The Universal Audio Sphere Microphones: Unlocking Studio Quality at Home
The Rise of Home Recording
With the advent of affordable audio interfaces and software, as well as the proliferation of USB microphones in the Zoom era, home recording has become a revolution. Artists like Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell have proven that chart-topping singles can be made right in the comfort of your own bedroom. Achieving good audio quality has become easier than ever, but now high-end companies are focusing on helping average musicians attain true studio quality at home.
Introducing the Sphere DLX and Sphere LX
Universal Audio’s latest offerings, the Sphere DLX and Sphere LX modeling mics, pose a simple question: What if you could have access to virtually every famous microphone in a single, sub-$1,400 device? These stereo mics can be plugged into any audio interface, and with the accompanying software, provide access to a wide variety of modeled microphone sounds worth tens of thousands of dollars. Furthermore, the mic models can even be changed after recording, opening up endless possibilities for post-production adjustments. For musicians in small project recording studios, this has been a game changer, allowing them to achieve cleaner and more professional sound.
Unleashing the Power of the Sphere
The Sphere microphones come in two sizes and price ranges: the more affordable Sphere LX and the higher-end Sphere DLX. Both models come in well-engineered soft cases, offering solid protection for these valuable tools. The DLX case includes two mounts, a regular one and a shock mount, while the LX case only includes a non-shock mount. The larger DLX version shares similarities with the Townsend Labs Sphere L22, another modeling mic released a few years ago. Universal Audio acquired Townsend Labs and utilized their technology to recreate the older model and develop the more budget-friendly LX series.
Professional Design and Performance
Universal Audio, with 24 years of experience in creating mic preamps, compressors, and microphones, has designed the Sphere microphones for professional use. Both models feature solid metal enclosures and a sleek finish, exuding durability and high-quality construction. The main difference between the two models is their size, with the LX offering many of the same mic models as the DLX, albeit with 18 fewer options. The LX includes 20 mic models, while the DLX boasts an impressive selection of 38.
A Stereo Recording Experience
Both the Sphere LX and DLX are stereo microphones that capture sound from the front and back of a custom 1-inch stereo capsule. These mics naturally produce transparent and high-quality recordings, enabling the plug-in software to analyze and emulate classic microphone polar patterns and tones. Powered by 48-V phantom power, the microphones feature white LEDs that illuminate the capsule when powered on, creating a visually captivating effect. It’s as if the capsule is calling out for your voice.
A Limitation for Some
One potential drawback of these stereo microphones is that they occupy two channels on your audio interface. If you have a smaller interface with limited mic channels, you will need to track vocals and instruments at different times. While not a major concern, it is worth noting for those working with only two mic channels.
Unleashing Creative Possibilities
The Sphere microphones serve as a veritable Photoshop for mic choice and placement. Users can select their desired microphone model from a range of options. Those familiar with professional recording studios will recognize many, if not all, of the microphone models included in the Sphere’s plug-in controller. From classic Neumann models like the U47 and U67 to modern mics like the Shure SM7B and Sony C800G, a wide array of choices is available. The selection even includes ribbon microphones, perfect for capturing the nuances of horns or achieving a vintage sound.
What sets the Sphere microphones apart is the ability to select and adjust microphone models during post-production. By installing the plug-in and setting it up on a stereo channel in your digital audio workstation, you can choose your desired mic and customize how it’s used. This flexibility allows for experimentation and fine-tuning, provided the audio was initially recorded using the Sphere microphone. The plug-in is compatible with all major audio recording software, ensuring its universal usability.
Exploring Endless Options
Not only can you adjust the specific mic model, but the Sphere plug-in also allows for customization of the polar pattern. The polar pattern determines the direction from which the microphone records, whether it’s a tight front-facing focus or an omnidirectional recording. With the Sphere, you can even use mic models in ways that the original hardware wouldn’t allow. For example, applying a vintage RCA ribbon mic model in a tighter configuration than the real mic would permit results in less bleed from surrounding instruments. Additionally, the distance from the mic can be adjusted, mitigating issues like “p” sounds and sibilance.
Conclusion
The Universal Audio Sphere microphones have revolutionized home recording, empowering musicians to achieve studio-quality sound in their own spaces. The Sphere DLX and Sphere LX models offer a vast selection of modeled microphone sounds, which can be easily customized and adjusted after recording. With their professional design, ease of use, and compatibility with major recording software, these microphones open up endless possibilities for musicians and producers. Whether you’re an indie rocker or a budding songwriter, the Sphere microphones provide the tools to take your recordings to the next level.