Product Overview

Broadcast-Quality Sound Meets Next-Generation Digital Customization

The Universal Audio SD-1 brings professional studio performance to your desktop. Whether you are tracking a dense vocal stem, hosting a high-definition podcast, streaming live, or miking up a loud guitar amplifier, this premium dynamic microphone captures your sound source with impeccable depth and clarity. Many modern desktop setups suffer from untreated room reflections and background fan noise, but the SD-1's precise cardioid polar pattern isolates your voice or instrument, providing a focused, clean signal right out of the box.

The SD-1 is engineered to be a versatile daily workhorse. On its own, it offers a beautifully smooth, flat response that handles everything from whispering vocals to thunderous snare drums without breaking a sweat. However, when paired with the included Hemisphere Mic Modeling software, it transforms into a multi-mic virtual locker. This software allows you to swap microphone personalities in your digital audio workstation (DAW) long after the recording session is over.

Product Description

Classic Analog Craftsmanship for Pristine Audio Capture:

The physical design of the SD-1 reflects Universal Audio's decades-long dedication to analog audio purity. It features a rugged, all-metal cylindrical housing and an integrated internal shockmount that mechanically decouples the capsule from the stand, keeping handling vibrations and desk thumps out of your signal chain. Its tight cardioid pickup pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection, ensuring that computer fans, air conditioners, and unwanted ambient room reflections are kept to a minimum.

Shape Your Tone with Built-In Articulation Controls:

To help you nail the perfect take instantly, the rear panel of the SD-1 is equipped with two customizable tone-shaping switches. The Low-Cut Filter (200 Hz) cleans up low-end mud and controls the proximity effect—the bass build-up that occurs when you speak very close to the capsule. The Articulation Boost (3-5 kHz) adds a subtle presence lift, bringing immediate vocal clarity, crispness, and definition to the front of a crowded mix without sounding harsh or sibilant.

Hemisphere Microphone Modeling Engine:

Using the exact same modeling technology found in UA's acclaimed Sphere modeling microphones, the Hemisphere plug-in enables the SD-1 to physically match the tone and frequency curves of other legendary microphones. You can shape your tracking sessions with the classic mid-range punch of an SM7B, the commanding low-end response of an RE20, or the crisp top-end bite of an MD421. The software even allows you to adjust the virtual proximity effect, filter characteristics, and axis control after you have finished recording.

Seamless Integration with Apollo and Volt Interfaces:

While the SD-1 connects via a standard 3-pin XLR connection and works beautifully with any high-quality mic preamp, it features deep, tailored integration with Universal Audio's Apollo and Volt audio interfaces. Apollo users can load custom-tuned SD-1 channel strip presets that instantly configure the perfect EQ curves, compression ratios, and tube-saturation settings for instant, radio-ready broadcast vocals in real time.

Key Features

• CARDIOID DYNAMIC CAPSULE: Captures rich, professional vocals and instruments while cleanly rejecting unwanted background noise and off-axis room acoustics.

• HEMISPHERE MIC MODELING: Unlocks a virtual mic locker with free software emulations of legendary dynamic microphones from Shure, Electro-Voice, and Sennheiser.

• INTERNAL SHOCKMOUNT ARCHITECTURE: Built-in mechanical isolation protects your recordings from low-end desk thumps, stand vibrations, and handling noise.

• LOW-CUT FILTER SWITCH: Selectable 200 Hz high-pass filter instantly cleans up low-frequency rumble, mud, and excessive proximity bass build-up.

• ARTICULATION PRESENCE BOOST: Built-in presence boost switch adds mid-range clarity and top-end air for pristine, intelligible vocals.

• BUILT-IN WINDSCREEN: Features a sleek, protective internal foam pop filter to significantly minimize plosives ("P" and "B" sounds) and breath noise.

• APOLLO CHANNEL STRIP PRESETS: Access custom-engineered channel strips tailored specifically for the SD-1 on Apollo or Volt interfaces.

• INTEGRATED SWIVEL MOUNT: Rugged, attached yolk mount lets you position the microphone at any angle on standard mic stands or desktop boom arms.

Technical Specifications