes a booklet, a mic mount, the microphone itself, and a zipper pouch.

  • What is unique about the SD-3 microphone's frequency response?

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

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

    -Ryan tested the SD-3 on rack toms, a snare drum, a kick drum, guitar cab, and bass cab.

  • How does the SD-3 perform on guitar cabs according to the script?

    -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?

    -The SD-3 offers the utility of UAD Hemisphere Mic Modeling software, allowing for various mic models.

  • Can you mismatch the models with other microphones in the Standard Series?

    -Yes, you can purposely mismatch the models with other microphones in the Standard Series for creative purposes.

  • What is the suggested use for the SD-3 in recording a kick drum?

    -It is suggested 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.

  • How does the SD-3's design contribute to its appeal?

    -The SD-3 is not only functional but also has a nice and compact design that looks good.

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

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

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Introduction to Universal Audio's SD3 Microphone

Ryan from Front End Audio introduces the SD3, a dynamic microphone from Universal Audio's Standard Microphone Series. The SD3 features a hypercardioid pattern and is praised for its smooth upper mid-range, providing punch and roundness to transients with a full mid-range and slightly subdued bottom end. The microphone is ideal for recording rack toms and guitar cabinets, and comes with a booklet, mic mount, and zipper pouch. Although Ryan does not have the product box, it is mentioned to have a foam insert for storage. The demo unit showcases the microphone's performance on various drum sizes and guitar cabinets, emphasizing its versatility and quality.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡SD-3

The SD-3 is a dynamic microphone from Universal Audio's standard microphone series. It features a hypercardioid pattern and is designed to capture sound with high precision and clarity. In the video, it is described as having a smoother upper mid-range, making it suitable for recording instruments like rack toms and guitar cabs.

💡Dynamic Microphone

A dynamic microphone is a type of microphone that uses electromagnetic induction to convert sound into an electrical signal. In the video, the SD-3 is highlighted as a dynamic microphone known for its durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making it ideal for loud sound sources like drums and amplifiers.

💡Hypercardioid Pattern

A hypercardioid pattern is a type of directional microphone pickup pattern that is highly sensitive to sound coming from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. The SD-3's hypercardioid pattern allows for focused sound capture, reducing background noise and feedback in live or studio environments.

💡Universal Audio

Universal Audio is a company known for its high-quality audio equipment, including microphones, audio interfaces, and software plugins. In the video, Universal Audio is presented as the manufacturer of the SD-3 microphone, emphasizing the brand's reputation for producing reliable and versatile audio tools.

💡Mic Modeling Software

Mic modeling software allows users to simulate the sound characteristics of different microphones using digital processing. The SD-3 can utilize Universal Audio's Hemisphere mic modeling software, enabling users to apply various microphone models to their recordings, enhancing versatility and creativity.

💡Transients

Transients are the short, high-energy bursts of sound at the beginning of a waveform, such as the attack of a drum hit or pluck of a guitar string. The SD-3 is praised for its ability to capture the punch and roundness of transients, making it suitable for dynamic and percussive sound sources.

💡Frequency Response

Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can capture and reproduce. The SD-3 is noted for its balanced frequency response, with a smoother upper mid-range and subdued bottom end, making it ideal for recording instruments that require clarity and fullness.

💡Rack Toms

Rack toms are a type of drum mounted on a stand or rack, commonly used in drum kits. The SD-3 is recommended for recording rack toms due to its ability to capture the punch and fullness of their sound, as demonstrated in the video.

💡Mic Mount

A mic mount is an accessory used to attach a microphone to a stand or boom arm. The SD-3 comes with a mic mount, ensuring secure placement and optimal positioning during recording sessions.

💡Guitar Cab

A guitar cab, or cabinet, is a speaker enclosure used with electric guitars. The SD-3 is praised for its performance when recording guitar cabs, delivering a stellar sound with enhanced mid-range fullness and punch.

Highlights

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

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

Includes a booklet, mic mount, microphone, and a zipper pouch.

Demo unit features a foam insert for storage.

Microphone has a smoother upper mid-range for punch and roundness.

Frequency response complements rack toms and guitar cabs.

Ryan's personal experience with the SD-3 on various instruments.

Outstanding performance on guitar cab and rack toms.

Great on snare drum and floor toms with sufficient bottom end response.

Suggested use for inside mic placement with an additional outside mic.

Part of the Standard Series with UAD Hemisphere mic modeling software.

Unique utility with additional mic models for creative flexibility.

Ability to mismatch models for different sound applications.

Overview of the entire Standard microphone series available.

SD-3's suitability for rack toms, snare drum, and guitar cab.

Compact design and aesthetic appeal of the SD-3.

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