This article answers frequently asked questions about the UA SD-1 microphones.

Getting Started

What is the SD-1 Standard Dynamic microphone?

The SD-1 is a dynamic mic designed for studio and broadcast applications.

How do I mount the SD-1?

Mount the SD-1 to a mic stand or boom arm using the integral 5/8" thread mount. A 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter is included for mic stands or boom arms that require a 3/8" thread.

What is SD-1 great for?

Podcasting, streaming, vocals, and high SPL sources such as drums, percussion, and brass. The dynamic capsule and cardioid polar pattern work great when isolation and off-axis rejection is needed.

Which cable should I use for my SD-1?

Any standard, balanced, 3-pin XLR cable

Which direction should the SD-1 point?

The SD-1 is an end-address microphone, meaning that the sound enters through the end or top of the microphone. You’ll want to point the mic towards the sound source for maximum sensitivity and off-axis signal rejection.

What is the appropriate distance from the microphone?

The SD-1 is designed to operate at a close range of less than 12 inches (30 cm). Experiment with the proximity effect by moving the microphone closer to the sound source. This increases low frequency and provides a classic "broadcast" sound for voice applications. 

Do I need to use a pop filter?

The SD-1’s built-in windscreen helps tame plosives. In most cases, an external pop filter is not needed.

Does SD-1 come with any plug-ins or software?

Yes! We designed custom Apollo Channel Strip Presets for Apollo and SD-1 to give you great sounding results right out of the box. Download the UA Connect app and follow the steps to register your SD-1. Once the microphone is registered, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to download the presets, and instructions on where to install them.

The Standard Series microphones also come with Apollo Channel Strip presets.

To get your presets follow the steps below.

1. Open UA Connect.
2. Click Microphones in the left column and select your mic.
3. Click INSTALL under Additional Downloads.

To load your Apollo Channel Strip Presets, click INSERTS in Console.

How to import your Channel Strip Presets into Console?

1. Unzip the downloaded file.
2. Move the folder to the following location:

macOS: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Universal Audio/Presets/Channel Strip

Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Universal Audio\Powered Plugins\Presets\Channel Strip

To learn how to use your presets, watch the UAD Basics video.

General Information

Does SD-1 need phantom power?

No. SD-1 is a passive dynamic microphone.

Will phantom power damage my SD-1?

No. SD-1 will not be damaged if connected to a mic preamp that provides phantom power. Note that SD-1 does not need phantom power to operate.

Can I connect the SD-1 directly to a computer?

You need to connect SD-1 to the mic preamp of an audio interface such as Apollo or Volt to use SD-1 with a computer. However, Volt interfaces can be used to record SD-1 into an iPhone or iPad.  

What are the switches on the bottom of the microphone for?

These are filter switches that allow you to customize the sound of your SD-1. The switch on the left is a low cut (high pass) filter that reduces frequencies below 200 Hz at a gentle 6dB per octave. The switch on the right is an articulation boost that provides a slight bump (3dB) between 3 and 5 kHz. This boost provides added clarity and articulation in the speech range.

Does SD-1 require a cloud lifter before my microphone preamplifier?

No, most preamps in modern interfaces have enough gain to properly boost the signal of SD-1. If additional gain is desired before the microphone preamplifier, SD-1 works perfectly well with a Cloudlifter. Note that you can also add clean gain digitally using plug-ins in your DAW.

Can I use SD-1 in a live performance situation?

Yes! SD-1 is a great solution for any recording or live sound environment. Thanks to its internal shock mounting system, SD-1 also rejects coupling noise from the mic stand. 

How do I remove the windscreen from my SD-1?

Look for the seam where the plastic windscreen collar meets the metal microphone body. Using your fingernail or similar tool, gently separate the windscreen collar from the body of the microphone at this seam.

Why should I buy an SD-1 over some other competing microphone?

Great sound quality, great industrial design and appearance, and Apollo Channel Strip Presets.

How does the sound of SD-1 compare to microphones from other companies?

SD-1 is comparable to any studio and broadcast dynamic microphone on the market. Combining SD-1 with Apollo or Volt interfaces provides world class results

Specifications

Documentation

For more information on microphones, the complete collection of UA Microphone Manuals is available here.