Universal Audio SP-1 Review: New Standard Pencil Microphone Pair from UAD!

Universal Audio SP-1

Universal Audio SP-1 Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
  • 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. With a small-diaphragm condenser, they make sure you obtain a high-quality and pure sound. The truth is, they make vocals and instruments sound clearer and extra impactful.

Furthermore, the Universal Audio SP-1 Standard Pencil Microphones are perfect for home recordists, skilled musicians, and content material creators. Particularly, geared toward musicians recording instruments and singers, they reject environment and off-axis sound.

Above all, the mics create room tones and set an ambiance. So listeners will really feel as if they’re with you at your live performance. Moreover, the compact layout guarantees that they don’t interfere with your interpretation by getting in the way.

Designed to be your go-to mics for all kinds of studio and live sound functions, every mic on this matched pair of small-diaphragm condensers contains a cardioid polar sample for centered audio capture and may deal with SPLs up to 142 dB.

Mic mounts with thread adapters are included together with a stereo T-bar that spaces the mics correctly, making it straightforward for even inexperienced users to get great stereo recordings.

UAD Logo

Universal Audio SP-1 Key Features

From legendary analog hardware just like the 1176 LN to a line of revolutionary audio interfaces, superior analog modeling plugins, and even a DAW, Universal Audio is continually increasing its choices, and microphones are the following natural evolution of the UA ecosystem.

The SP-1 provides you with all the standard, character, and musicality that UA is known for, so you may record acoustic instruments, drums, and percussion and live performances in stereo with pristine constancy for fast album-quality sound.

With a range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, the SP-1 captures your entire audible frequency spectrum with very good sensitivity and element. The cardioid pickup pattern offers wonderful rear rejection for correct stereo imaging with minimal bleed.

The most sound pressure level (SPL) ranking of 142 dB permits these mics to deal with even essentially the most bombastic drummers, and with simply 1% total harmonic distortion (THD), something you set through them will sound clean and clear. Moreover, their compact dimension makes them simple to place even in small home studio conditions.

In line with UA’s principles of making an all-encompassing hardware-software ecosystem, the SP-1 includes customized Apollo channel strip presets having hand-crafted EQ settings for including shimmer to cymbals or horns and strung instrument recordings with rich stereo sound. Note: The Universal Audio SP-1 pair needs a Universal Audio Apollo interface to access Apollo Channel Strip Presets.

Additionally included are two mic stand mounts, two foam windscreens, two thread adapters, and a T-bar that makes it simple to arrange precise stereo mic configurations. A must-have for any size studio, this package deal provides you everything you have to capture album-ready stereo sound anyplace.

Universal Audio SP-1 Features:

  • 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

What UAD is known for is its dedication to providing us users with the best possible hardware and software. We are all aware that their plugins are probably the most used paid plugins around and some of their gear is found in many studios worldwide.

With this matched stereo mic pair you will be able to add some width, dimension, and clarity to your records and mixes. No matter if you use them in XY setup or spaced, you will have a pristine sound no matter how you position them.

The build of these microphones is amazing and sturdy and the color that is applied to them will invoke some vintage feel and elegance to them – making them look as they sound. The amazing addition to this cute little bundle of joy is the presets for the Apollo channel strip that will only add to the unique sound that UAD is known for.

And for the price that they are going, you don’t have much more to think about because they will serve you well in the studio and will most definitely find their purpose, no matter if you record or you use them on live acts.

8.8Expert Score
Universal Audio SP-1 Review

The Universal Audio SP-1 Standard Pencil Microphones are perfect for home recordists, skilled musicians, and content material creators. Particularly, geared toward musicians recording instruments and singers, they reject environment and off-axis sound.

Handling
9.5
Features
8.5
Sound
9
Quality
8.5
Positives
  • Good for Studio and Live Acts
  • Amazing Sound
  • UAD Channel Strip Presets
  • Really Affordable

Conclusion

Don’t be surprised that you are seeing UAD making microphones and gear that you are not used to seeing them produce. They are a company that is known for quality and it is a logical step for them to improve and add more merch to their line of products. SP-1 is only one of the new products that this brand has and we believe that we will see more things from them soon!

In case you are having any questions in regards to this product, please let us know in the comment section below or reach out to the UAD customer care page.

Nikoloski
Nikoloski

Nikoloski is the founder and main content writer and editor of Mixing Tips. With his experience in audio engineering, mixing, and mastering for over 15 years, will provide hands-on experience and expertise in all the matters covered on this website.

1 Comment
  1. 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.

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