Universal Audio | SD-3, SD-5 & SD-7 Dynamic Microphones

Learn More About the Latest Dynamic Mics to Feature Universal Audio’s Hemisphere Microphone Modeling Technology at CME!

Did you know that you can find an assortment of some of the best-sounding pro audio and microphone brands available anywhere at Chicago Music Exchange? Now, you can get studio-quality recordings with some of the most highly sought-after microphones used in professional recording studios today—plus, some of their most sought-after vintage predecessors—with the Universal Audio SD-3, SD-5, SD-7 dynamic modeling microphones available at CME!

Universal Audio SD-3 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-3 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-3 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-3 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling

Universal Audio SD-3 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling

$129.00

Easily capture snare and tom drums, loud guitar cabs, brass, and more with SD-3 — a classic dynamic mic with high SPL handling, cardioid polar pattern, and best-in-class Hemisphere mic modeling giving you pro sound in any environment.

Key Benefits

  • Get studio-quality instrument recordings with a UA-designed dynamic modeling microphone
  • Harness the authentic sound of the most popular microphones ever made with Hemisphere mic modeling technology
  • Get pristine results in any environment, from pro rooms and home studios to stages
  • Find your perfect sound with ease using filter, proximity, and axis controls

Record Through Five Workhorse Mics
SD-3 is powered by the same mic modeling technology found in Universal Audio’s award-winning UA Sphere microphones. With the included Hemisphere Mic Collection, it’s the only dynamic modeling mic that gives you the authentic sound of famous dynamics from Shure, Sennheiser, and AKG.*

A Modeling Mic That Works for You
SD-3 and the included Hemisphere Mic Collection plug-in work with or without UA hardware, and go way beyond subtle EQ curves to give you precise control over filter, proximity, and axis — an industry first. Just set up SD-3 and use the plug-in to find that “sweet spot” for a guitar cab, or tame harsh frequencies on a snare or tom drum.

Easily Capture Your Best Sounds 
Universal Audio fine-tuned the cardioid polar pattern on SD-3 for a wide range of environments. Whether it's your bedroom, project, or pro studio — or even the stage —  SD-3’s ultra-high SPL tolerance and exceptional isolation give you iconic "sit-in-the-mix" sounds heard on countless hits. Plus, its compact size lets you zone in for perfect mic placement in tight spaces.

Add a Pro Mic with Vintage Style 
With all-metal construction, retro fit and finish, and hand-selected capsules, the SD-3 stands apart from other "workhorse dynamics" — giving you a trusted partner, perfect for capturing nearly any source.

Included Hemisphere Mic Models

  • DN-57: Introduced in 1965, the ubiquitous “57” is very likely the best selling microphone of all time. It can be a particularly good option when blended with other mics, such as ribbons and large diaphragm condensers, to achieve a more balanced sound. The DN-57 is based on a recent production model.
  • DN-545: A predecessor to the mighty 57, this model employed the Unidyne III capsule. It was used extensively on The Beach Boys Pet Sounds, including Brian Wilson's lead vocal, and countless other recordings of that era.**
  • DN-604: The DN-604 model is based on a current production European-made 604, which has become a standard on stages and studios around the world. This compact clip-on mic has a variety of uses, most notably snare and tom drums.
  • DN-409U: The 409 shines on many sources, but is particularly well-suited to electric guitar amps. It has a smooth top, and its low-end response below 100 Hz can help instruments and vocals sit nicely in the mix.
  • DN-4: The DN-4 is based on a modern compact instrument mic that works great on toms, but is equally at home on guitar cabinets and snare drums. Universal Audio included a three-position filter to allow you to further sculpt the sound.

Key Features

  • Compact dynamic microphone for drums, percussion, and instruments
  • Cardioid polar pattern rejects off-axis sounds
  • Get the sounds of popular dynamic mics with Hemisphere mic modeling
  • Hand-selected dynamic capsules to handle extreme SPL
  • Includes standmount and storage pouch
  • Rugged all-metal construction and stylish UA craftsmanship

Microphone Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Range: 40 Hz - 15 kHz
Sensitivity: -58 dB 
Output Impedance: 250 Ohms
Connector: 3-Pin XLRM
Included Accessory: ⅝" to ⅜" thread adapter, standmount, storage pouch
Dimensions: 3.58" (91 mm) length, 1.65” (42 mm) height
Weight: .47 lbs (214 g)

View Details
SD-5_Bass_2.jpg__PID:1b8a14b7-bbd4-4964-acdb-90078874d1f1
SD-3_Snare_Bottom.jpg__PID:5a1b8a14-b7bb-4419-a46c-db90078874d1
SD-3_Horns_3-Pack.jpg__PID:fc5a1b8a-14b7-4bd4-9964-6cdb90078874

Add Five Workhorse Mics Per Hemisphere Modeling Plug-In Collection!

Powered by the same mic Hemisphere mic modeling technology found in Universal Audio’s award-winning UA Sphere microphone, the UA SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 dynamic microphones come loaded with fie famous workhouse mics apiece, each going far beyond subtle EQ curves to give users unprecedented precise control over filter, proximity, and axis.

Built using all-metal construction, with hand-selected capsules sporting a retro-style fit and finish, the UA SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7 dynamic microphones provide high SPL tolerance to deliver pro-level, high-quality sound in any music recording or performance environment, whether bedroom-, project-, pro-studio—or, even on-stage—boasting ultra-high SPL tolerance and exceptional isolation.

Harnessing the sounds of the most popular microphones ever made—each of which has imparted its own unique sonic character to the history of modern recorded music—the plug-ins included with the UA SD-3, SD-5, and SD-7, respectively, work with or without UA hardware.

UA SD-3: A Go-To Dynamic Mic For Snare, Percussion, Guitar Cabs, & Instruments

A compact cardioid dynamic microphone for drum and instrument recording, the UA SD-3 includes the ideal plug-in to help users find that “sweet spot” for a guitar cab, or tame harsh frequencies on a snare or tom drum, offering a selection of "sit-in-the-mix" sounds heard on countless hits. 

SD-3_Snare_Top for modeling shot.jpg__PID:6e0f4b1f-2ed2-4244-a726-b644c824e82f

Modeling Mics 

  • DN-57 — Based on a recent product model of the best-selling microphone of all time, which was first introduced in 1965, the now-ubiquitous “57” can be used to achieve a more balanced sound when blended with other mics, such as ribbons and large-diaphragm condensers.
  • DN-545 — Based on the 57’s predecessor, which featured a Unidyne III capsule and was used extensively on The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, in addition to countless other recordings of that era.
  • DN-604 — Based on a current production European-made 604, a compact clip-on mic with myriad uses—most notably snare and tom drums—this dynamic mic is now a standard on stages and studios worldwide.
  • DN-409U — Well-suited to electric guitar amps, the 409 has a smooth top that shines on many sources, but its low-end response below 100 Hz helps instruments and vocals, especially, sit nicely in the mix.
  • DN-4 — Based on a modern compact instrument mic that works great for recording toms, yet is equally at home on guitar cabinets and snare drums, the DN-4 includes a three-position filter to let users sculpt its sound even further.
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling

Universal Audio SD-5 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling

$199.00

Easily capture all the punch and heft of your kick drums, bass amps, and anything else where extended low-end is required. A classic dynamic mic with a supercardioid polar pattern, high SPL handling, and best-in-class Hemisphere mic modeling — SD-5 gives you pro sound, no matter where you record.

Key Benefits

  • Get studio-quality kick drum and bass recordings with a UA-designed dynamic modeling microphone
  • Harness the authentic sound of the most popular microphones ever made with Hemisphere mic modeling technology
  • Get pristine results in any environment, from pro rooms and home studios to stages
  • Find your perfect sound with ease using filter, proximity, and axis controls

Record Through Five Workhorse Kick Mics: SD-5 is powered by the same mic modeling technology found in Universal Audio’s award-winning UA Sphere microphones. With the included Hemisphere Mic Collection, it’s the only dynamic modeling mic that gives you the authentic sound of famous dynamics from Shure, Audix, and AKG.*

A Modeling Mic That Works for You: SD-5 and the included Hemisphere Mic Collection plug-in work with or without UA hardware, and go way beyond subtle EQ curves to give you precise control over filter, proximity, and axis — an industry first. Just set up SD-5 and use the plug-in to quickly find that “sweet spot” for your kick drum or bass amp.

Easily Capture Your Best Bass Sounds: Universal Audio fine-tuned the supercardioid polar pattern on SD-5 for use on stage or in the studio. And with its ultra-high SPL capability and exceptional isolation, you’ll capture all the thump, tone, and transients in your instrument without bleed from other sources.

Add a Pro Mic with Vintage Style: With all-metal construction, retro styling, and hand-selected capsules, SD-5 gives you a trusted companion to reliably capture valuable low-end frequencies for decades of solid performance.

Included Hemisphere Mic Models

  • DN-12A: Based on a popular dynamic microphone dating back to the 1950’s — this model is favored by producer/engineer John Leckie (Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd), who often uses a 12 model alongside a 421 on kick drums.**
  • DN-112: This Austrian-made kick drum microphone is now considered an industry standard. Used on countless Hip-Hop and Rock records, it has extended low frequency capture with clear top end presence for beater attack.
  • DN-6: The DN-6 model is based on an American kick drum mic that has become a go-to for studio recording. With its deep bass and heavily contoured sound, it works especially well for tight, syncopated Metal genres.
  • DN-52: The DN-52 model is based on a current production version of the American 52-style kick drum microphone. This model provides extended low frequency capture, and an overall balanced sound useful on nearly any kick drum or bass instrument.
  • DN-SUB: The DN-SUB model is based on a studio trick which uses a full-range speaker driver wired-in-reverse for extended sub frequency capture. Many engineers will blend this sound along with a traditional mic for adding weight to kick drums and bass cabinets — now an easier task with just a single mic and the Hemisphere plug-in.

Key Features

  • Compact dynamic microphone for kick drums, bass amps, and other low-end sources
  • Get the sounds of popular kick drum mics with Hemisphere mic modeling
  • Supercardioid polar pattern rejects off-axis sounds while maintaining low frequency presence
  • Hand-selected dynamic capsules to handle extreme SPL
  • Includes integrated standmount and storage pouch
  • Rugged all-metal construction and stylish UA craftsmanship

Microphone Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 15 kHz
Sensitivity: -64 dB (0 dB = 1V/Pa @ 1 kHz)
Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
Connector: 3-Pin XLRM
Included Accessory: Integrated standmount w/ angle adjustment, "⅝" to ⅜" thread adapter, storage pouch
Dimensions: 4.06"(103.2 mm) length, 5.61" (142.6 mm)
Weight: 1.6 lbs (727 g)

View Details

UA SD-5: Capture Thunderous Kick Drum and Bass Tones

Built to capture all the punch and heft of your kick drums, bass amps, and anything else where extended low-end is required, Universal Audio’s SD-5 is a super-cardioid dynamic microphone designed for kick drums and bass amps. Offering users professional-grade sound quality, no matter where they record, the SD-5 helps users reliably capture the low-end frequencies necessary to round out the sound of any track—from percussive thumps to tonal nuances and transients produced by a particular instrument—all without bleeding from other sources. 

SD-5_Kick_3 for modeling shot.jpg__PID:0f4b1f2e-d292-4427-a6b6-44c824e82f2c

Modeling Mics 

  • DN-12A — Based on a dynamic microphone that’s been popular since the 1950s and is now favored by producer/engineer John Leckie (Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd), who often uses a 12 model alongside a 421 on kick drums.
  • DN-112 — Based on an Austrian-made kick drum microphone with extended low-frequency capture and a clear top-end presence for beater attack, this model has been used on countless Hip-Hop and rock recordings and is now an industry standard. 
  • DN-6 — Based on an American kick drum mic that has become a go-to for studio recording, with its deep bass and heavily contoured sound, the DN-6 model works especially well for tight, syncopated Metal genres.
  • DN-52 — Based on a current production version of the American 52-style kick drum microphone, the DN-52 model provides extended low-frequency capture, and an overall balanced sound useful on nearly any kick drum or bass instrument. 
  • DN-SUB — The DN-SUB model is based on a studio trick that uses a full-range speaker driver wired-in-reverse for extended sub-frequency capture. Many engineers will blend this sound along with a traditional mic for adding weight to kick drums and bass cabinets—now an easier task with just a single mic and the Hemisphere plug-in. 
Universal Audio SD-7 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-7 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-7 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling
Universal Audio SD-7 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling

Universal Audio SD-7 Dynamic Microphone w/ Hemisphere Modeling

$149.00

Easily capture tom drums, guitar cabs, horns, and more with natural open tone. A classic dynamic mic with high SPL handling, hypercardioid polar pattern, and best-in-class Hemisphere mic modeling — SD-7 gives you pro sound with precision, in any environment.

Key Benefits

  • Get studio-quality instrument recordings with a UA-designed dynamic modeling microphone
  • Harness the authentic sound of the most popular microphones ever made with Hemisphere mic modeling technology
  • Get precise results in any environment, from pro rooms and home studios to stages
  • Find your perfect sound with ease using filter, proximity, and axis controls

Record Through Five Famous Instrument Mics: SD-7 is powered by the same mic modeling technology found in Universal Audio’s award-winning UA Sphere microphones. With the included Hemisphere Mic Collection, it’s the only dynamic modeling mic that gives you the authentic sound of famous dynamics from Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic.*

A Modeling Mic That Works for You: SD-7 and the included Hemisphere Mic Collection plug-in work with or without UA hardware, and go way beyond subtle EQ curves to give you precise control over filter, proximity, and axis — an industry first. Just set up SD-7 and use the plug-in to quickly find that “sweet spot” for a guitar amp, or make horns pop through the mix.

Discover Your Best Sounds: From a rowdy stage to a quiet studio, SD-7’s ultra-high SPL capability makes it a perfect choice for loud, transient-rich sources. And thanks to its hypercardioid polar pattern, you're able to back the mic away for added "air" without sacrificing isolation.

Add a Pro Mic with Vintage Style: With rugged all-metal construction, cool retro look, and hand-selected capsules, SD-7 gives you a trusted companion, reliably capturing your sources for a lifetime of professional performance.

Included Hemisphere Mic Models

  • DN-421B: Based on a modern 421, which has a slightly brighter and harder sound than earlier iterations — this is likely the most famous tom mic of all time, and is also no slouch on kick drum or brass instruments.
  • 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.
  • 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.**
  • DN-409N: Based on the earliest version in the 409 line of microphones. This vintage version has slightly more coloration than current production models, making it useful on a variety of sources including electric guitar and vocals. Notable uses of the 409 include vocals for Pink Floyd's Live at Pompeii concert video.**
  • DN-441: The classic 441 has been used on countless records, from Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty to Tame Impala. Many engineers and artists have relied on this model for its balanced and natural sound on vocals, snare drums, and guitar amps.**

Key Benefits

  • Hypercardioid dynamic microphone for toms, guitar and bass amps, horns, and percussion instruments
  • Hemisphere mic modeling gives you the sounds of iconic dynamic and ribbon mics from Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic*
  • Hypercardioid polar pattern rejects off-axis sounds
  • Hand-selected dynamic capsules to handle extreme SPL
  • Includes integrated standmount and storage pouch
  • Rugged all-metal construction and stylish UA craftsmanship

    Microphone Type: Dynamic
    Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
    Frequency Range: 30 Hz - 17 kHz
    Sensitivity: -54 dB
    Output Impedance: 600 Ohms
    Connector: 3-Pin XLRM
    Included Accessory: Integrated standmount w/ angle adjustment, "⅝" to ⅜" thread adapter, storage pouch
    Dimensions: 4.47" (113.5 mm) length, 1.97” (50 mm) width, 3.84” (97.5 mm) height
    Weight: 1.05 lbs (475 g)
View Details

UA SD-7: Record Toms & Instruments With Remarkable Clarity

The Universal Audio SD-7 Hemisphere modeling mic is a hyper-cardioid dynamic microphone suited for drums and other instruments, designed to let users easily capture tom drums, guitar cabs, horns, and more with a natural open tone, delivering precise, professional-quality recordings, in any environment. From a rowdy stage to a quiet studio, the SD-7’s ultra-high SPL capability makes it a perfect choice for loud, transient-rich sources. And, thanks to its hyper-cardioid polar pattern, users can back the mic away for added "air," without sacrificing isolation. 

SD-7_Amp_1 for modeling shot.jpg__PID:4b1f2ed2-9244-4726-b644-c824e82f2cb7

Modeling Mics 

  • DN-421B — Featuring a slightly brighter and harder sound than earlier iterations, making it the most famous tom mic of all time, this model is based on a modern 421—which is also no slouch on a kick drum or brass instruments. 
  • DN-421S — This model has slightly more vintage character based on the rare, early 421 model, which had a script logo, making it useful for warming up guitar amplifiers, drums, or even vocals. 
  • RB-160 — Boasting a rich mid-forward character, this model is based on a vintage 1960s ribbon microphone that was notably used on famous rock recordings—from the ones used to record Jimi Hendrix’s screaming guitar amps, to the pair used John Bonham’s drums on Led Zeppelin’s "When the Levee Breaks.”
  • DN-409N — Based on the earliest version of the 409 line of microphones, this vintage version has slightly more coloration than current production models, making it useful on various sources, including electric guitar and vocals. 
  • DN-441 — From Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty to Tame Impala, many engineers and artists have relied on the classic 441 for its balanced and natural sound on vocals, snare drums, and guitar amps.
SD-7_Tom_w_drumstick.jpg__PID:bbd41964-6cdb-4007-8874-d1f18fb8e79d
SD-7_Amp_2.jpg__PID:14b7bbd4-1964-4cdb-9007-8874d1f18fb8

To be among the first to add these microphones' modern tonal flexibility to your recording arsenal, chat with us or give us a call today!

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