What are the Sphere plug-ins?
The Sphere plug-ins are the software component of the modeling system. Signals from the Sphere mic are processed by the plug-ins to emulate the modeled mics.
What formats are available for the Sphere plug-ins?
Sphere plug-ins are available in native formats for VST2, VST3, AAX, and Audio Units. Sphere plug-ins are available in DSP formats for AAX and UAD. The DSP versions allow you to monitor and/or record the Sphere system in realtime without discernible latency.
How do I authorize the UAD Sphere plug-in for my system?
Your UAD Sphere plug-ins are authorized after the Sphere microphone is registered with the UA Connect application. To get UA Connect and register your Sphere, visit this page to download and install the app, then open the app and follow the guidance.
I currently own an L22. How do I download the new software?
To download the latest Sphere plug-ins you must register your microphone using the UA Connect application. After the microphone is registered, the software is available from within UA Connect.
I'm an L22 owner that updated my software. I no longer see the Townsend Labs folder in my list of plug-ins. Where is it?
This folder was renamed Universal Audio Sphere. Inside you will find the native versions of the Sphere plug-ins.
I see two Sphere folders now. One says "Universal Audio" and one says "Universal Audio Sphere". What gives?
The Universal Audio folder contains the UAD versions of the plug-ins. The Universal Audio Sphere folder contains the native versions of the plug-in.
I purchased a Sphere LX. How do I upgrade to get all the mic models?
Apollo users who purchase the Ocean Way or Putnam Mic Collections get access to all mic models for the Sphere LX.
I purchased a Sphere LX. How do I upgrade to Sphere Mic Collection 180?
The Sphere Mic Collection 180 plug-in is only available for Sphere DLX and L22.
Can I use the Sphere plug-in on material recorded with some other microphone?
No. The Sphere plug-in is specifically designed and calibrated to work with the Sphere microphones.
Do the Sphere presets work with all Sphere microphones?
Yes. Preset selection does not change the source mic, so any Sphere microphone can be used.
Does Sphere technology model the noise and hum of the original microphones?
No, noise and hum are not modeled from the original microphones.
Does Sphere technology model the nonlinear distortion of the original microphones?
Yes! Sphere models the subtle harmonic characteristics of tube and FET mics. It does not model full overload characteristics.
What is the Polar Meter?
See the Polar Meter chapter in the Sphere manual for more information.
What is Off-Axis Correction?
See the Off-Axis Correction chapter in the Sphere manual for more information.
In the setup section of the plug-in there is an “Auto Cal” button. What does that do?
The “Auto Cal” button is designed to automatically match input signal gains between the two channels in the digital domain.
The Sphere plug-in keeps popping up a warning message about calibration mode. How do I stop that?
If you are feeding mono audio tracks recorded with a microphone other than Sphere, then the warning message is expected. Another reason the message can appear is when the "CAL" switch is enabled on the Sphere microphone, which is used to calibrate your preamp levels. In this case, simply move the CAL switch to the normal position.
What is the DSP usage of the UAD Sphere Mic Collection plug-in?
The UAD Sphere Mic Collection consumes about 9% of a single SHARC core at 44.1 kHz.
What is the DSP usage of the UAD Sphere Mic Collection 180 plug-in?
The UAD Sphere Mic Collection 180 consumes about 12% of a single SHARC core at 44.1 kHz.
What are the Bill Putnam Mic Collection and Ocean Way Mic Collection plug-ins?
The Bill Putnam Mic Collection and Ocean Way Mic Collection plug-ins are additional plug-ins that you can get for the Sphere microphones which contain additional microphone models in addition to what is included in the Sphere Mic Collection plug-in.
The Bill Putnam Mic Collection contains hand-picked microphones from Bill Putnam Sr.'s collection, while the Ocean Way Mic Collection contains the "best of the best" vintage microphones hand picked by Allen Sides from the Ocean Way Studios mic locker.
The Sphere microphone and UAD-2 hardware are required to use the Bill Putnam Mic Collection and Ocean Way Mic Collection plug-ins.