A large-diaphragm cardioid condenser studio microphone for vocals and instruments. It handles 145 dB SPL with 12 dB of self-noise, and its Hemisphere plug-in, obtained when the microphone is registered, gives it the tone of eight classic studio microphones.
Large-diaphragm condenser, cardioid pattern
Up to 145 dB SPL, 12 dB self-noise
Response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity -39 dB, output impedance 200 ohms
Hemisphere plug-in: 8 studio microphone models
Filter, proximity and axis adjustable after the take
A studio condenser microphone for recording vocals and instruments: large-diaphragm cardioid, handles 145 dB SPL and comes with the Hemisphere plug-in. Capture: response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, self-noise of 12 dB, sensitivity -39 dB Modeling: 8 studio microphone models in Hemisphere, with filter, proximity and axis adjustable even after the take Connection: XLR output, 48 V phantom power required, no cable supplied Supplied: stand mount, 5/8 to 3/8 inch thread adapter and carrying case One condenser microphone that opens up eight studio microphone tones, with or without a Universal Audio interface.
The SC-1 is a large-diaphragm microphone with a cardioid pattern, designed for vocals as well as instruments. It connects over XLR to an interface or a mixing console, and its Hemisphere plug-in gives it the colour of eight renowned studio microphones.
145dB SPLMaximum level
12dBSelf-noise
8Hemisphere models
363gMicrophone only
The microphone stays the same, the tone changes
Registering the SC-1 serial number in the UA Connect application unlocks the Hemisphere plug-in. There you choose a model : LD-47K, LD-67 NOS, LD-87 Vintage, LD-103, LD-12, LD-251, LD-414 US or LD-800. Three controls then refine the take : a three-position filter specific to each model, proximity, which adds or removes low end as if the microphone were moved closer, and axis, which simulates a microphone turned away from the source, marked every 15 degrees. Everything can be decided before, during or after the take : a vocal recorded yesterday can change microphone today.
The Hemisphere plug-in : model in the centre, filter, proximity and axis below.
With an Apollo or without one
Hemisphere comes in two versions. The native version runs on the computer’s processor, inside the recording software : no Universal Audio interface is required, and the monitoring delay then depends on the buffer setting. The UAD-2 version runs on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 accelerators, and lets you hear the chosen model while recording, with no perceptible delay.
From an intimate voice to a drum kit
The SC-1 handles 145 dB SPL at 1 % distortion at 1 kHz : it can be placed in front of a guitar amp or above a drum kit. Its 12 dB self-noise also lets it capture an intimate voice sung up close. In between, its response runs from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a sensitivity of -39 dB : acoustic guitar, strings or vocals, Universal Audio intends it for almost every source.
The UA badge faces the source
It is a side-address microphone : it picks up from the face bearing the logo and attenuates what comes from behind. The supplied mount screws onto a stand with a 5/8 inch thread, the 3/8 inch adapter is for stands with that thread, and a case protects the microphone between sessions.
LD-47K
Vocals, acoustic, bass amp
LD-67 NOS
Vocals, acoustic, piano
LD-87 Vintage
Vocals, acoustic, guitar amp
LD-103
Vocals, acoustic, strings
LD-12
Vocals, piano, overheads
LD-251
Vocals, piano, overheads
LD-414 US
As a pair: piano, strings
LD-800
Vocals, acoustic, strings
The SC-1 only works with the 48 V phantom power of the interface or mixing console. The box contains neither an XLR cable nor a shock mount : a standard balanced 3-pin cable is all it takes to connect it.
Values taken from the printed guide supplied with the SC-1, the product page and the manufacturer’s manuals. Uses of each model according to the Hemisphere plug-in manual.
Technical specifications
Technical specifications
Dimensions (W x D x H)
52 mm diameter x 162 mm long
Features
Modeling of 8 studio microphones through the Hemisphere plug-in: LD-12, LD-47K, LD-67 NOS, LD-87 Vintage, LD-103, LD-251, LD-414 US, LD-800
Microphone frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Capsule diameter
Large diaphragm
Polar pattern selection
Fixed (cardioid)
Cable length
None (no cable supplied)
Microphone connection
Male 3-pin XLR, pin 2 hot
Headphone output
None
Wireless technology
None (wired microphone)
Microphone sensitivity
-39 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz)
Self-noise
12 dB
Box contents
SC-1 microphone, stand mount, 5/8 to 3/8 inch thread adapter, UA carrying case, printed quick-start guide
Pop and shock protection
No shock mount supplied (simple stand mount)
Weight
363 g (microphone only)
Product colour
Off-white body, black grille
Power supply
48 V phantom power through the XLR cable (3 mA typical)
Phantom power required
Yes, 48 V (3 mA typical)
Mounting
On a microphone stand, mount supplied
Technical specifications (continued)
Mounting thread
5/8 inch, 3/8 inch adapter supplied
Product type
Large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone, cardioid, XLR output
Microphone type
Studio / desktop microphone
Capsule technology
Condenser
Polar pattern
Cardioid
Microphone use
Vocals & stage, Instrument
Power supply included
None (48 V phantom power required, not supplied)
Wireless range
None (wired microphone)
Audio processing
No processing in the microphone; Hemisphere modeling by software plug-in, before, during or after recording
Internal recording
None (the microphone connects to an interface or a recorder)
Controls
Settings in the Hemisphere plug-in: filter, proximity, axis, phase and output level (±12 dB)
Low-cut filter and attenuator
Filters modeled in the Hemisphere plug-in (3 positions per microphone model)
Impedance
200 ohms (output impedance)
Conversion resolution
None (analogue microphone, no converter)
Management software
Hemisphere Mic Collection, obtained by registering the microphone in UA Connect: native version (UADx) for the DAW and UAD-2 version for Apollo
Maximum sound pressure level
145 dB SPL (1 % THD at 1 kHz)
Warranty
1 year
Specific references
EAN
0819937003714
MPN
MIC-UASC-1
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Frequently asked questions about this product
Does the Universal Audio SC-1 need phantom power?
Yes, 48 V. It is a condenser microphone: it only works when fed with 48 V phantom power through its XLR cable, with a typical draw of 3 mA. Any audio interface, mixing console or preamp with an XLR mic input and a 48 V switch will do. The microphone has no USB port: it is recorded to a computer through one of these inputs.
What does the Hemisphere plug-in supplied with the SC-1 bring?
It gives the SC-1 the tone of eight modeled studio microphones: LD-12, LD-47K, LD-67 NOS, LD-87 Vintage, LD-103, LD-251, LD-414 US and LD-800. You choose the model, then adjust the filter, the proximity effect and the pickup angle, before, during or after recording. The plug-in is obtained by registering the microphone's serial number in the UA Connect application.
Do you need a Universal Audio interface to use Hemisphere?
No. Hemisphere comes in two versions: a native version that runs on the computer's processor, in common recording software, and a UAD-2 version for Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 accelerators. With an Apollo, you hear the chosen model in real time, with no perceptible latency; without it, the delay depends on the buffer set in the software.
How should the SC-1 be placed in front of the voice or instrument?
UA badge facing the source. The SC-1 is a side-address microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern: it picks up from the side bearing the badge and attenuates what comes from behind. It screws onto a 5/8 inch stand with the supplied mount; the 3/8 inch adapter included in the box is for stands with that thread.
Does the SC-1 come with a shock mount and a cable?
No, the box contains a simple stand mount, a 5/8 to 3/8 inch thread adapter, a carrying case and a quick-start guide. No cable is supplied: plan a standard balanced 3-pin XLR cable, pin 2 hot, to connect it to the interface. The microphone alone weighs 363 g and is 162 mm long.
Is the SC-1 suited to loud sources such as drums or a guitar amp?
Yes. It handles up to 145 dB SPL at 1 % distortion at 1 kHz: it can be placed close to a guitar amp or used as an overhead above a drum kit. At the other end, its 12 dB self-noise lets it capture an intimate voice. Universal Audio intends it for vocals, acoustic guitars, strings and drums.
What is the difference between the Universal Audio SC-1 and SD-1?
The SC-1 is a large-diaphragm condenser that requires 48 V phantom power and suits almost every source, voice and instruments alike. The SD-1 is a dynamic microphone, designed for vocals and high sound pressure sources. Both receive the Hemisphere plug-in, each with its own collection of models: eight condenser microphones for the SC-1.
How do you get the Hemisphere plug-in after buying the SC-1?
Install the UA Connect application on the computer, add the microphone as new hardware and enter its serial number, printed on the packaging or on the XLR connector. The plug-in is then downloaded from the application, in both native and UAD-2 versions. It comes with new microphones: for a second-hand SC-1, contact Universal Audio customer service.
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