Universal Audio SD-1 Standard Dynamic Microphone

The Universal Audio SD-1 Standard Dynamic Microphone is a premium-quality cardioid microphone, suitable for both live and in the studio. Carrying the signature sound quality you've come to expect from Universal Audio, the SD-1 is no different. Excellent frequency response with a customisable high-pass filter and high-mid boost ensure you can capture any sound source with stunning accuracy and definition. Perfect for most instruments but particularly special when recording vocals or guitar, the SD-1 unlocks Universal Audio's Apollo Channel Strip Presets. Tailor-made for broadcasting vocalists, podcasters, singers and guitarists, these presets offer mix-ready sounds at the touch of a button to let you focus on your creativity in the studio.

Several clever design elements come together to create the ultimate modern dynamic microphone. Cardioid polar pattern makes this ideal for crowded studios or stages to effectively reduce off-axis noise, whilst the integrated windshield and shock mount reduce unwanted plosives and vibrational noise. A sleek and modern look is finished off with a rear-mounted XLR connector for simple cable management to help you create the look and sound you've been looking for.

The complete recording microphone

Created with the modern producer, engineer, musician, podcaster, broadcaster, and those in need of top-tier vocal recordings in mind, the SD-1 offers pristine sound quality. Showcasing UA's renowned craftsmanship and excellence, the SD-1 excels at capturing various audio sources, including vocals, drums, percussion, spoken word, acoustic and electric guitar, brass, and more. Its dynamic capsule boasts a flat response across 50Hz - 16kHz, ensuring clarity and depth for a diverse array of instruments. With its impressive high SPL rating, you gain the ability to effortlessly record any sound source on any stage or studio worldwide, regardless of volume. The seamless integration of a high SPL rating and headroom guarantees consistent clean gain, resulting in professional-grade recordings. Unlike traditional dynamic microphones, no extra gain is required before reaching your preamp, eliminating the need for additional equipment like the Cloudlifter. This streamlined setup allows you to focus on your performance during shows or recording sessions.
Ideal for both stage and studio, the SD-1 features a cardioid polar pattern, boasting excellent off-axis rejection. When on stage, this cardioid pattern helps to effectively reduce the volume of nearby instruments outside of the microphone capsule to virtually null!

Onboard switches for customisable frequency response

Built-in to the microphone are two switches to customise the sound of your SD-1. A low-cut filter allows you to attenuate frequencies below 200Hz with a gentle 6dB/octave slope. This is ideal for live use to reduce the volume of stage sound from instruments such as bass guitar or drums or for studio use where a tight low-end response is needed to blend seamlessly within the mix.

The second switch is an articulation boost that adds a subtle lift from 3-5kHz by 3dB. Adding this to your vocal or acoustic guitar performance lets it stand out from the mix with presence without sounding overbearing. Ideal for vocals, the 3-5kHz region is where vocals are most sensitive, allowing you to sit above a dense mix without the need for any volume adjustments.

Integrated design elements

Beneath its conventional appearance, the SD-1 holds some clever concealed features that enhance the ease of achieving studio-quality recordings. The microphone capsule is discreetly shielded by the SD-1's tailor-made windscreen. This windscreen is precisely designed to cover the microphone while seamlessly integrating with your recordings. It effectively minimizes unwanted vocal irregularities such as plosives (P & B sounds) and sibilance (harsh 'S' sounds), resulting in exceptionally clean vocal performances across a wide range, from potent pop vocals to energetic rock vocals. Singers can confidently sing directly into the microphone without the need for external pop filters, enabling more authentic and pristine performances.

The internal shock mount effectively eliminates vibrations, whether stemming from noisy fans or extraneous environmental sounds. This feature proves invaluable in studios or on stages with less-than-optimal acoustic conditions, where instruments, computer fans, or other equipment induce vibrations that can disrupt your microphone setup. The SD-1 ensures these issues are a thing of the past, delivering clear recordings devoid of unwanted artifacts.

Addressing a common challenge faced by stand-mounted microphones, the SD-1 incorporates a rear-mounted XLR connector. This innovative design permits you to position the microphone as close to the sound source as desired, all while preventing the cable from obstructing your path to the instrument or vocalist.

Pro sounds with Apollo Channel Strip presets

Seamlessly integrating with compatible Universal Audio equipment, the SD-1 opens the door to a diverse selection of personalized Apollo presets. These presets eliminate the need for trial and error in your processing, offering EQ, compression, and analog saturation settings that are pre-optimized for broadcast-quality results. Tailored for vocalists, guitarists, and spoken word applications, the Apollo Channel Strips leverage the top-tier emulations found in Universal Audio's plug-in collection, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the creative aspect of your session. Whether your focus is on recording or arranging, you can rest assured that your recordings meet the highest professional standards.

Universal Audio SD-1 Standard Dynamic Microphone Features

• High-quality dynamic studio microphone
• Switchable articulation boost between 3 - 5kHz adds presence to your vocals and guitars
• Switchable low-cut from 200Hz and below tidies up unruly low-end
• Superb off-axis rejection and focussed sound with Cardioid polar pattern
• Natural and transparent audio quality with flat frequency response between 50Hz - 16kHz
• Integrated internal shockmount effectively eliminates vibrational noises for clean recordings
• Sculpt your recordings with SD-1 Apollo Channel Strip Presets with compatible Universal Audio hardware
• Easily position your microphone thanks to rear-mounted XLR connector
• Plosives and proxmity is effectively reduced with built-in windscreen
• Includes 5/8 to 3/8" thread adapter for use with most microphone stands or boom arms
• Signature UA craftsmanship in a stylish and durable housing

Universal Audio SD-1 Standard Dynamic Microphone Specifications

• Microphone Type: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 50 Hz - 16 kHz
• Sensitivity: -58 dB (1.3 mV) ref 1V at 1 Pa, 1 kHz
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: Less than 1 K Ohms
• Low Cut Filter at 200 Hz
• Articulation Boost at 3 - 5 kHz
• Connector: 3-pin XLRM
• Included Accessory: 5/8" to 3/8" Thread Adapter
• Dimensions (Microphone Only): 195 mm length, 60 mm diameter
• Weight (Microphone Only): 735 g
• Product code: UA-SD-1