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Universal Audio SP-1 is a matched pair of small-diaphragm pencil condenser microphones built around UA's Hemisphere microphone modeling. Its Hemisphere models cover a classic small-diaphragm condenser with a thin nickel diaphragm delivering clear mids and open top end, a side-address dual nickel diaphragm design using the AC701 tube, a modern cardioid condenser prized for detailed top end, a KM84-type back-to-back capsule design heard on Motown records, and a modular end-address condenser with 75 Hz and 150 Hz low-cut filters.
One standard pencil microphone pair that becomes the classics it models.
Hemisphere is the modeling system these microphones are built around. The capsule and the analog front end are designed to be a known, measurable starting point, and the Hemisphere plug-in then applies a model of a classic microphone on top of it. Because UA controls both halves, the model starts from a predictable source rather than guessing what it is being fed.
The practical result is that one microphone covers a shelf of them. The models are of specific units rather than generic categories, and each can be adjusted for polar pattern and proximity after the fact, which is not something a physical microphone allows once the take is recorded.
Universal Audio still hand-builds this line in California to the original circuit designs rather than licensing the name out. The company was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, who designed the 1176 and the 610, and was revived in 1999 by his sons with the original schematics and, in several cases, the original test gear.
At a Glance
| Type | Small-diaphragm pencil condenser, matched pair |
| Modeling | Hemisphere |
| Models | KM84, AC701 tube and modern cardioid voicings |
| Best for | Drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, room |
| Connector | XLR |
Which Microphones Does the SP-1 Model?
Small-diaphragm classics. The models include a nickel-diaphragm condenser with clear mids and open top end, a side-address dual-diaphragm design built around the AC701 tube, a modern cardioid known for detailed top end, a KM84-type back-to-back capsule design used on Motown recordings, and a modular end-address condenser with 75 Hz and 150 Hz low-cut filters.
Why Buy a Matched Pair?
Because the applications are stereo. Drum overheads, an acoustic guitar in stereo, a piano and room capture all need two microphones with matched response, or the image drifts. The SP-1 ships as a pair for that reason.
How Does Hemisphere Modeling Work?
Universal Audio designs the capsule and analog front end to a known reference, then the Hemisphere plug-in applies a model of a specific classic microphone on top of that. Because UA controls both the hardware and the model, the processing starts from a predictable source rather than having to guess what microphone it is correcting. Polar pattern and proximity can also be adjusted after recording.
Do I Need a UA Interface to Use It?
The microphone works as a microphone on any preamp. The Hemisphere modeling runs as a plug-in, and UA publishes the current host and system requirements. Call 844-687-4208 and we will confirm against your setup before you order.
Connections
| Connector | XLR |
| Modeling | Hemisphere plug-in |
Why Universal Audio?
Universal Audio was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, the engineer who built the first recording console with integrated equalization and effects sends, and who designed the 1176 and the 610. The company was revived in 1999 by his sons and now does two things: it still hand-builds analog hardware in California, and it licenses and models the classics from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Lexicon, Studer, Ampex and others rather than emulating them without authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine Universal Audio product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support, including software registration rights.
Is this covered by warranty?
Yes. This unit carries the full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty, registered to you as the original purchaser. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term.
Does the microphone work without the modeling?
Yes. It is a functioning microphone on any preamp. Hemisphere is a plug-in layer applied on top, not a requirement for the microphone to pass signal.
Can I change the polar pattern after recording?
Hemisphere allows polar pattern and proximity to be adjusted within the plug-in, which a physical microphone does not permit once a take is captured.
Which microphones does it model?
Universal Audio publishes the current model list and updates it over time. Call 844-687-4208 and we will confirm what ships with the current version.
Why Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?
Victory Musical Instruments is a pro audio and musical instrument dealer in Miami, Florida. We support churches, schools, studios and working musicians across South Florida and ship nationwide. Every unit is new in the original factory packaging with full manufacturer support. Call 844-687-4208 to check lead time, request a quote, or arrange local pickup.