Get the sounds of the greatest mics ever made.
Capture the best recordings of your life with Sphere DLX, the world’s most powerful mic modeling system that combines Universal Audio's flagship dual-capsule condenser with the Sphere Mic Collection plug-in to give you the sound of classic mics used by everyone from The Beatles to Beyoncé.
Features:
- Record Through 38 Classic Models - With the included Sphere Mic Collection software — allowing you to instantly pull up 38 legendary mic models from Neumann, Telefunken, AKG, Sony, and more — Sphere DLX puts the world-famous sound of classic condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones at the ready.
- Find Your Perfect Sound in Realtime - Sphere DLX is the only dual-capsule mic modeling system that lets you audition mics before, during, and after recording. You can do this with any audio interface in any DAW. But with an Apollo, you unlock realtime workflows so it all happens with immediacy and precision, and doesn’t affect your performance.
- Combine Two Mics Like Never Before - In Dual Mode, the Sphere mic modeling system allows you to blend any two mics, perfectly in-phase. This means you can start with a classic-sounding mic combination, then tailor it to find sounds that have never been heard before, all while only setting up a single microphone.
- Capture Instruments in Stereo - Thanks to its dual-capsule design, the Sphere DLX lets you easily record piano, drums, strings, and more in stereo. You can even use different mic models on the left and right channels for a more colourful stereo image.
- Remove the Room for Clear Recordings - With Sphere DLX’s Off-Axis Correction and IsoSphereTM technology, you can easily tame room sounds and reflections for cleaner, more professional recordings. With its expert presets tailored for the toughest acoustic spaces like bedrooms or project studios, Sphere DLX comes ready to use alongside popular iso filters from sE Reflexion Filters, Aston Halo, Kaotica Eyeball, and more.
- Get Ready to Record - Sphere DLX includes a professional shockmount, 25' dual-output XLR cable, mic stand mount, and carrying case — so you'll be ready to create with the sound of legendary mics the minute you unpack the box.
Featured Mic Models:
- LD-37A - Based on the classic 1950’s Japanese tube condenser used by icons like Jimi Hendrix, Nat King Cole, and The Beach Boys, the LD-37A model delivers warm, smooth sound. It’s great for taming vocal sibilance or harsh top-end, and is favored by pro engineers for drum overheads and toms. It also excels on vocals and guitars thanks to its upper midrange peak.
- LD-47K - The classic 47-style mic is the ultimate studio workhorse. Its thick “sit in the mix” sound has been used by everyone from The Beatles and Frank Sinatra to countless modern artists. A go-to choice for vocals, this mic sounds equally amazing on acoustic guitars, bass, and drums.
- LD-49K - This dual-diaphragm tube condenser was the first studio mic to feature a continuously variable polar pattern. UA's LD-49 model is based on a vintage 49c, and they dialed in its "best" cardioid position to bring out the richness in nearly any source. This mic is particularly great on female vocals, having been used by artists such as Norah Jones and Aretha Franklin.
- LD-67 NOS - This coveted mic was famously used for lead vocals on classics like “Hey Jude” and "Sympathy for the Devil” along with Nirvana’s Nevermind album. UA's model is based on a custom 67 mic using new-old-stock parts offering a smooth and musical sound, useful on almost anything.
- LD-87 Vintage - A mid-'70s solid-state mic that would come to define the midrange-forward sound of 80’s pop vocals. UA modeled the low-cut and pad, giving you the ability to tailor the mic’s response to your source and environment.
- LD-251 - Built upon the coveted CK12 brass capsule and 6072 tube, the 251 is widely considered one of the greatest mics ever made. Its huge, smooth sound has allowed artists from Dolly Parton to Celine Dion to capture incredible vocal recordings for decades.
- LD-414 US - This nylon capsule condenser delivers clear, transparent sound. One of the greatest “all around” mics ever made, it excels at everything from intimate vocals and voice overs to high-impact toms and percussion.
- LD-12 - With its gorgeous top-end sparkle, this iconic '50s mic is often used for lush, breathy vocals. Its sound has elevated amazing performances from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, and many others. It is also commonly used for piano and drum overheads.
- LD-BV1 - The LD-BV1 is based on a boutique German-made tube condenser mic that has been the centerpiece of countless modern vocal recordings. The particular mic UA modeled was used to record The World Is Not Enough theme song for the Pierce Brosnan-era James Bond movie. Of course, the serial number of the mic is 007.
- DN-7 - Renowned for its use on high-profile records by everyone from Michael Jackson to Metallica, this ubiquitous cardioid dynamic mic can also be found in radio and broadcasting studios around the world. By adjusting the AXIS control, you can get the sound of the mic without a windscreen — a “studio secret” favored by pro engineers.
- DN-421S - Based on a rare early 421 with script logo, this model has slightly more vintage character, making it useful for warming up your guitar amplifiers, drums, or even vocals.
- DN-20 - This industry-standard broadcasting mic has applications ranging from vocals to kick drums. Its presence boost and high frequency dip minimize sibilance, and with the filter switch you can get additional tone shaping by cutting below 400 Hz.
- RB-121 - The R-121 set the standard for modern ribbon mics, and has become a classic in its own right. Featuring a figure-8 pattern, this mic is unique in that the rear side is brighter than the front. Thus, UA's RB-121 model is a good option for A/B’ing on sources that you’re not sure about — using the Axis control to quickly hear a brighter or darker sound.
- RB-4038 - UA's RB-4038 model is based on a ribbon mic originally developed in the mid-1950’s by the BBC. It has a detailed sound that’s slightly darker due to its large magnet, and excels on drum overheads and bright instruments. Despite its high-frequency roll-off and exaggerated proximity effect, it works well on close sources or backed off room sounds.
- RB-160 - This model is based on a vintage 1960’s ribbon microphone with rich mid-forward character — notably used on famous rock recordings, from Jimi Hendrix’s screaming guitar amp to a pair used to record drums for "When the Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin.
- SD-416 - The SD-416 is based on an industry standard shotgun microphone, commonly used in voice-over studios — it’s a go-to for that big Hollywood sound. Our SD-416 model has a super-cardioid pattern, which is less directional at higher frequencies, meaning it’s more forgiving when the talent moves off-axis.
For a complete list of all microphone models and more detailed specifications, click here.