Universal Audio's Unique & Affordable Hemisphere Microphones! | SD-3, SD-5, SD-7
TLDRIn this Anderson TV episode, Pete and Pedro explore Universal Audio's new Hemisphere microphones, the SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7. These microphones offer unique modeling capabilities, allowing users to change their sound post-recording with software adjustments. They discuss the microphones' uses for various instruments, their affordable price point, and demonstrate how the Emisphere plugin can emulate different microphone models, proximity effects, and axis positioning for a customizable recording experience.
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 a range of applications including recording drums, guitars, and other instruments.
- ๐ The SD-7 is designed for capturing multiple instruments, especially those requiring a focused pickup like percussion and brass, in addition to guitars.
- ๐ The SD-5 is tailored for low-end capture, making it ideal for kick drums and bass guitars where extra low-frequency detail is desired.
- ๐ These microphones come with unique software called 'Hemisphere' that allows users to model the sound of different microphones post-recording.
- ๐ The software includes features like proximity effect adjustment and axis control, offering the ability to change the mic's characteristics after recording.
- ๐ต Users can experiment with different mic models to find the best fit for their sound, similar to reamping a guitar amp with different impulse responses.
- ๐ป The plugin is compatible with both DSP (like Universal Audio's Apollo interface) and native systems, providing flexibility in recording setups.
- ๐ The microphones are affordably priced, offering great value with potential prices under $200, which is significant for their range of capabilities.
- ๐๏ธ The plugin allows for detailed sound sculpting, including the ability to simulate different microphones and adjust their properties to fit the mix.
- ๐ Registration of the microphones in UA Connect is necessary to unlock the full range of models available within the Hemisphere software.
- ๐ต The microphones and software combination provide a powerful tool for musicians and producers, offering the flexibility to experiment with sound post-recording.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video discussed between Pete and Pedro from Universal Audio?
-The main topic of the video is the introduction of Universal Audio's new microphones, specifically the SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7, which are part of the Standard Series with Hemisphere modeling.
What makes the SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 microphones different from traditional microphones?
-These microphones are different because they come with a unique piece of software called 'Hemisphere' that allows users to model and sculpt the sound further after recording, offering multiple opportunities to change the microphone's characteristics.
How does the Hemisphere modeling software work with the microphones?
-The Hemisphere modeling software works by allowing users to select the source microphone used during recording and then access a 'locker' of different microphone models to emulate, change proximity effects, and adjust the axis of the microphone to refine the sound.
What is the purpose of the proximity effect in the Hemisphere software?
-The proximity effect in the Hemisphere software models how much low-end enhancement is achieved as the microphone is pushed closer to the sound source, allowing users to adjust the bass response of the recording.
How can the axis feature in the Hemisphere software be used to improve a recording?
-The axis feature can be used to tilt the virtual microphone slightly or completely after recording, which can help to refine the sound by capturing different directional characteristics of the microphone.
What is the price range mentioned for the SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 microphones?
-The price range mentioned for the SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 microphones is less than $200, which is considered incredible value for the features they offer.
How does the video demonstrate the microphones' performance?
-The video demonstrates the microphones' performance by recording a guitar with the SD-3 and SD-7, comparing their sound to traditional setups, and then using the Hemisphere software to model different microphone characteristics.
What is the advantage of using the Hemisphere software for someone who records with a real amplifier?
-The advantage of using the Hemisphere software for someone who records with a real amplifier is that it allows them to change the microphone model and characteristics after recording, providing flexibility and additional tonal options without needing multiple physical microphones.
Can the Hemisphere software be used with other Universal Audio products like the Apollo interface?
-Yes, the Hemisphere software can be used with other Universal Audio products like the Apollo interface, allowing users to run the plugin on the Apollo for real-time adjustments and to take advantage of the Unison technology for a more accurate modeling experience.
How does the video conclude regarding the value and utility of the SD series microphones with Hemisphere modeling?
-The video concludes that the SD series microphones with Hemisphere modeling offer great value and utility, especially for those who prefer recording with real amplifiers but also want the flexibility to adjust and experiment with different microphone characteristics post-recording.
Outlines
๐๏ธ Introduction to Universal Audio's New Microphones
The video begins with host Pete welcoming viewers to Anderson TV and introducing Pedro from Universal Audio. Pedro showcases three new microphones from the Standard Series with Empirical Modeling, which include the SD3, SD7, and SD5. These microphones are versatile and can be used for various instruments like drums, guitars, and even brass. The unique feature of these microphones is their compatibility with software modeling, allowing users to sculpt the sound further after recording. The discussion hints at the ability to change microphone models post-recording, similar to reamping a guitar amp, which is a significant advantage for sound engineering.
๐ Exploring the Capabilities of UA's Microphone Software
In this segment, Pete and Pedro delve into the software aspect of the new microphones. The software, which comes free with the microphones, allows users to emulate different microphone models and adjust settings like proximity effect and polar patterns after the recording has taken place. This feature provides the ability to change the microphone's character and capture different sound characteristics without needing multiple physical microphones. The conversation also touches on the process of registering the microphone with UA Connect to access the software and the compatibility with Universal Audio's Apollo interface for real-time adjustments.
๐ต Live Demonstration of Recording with UA Microphones
The host and guest move on to a live recording session to demonstrate the microphones' performance. Pete plays a guitar loop through various effects while the SD3 and SD7 microphones are tested without the use of the modeling software. They discuss the natural sound quality of the microphones and compare the results to their regular setup, which includes a Shure SM57 and a Royer 121 ribbon microphone. The live demonstration aims to provide an A/B comparison between the traditional setup and the new Universal Audio microphones.
๐ Discussing the Importance of Microphone Selection and Placement
The conversation shifts to the importance of choosing the right microphone and its placement for recording. They discuss how the different microphones can capture the sound source with varying degrees of warmth and low-end response. The discussion also highlights the value of having information about the microphone's history and use cases, which can inspire and guide users in their recording choices. The segment emphasizes the coherence between the source microphone and the modeled microphone for accurate sound representation.
๐๏ธ Experimenting with Microphone Modeling and Sound Shaping
Pete and Pedro continue the live demonstration by exploring the microphone modeling capabilities of the software. They load the SD3 and SD7 microphones into the plugin and compare the sounds of different modeled microphones, such as the Shure SM57 and the Beyerdynamic M160. The segment showcases the ability to fine-tune the sound by adjusting proximity and polar patterns, and how these adjustments can significantly alter the tone and character of the recorded audio.
๐ถ Comparing the Sound Quality of Different Microphone Models
The video progresses with a detailed comparison of the sound quality between the modeled microphones and their real-world counterparts. They listen back to recordings made with the real Shure SM57 and Royer 121, and then compare them to the modeled versions using the SD3 and SD7 microphones. The comparison reveals the striking similarity in sound, highlighting the effectiveness of the microphone modeling software in replicating the characteristics of high-end microphones at a fraction of the cost.
๐ Fine-Tuning Sound with Axis and Proximity Adjustments
In the final part of the demonstration, Pete and Pedro experiment with the axis and proximity features of the microphone modeling software. They show how adjusting these parameters can change the sound's presence and body, allowing for a more tailored mix. The video emphasizes the flexibility and creativity that the software brings to the post-recording process, enabling users to achieve the desired sound without the need for additional hardware.
๐ฝ๏ธ Wrapping Up and Encouraging Further Exploration
The video concludes with Pete expressing his enthusiasm for the new microphones and software, highlighting their value for those who prefer recording with real amps. Pedro and Pete encourage viewers to explore the full capabilities of the microphones and software, and to check out further videos on their Tech Channel. They wrap up the session by inviting viewers to like, subscribe, and follow them for more content, and then head out for lunch.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กUniversal Audio
๐กHemisphere Microphones
๐กMicrophone Modeling
๐กSD-3, SD-5, SD-7
๐กProximity Effect
๐กAxis
๐กUnison
๐กDSP
๐กLuna
๐กRoom Mics
Highlights
Universal Audio introduces new Hemisphere microphones SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7.
The SD-3 is versatile for various instruments including drums and electric guitars.
The SD-7 is suitable for multiple instruments, especially for capturing detailed sound from percussion and brass.
The SD-5 is designed for capturing low-end frequencies, ideal for kick drums and bass guitars.
Hemisphere microphones come with unique software for sound sculpting post-recording.
The software allows users to change microphone models after recording, similar to reamping a guitar amp.
Proximity effect can be adjusted in the software, enhancing low-end response.
Axis control in the software lets users refine the sound by tilting the microphone post-recording.
The microphones are affordably priced, offering exceptional value for money.
The microphones can be used standalone or in conjunction with the UA software for enhanced flexibility.
UA Connect is used for registering the microphones and accessing the plugin.
The plugin is available in both DSP and native versions, compatible with or without an Apollo interface.
The SD-3 and SD-7 microphones were tested for sound comparison with traditional dynamic mics.
The modeling capabilities of the SD-3 and SD-7 were demonstrated, emulating classic microphones like the 57 and 121.
The plugin's ability to change microphone characteristics in post-production was showcased.
The practicality of the microphones for recording real amps and the potential for creative sound manipulation was discussed.
The video concluded with a demonstration of the microphones' performance and the plugin's features.