Universal Audio SP-1
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Apollo Channel Strip presets
Universal Audio SP-1 Review
Record vocals, live performances, and instruments with the Universal Audio SP-1 Standard Pencil Microphones. These small-diaphragm condensers ensure you capture high-quality, pure sound. In fact, they make both vocals and instruments sound clearer and more impactful.
The Universal Audio SP-1 Standard Pencil Microphones are perfect for home recordists, professional musicians, and content creators. They are especially designed for musicians recording instruments and singers, as they effectively reject environmental and off-axis noise.
Most importantly, these mics capture room tones and set the ambiance, making listeners feel as if they are right there with you at your performance. Plus, their compact design guarantees they won’t get in your way while you perform.
Designed to be your go-to microphones for all types of studio and live sound situations, each mic in this matched pair of small-diaphragm condensers features a cardioid polar pattern for focused audio capture and can handle sound pressure levels up to 142 dB.
Mic mounts with thread adapters are included, along with a stereo T-bar that spaces the mics perfectly, making it easy for even beginners to achieve great stereo recordings.
Universal Audio SP-1 Key Features
From legendary analog hardware like the iconic 1176 LN to a range of groundbreaking audio interfaces, advanced analog modeling plugins, and even a DAW, Universal Audio keeps expanding its lineup. Now, microphones are the next natural step in the UA ecosystem.
The SP-1 delivers all the clarity, character, and musicality you expect from UA. You can capture acoustic instruments, drums, percussion, and live performances in stereo with pristine accuracy for instant, album-quality sound.
With a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the SP-1 captures the entire audible spectrum with excellent sensitivity and detail. Its cardioid pickup pattern ensures outstanding rear rejection, giving you precise stereo imaging with minimal bleed.
A maximum sound pressure level (SPL) rating of 142 dB means these mics can handle even the loudest drummers, and with just 1% total harmonic distortion (THD), anything you record will sound clean and clear. Their compact size also makes them easy to position, even in smaller home studios.
Staying true to UA’s vision of a complete hardware-software ecosystem, the SP-1 comes with custom Apollo channel strip presets featuring hand-crafted EQ settings—perfect for adding shimmer to cymbals or horns and capturing stringed instruments in rich stereo. Note: You’ll need a Universal Audio Apollo interface to access these Apollo Channel Strip Presets.
Also included are two mic stand mounts, two foam windscreens, two thread adapters, and a T-bar for easy and precise stereo mic placement. Essential for any studio, this package gives you everything you need to capture album-ready stereo sound anywhere.
- Microphone Type: Matched small-diaphragm condenser pair
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: -38.0 (12.6 mV) ref 1V at 1 Pa, 1 kHz
- Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance: Greater than 2K Ohms
- Output Connector: 3-Pin XLRM
- Maximum SPL: 142 dB SPL, 1% THD
- Phantom Power Requirements: 48 VDC
- Dimensions: 5” (128 mm) length, 0.93″ (23.5 mm) diameter
- Weight: .28 lbs (125 g)
Why You Need the Universal Audio SP-1
UAD is renowned for its commitment to providing users with top-tier hardware and software. Their plugins are among the most popular paid options available, and their gear is a staple in studios around the world.
With this matched stereo mic pair, you’ll be able to add width, dimension, and clarity to your recordings and mixes. Whether you use them in an XY setup or spaced configuration, you’ll achieve pristine sound quality, no matter how you position them.
The build quality of these microphones is impressive and sturdy, and their vintage-inspired color adds a touch of elegance—making them look just as good as they sound. An added bonus to this charming bundle is the inclusion of Apollo channel strip presets, further enhancing the unique sound that UAD is known for.
At the price these microphones are going for, you really can’t go wrong. They’ll serve you well in the studio and are sure to find their place, whether you’re recording or using them for live performances.
Conclusion
Don’t be surprised to see UAD producing microphones and gear that you might not be familiar with. UAD is a company known for quality, so it makes sense for them to expand and offer more products in their lineup. The SP-1 is just one of their new releases, and we expect to see even more exciting products from them soon!
If you have any questions about this product, please let us know in the comment section below or reach out to UAD’s customer care page.
What is the signal to noise ratio?
Overall noise A rated would be nice too.
They have not given this info in any right up I’ve found… and I’ve read many.
Thank you.