This article answers frequently asked questions about SD-3.

Getting Started

What is SD-3?

Universal Audio’s SD-3 is a compact cardioid dynamic microphone featuring Hemisphere mic modeling technology, high SPL tolerance, and included accessories.

Which cable should I use for SD-3?

A standard, balanced, 3-pin XLR cable. Pin 2 is Hot.

How do I mount SD-3?

SD-3 attaches to its included standmount. The standmount includes a pre-installed 5/8" to 3/8" adapter that can be removed for 5/8" mic stands. For 3/8" mic stands, leave the adapter in place.

Can I clip SD-3 directly to a drum?

While drum mounts are not included, SD-3 is light enough and compact enough to be mounted directly to a drum.

How should SD-3 be positioned?

SD-3 is an end address microphone, meaning sound enters through the black grille at the top of the mic. Point the top of the microphone towards the sound source. Its cardioid polar pattern provides the most rejection at 180°, which can be used to eliminate unwanted sounds such as cymbals and hi-hats when positioned off-axis.

What is the polar pattern of SD-3?

SD-3 has a fixed cardioid polar pattern.

Does SD-3 come with any plug-ins or software?

SD-3 includes the Hemisphere Mic Collection plug-in. Using the same award-winning tech as our UA Sphere modeling microphones, Hemisphere gives your studio the authentic sound of essential microphones — in realtime with Apollo or natively in your DAW. You can also shape the sound of your recordings using filter, proximity, and axis controls — even after tracking.

There are no Apollo Channel Strip Presets offered with SD-3, but plenty of presets in the Hemisphere plug-in itself!

For more information about Hemisphere, read this article.

Which mic models do I get with SD-3 and Hemisphere?

SD-3 includes the following mic models in Hemisphere:

• DN-604 (inspired by the Sennheiser e604)
• DN-545 (inspired by the Shure Unidyne 545S)
• DN-4 (inspired by the Audix D4)
• DN-57 (inspired by the Shure SM57)
• DN-409U (inspired by the Sennheiser 409U)

Note: The new version of Hemisphere including the new microphone models is currently only available in the native UAD format – the UAD-2 DSP version will be released at a later time.

What is SD-3 great for?

SD-3 is great for snare drums, loud guitar cabs, brass, woodwinds, or anything that requires a microphone in close proximity to the source.

What is SD-3X3?

SD-3X3 package is a retail bundle containing three SD-3 microphones.

General Information

Does SD-3 require phantom power?

No. SD-3 is a passive dynamic microphone.

I'm selling my SD-3. How do I transfer ownership?

To transfer ownership of an SD-3, the new owner just needs to register the microphone to their account using UA Connect.

Specifications

Documentation

For more information on the SD-3 Microphones, UA Microphone Manuals are available here.