The Universal Audio SD-1 is a cardioid dynamic microphone for vocals, podcasts, streaming and close-miked instruments. UA tuned its pickup pattern to reject room noise such as fans and refrigerators, so a voice stays clear in a bedroom setup as well as in a treated studio. It comes with the Hemisphere Mic Collection plug-in, which models five classic dynamic and ribbon mics, and it has two tone switches, an internal shockmount and a built-in windscreen.

Tone Switches on the Mic

Two switches on the bottom of the SD-1 shape the sound before it reaches your interface. The low-cut filter rolls off below 200 Hz at 6 dB per octave to clear out rumble and mud, and the articulation boost adds about 3 dB between 3 and 5 kHz for clearer speech. The SD-1 is a passive dynamic mic, so it needs no phantom power.

Hemisphere Modeling and Apollo Presets

Register the SD-1 in the UA Connect app to download Hemisphere, which runs natively in your DAW or in real time on Apollo interfaces. The plug-in adds filter, proximity and axis controls you can adjust after recording. UA also provides SD-1 channel strip presets for Apollo.

Features

• End-address dynamic mic with a cardioid pattern
• Hemisphere plug-in with five models: DN-7, DN-20, RB-77DX Satin, DN-88 and DN-441
• Low-cut filter (200 Hz) and articulation boost (3 to 5 kHz) switches
• Internal shockmount reduces noise from the mic stand
• Built-in windscreen tames plosives, so an external pop filter is usually unnecessary
• Rear XLR connector for clean cable runs
• Integral 5/8" thread mount for a mic stand or boom arm
• Apollo channel strip presets made for the SD-1

Specifications

• Microphone type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 50 Hz to 16 kHz
• Sensitivity: -58 dB (1.3 mV) re 1 V at 1 Pa, 1 kHz
• Output impedance: 200 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: Over 1 kilohm
• Low-cut filter: 200 Hz, on or off
• Articulation boost: 3 to 5 kHz, on or off
• Phantom power: Not required
• Connector: 3-pin XLR male
• Dimensions: 195 mm (7.68") long, 60 mm (2.36") diameter
• Weight: 735 g (1.6 lb)

In the Box

• SD-1 microphone
• 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter
• Hemisphere Mic Collection plug-in and Apollo channel strip presets (download after registering the mic)