Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone
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Get the sounds of the greatest mics ever made.
Capture the best recordings of your life with Sphere DLX, the world’s most powerful mic modeling system that combines our flagship dual-capsule condenser with the Sphere Mic Collection plug-in to give you the sound of classic mics used by everyone from The Beatles to Beyoncé.
Record Through 38 Classic ModelsWith the included Sphere Mic Collection software — allowing you to instantly pull up 38 legendary mic models from Neumann, Telefunken, AKG, Sony, and more — Sphere DLX puts the world-famous sound of classic condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones at the ready.* See included mic models ›
Already own Sphere DLX? Download the UA Connect app to get your free Sphere Mic Collection plug-in today.See it in Action
Find Your Perfect Sound in RealtimeSphere DLX is the only dual-capsule mic modeling system that lets you audition mics before, during, and after recording. You can do this with any audio interface in any DAW. But with an Apollo, you unlock realtime workflows so it all happens with immediacy and precision, and doesn’t affect your performance.
Combine Two Mics Like Never BeforeIn Dual Mode, the Sphere mic modeling system allows you to blend any two mics, perfectly in-phase. This means you can start with a classic-sounding mic combination, then tailor it to find sounds that have never been heard before, all while only setting up a single microphone.
Capture Instruments in StereoThanks to its dual-capsule design, the Sphere DLX lets you easily record piano, drums, strings, and more in stereo. You can even use different mic models on the left and right channels for a more colorful stereo image.
Remove the Room for Clear RecordingsWith Sphere DLX’s Off-Axis Correction and IsoSphere™ technology, you can easily tame room sounds and reflections for cleaner, more professional recordings. With its expert presets tailored for the toughest acoustic spaces like bedrooms or project studios, Sphere DLX comes ready to use alongside popular iso filters from sE Reflexion Filters, Aston Halo, Kaotica Eyeball, and more.*
Get Ready to RecordSphere DLX includes a professional shockmount, 25' dual-output XLR cable, mic stand mount, and carrying case — so you'll be ready to create with the sound of legendary mics the minute you unpack the box.
LD-37A
Based on the classic 1950’s Japanese tube condenser used by icons like Jimi Hendrix, Nat King Cole, and The Beach Boys, the LD-37A model delivers warm, smooth sound. It’s great for taming vocal sibilance or harsh top-end, and is favored by pro engineers for drum overheads and toms. It also excels on vocals and guitars thanks to its upper midrange peak.**
LD-47K
The classic 47-style mic is the ultimate studio workhorse. Its thick “sit in the mix” sound has been used by everyone from The Beatles and Frank Sinatra to countless modern artists. A go-to choice for vocals, this mic sounds equally amazing on acoustic guitars, bass, and drums.**
LD-49K
This dual-diaphragm tube condenser was the first studio mic to feature a continuously variable polar pattern. Our LD-49 model is based on a vintage 49c, and we dialed in its "best" cardioid position to bring out the richness in nearly any source. This mic is particularly great on female vocals, having been used by artists such as Norah Jones and Aretha Franklin.**
LD-67 NOS
This coveted mic was famously used for lead vocals on classics like “Hey Jude” and "Sympathy for the Devil” along with Nirvana’s Nevermind album. Our model is based on a custom 67 mic using new-old-stock parts offering a smooth and musical sound, useful on almost anything.**
LD-87 Vintage
A mid-'70s solid-state mic that would come to define the midrange-forward sound of 80’s pop vocals. We modeled the low-cut and pad, giving you the ability to tailor the mic’s response to your source and environment.
LD-251
Built upon the coveted CK12 brass capsule and 6072 tube, the 251 is widely considered one of the greatest mics ever made. Its huge, smooth sound has allowed artists from Dolly Parton to Celine Dion to capture incredible vocal recordings for decades.**
LD-414 US
This nylon capsule condenser delivers clear, transparent sound. One of the greatest “all around” mics ever made, it excels at everything from intimate vocals and voice overs to high-impact toms and percussion.
LD-12
With its gorgeous top-end sparkle, this iconic '50s mic is often used for lush, breathy vocals. Its sound has elevated amazing performances from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, and many others. It is also commonly used for piano and drum overheads.**
LD-BV1
The LD-BV1 is based on a boutique German-made tube condenser mic that has been the centerpiece of countless modern vocal recordings. The particular mic we modeled was used to record The World Is Not Enough theme song for the Pierce Brosnan-era James Bond movie. Of course, the serial number of the mic is 007.
DN-7
Renowned for its use on high-profile records by everyone from Michael Jackson to Metallica, this ubiquitous cardioid dynamic mic can also be found in radio and broadcasting studios around the world. By adjusting the AXIS control, you can get the sound of the mic without a windscreen — a “studio secret” favored by pro engineers.**
DN-421S
Based on a rare early 421 with script logo, this model has slightly more vintage character, making it useful for warming up your guitar amplifiers, drums, or even vocals.
DN-20
This industry-standard broadcasting mic has applications ranging from vocals to kick drums. Its presence boost and high frequency dip minimize sibilance, and with the filter switch you can get additional tone shaping by cutting below 400 Hz.
RB-121
The R-121 set the standard for modern ribbon mics, and has become a classic in its own right. Featuring a figure-8 pattern, this mic is unique in that the rear side is brighter than the front. Thus, our RB-121 model is a good option for A/B’ing on sources that you’re not sure about — using the Axis control to quickly hear a brighter or darker sound.
RB-4038
Our RB-4038 model is based on a ribbon mic originally developed in the mid-1950’s by the BBC. It has a detailed sound that’s slightly darker due to its large magnet, and excels on drum overheads and bright instruments. Despite its high-frequency roll-off and exaggerated proximity effect, it works well on close sources or backed off room sounds.
RB-160
This model is based on a vintage 1960’s ribbon microphone with rich mid-forward character — notably used on famous rock recordings, from Jimi Hendrix’s screaming guitar amp to a pair used to record drums for "When the Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin.**
SD-416
The SD-416 is based on an industry standard shotgun microphone, commonly used in voice-over studios — it’s a go-to for that big Hollywood sound. Our SD-416 model has a super-cardioid pattern, which is less directional at higher frequencies, meaning it’s more forgiving when the talent moves off-axis.
All included models
Large Diaphragm Condensers
LD-47K
LD-49K
LD-67
LD-67 NOS
LD-87 Vintage
LD-87 Modern
LD-87 TK
LD-103
LD-12
LD-251
LD-800
LD-37A
LD-37P
LD-BV1
LD-414 Brass
LD-414 Nylon
LD-414 US
LD-414 T2
LD-563
LD-017T
Dynamics
DN-57
DN-7
DN-20
DN-409N
DN-409U
DN-421N
DN-421S
DN-421B
DN-12A
DN-12E
Ribbons
RB-4038
RB-77DX Satin
RB-77DX Umber
RB-121
RB-160
Small Diaphragm Condensers
SD-451
SD-416
Custom Mics
Sphere Linear
Sphere Diffuse
Sphere Direct
Specifications
Microphone Type Dual-Diaphragm Condenser Polar Pattern Variable Dual Output Frequency Range 20Hz — 20kHz Sensitivity -33dB (22mV/Pa) Output Impedance 200 Ω Recommended Load Impedance > 2000 Ω Power Source 48V Phantom Power Adjustable Controls Pad Switch (20dB) Connector 5-Pin XLRM Included Accessories 25' dual-output XLR cable, Shockmount, Mic Stand Mount, Carrying Case Dimensions 8.9" (225 mm) length, 2.5" (63 mm) diameter Weight 1.7 lb (770 g)
*All trademarks are property of their respective owners and used only to represent the microphones modeled as part of the Sphere microphone software.
**Use of artist names does not constitute an official endorsement of Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone.
“I've been lucky enough to sing through vintage Neumanns, and the Sphere LX delivers those flavors realistically and delightfully. I run it through the Hitsville EQ and a UA 175B compressor in UAD Console for gigantic sounding vocals that make me see ghosts!”
– Jim James My Morning Jacket
“I've always been a bit of a classic mic purist, but the UA Sphere DLX lives on a mic stand at my console and gets used on every record I make. It sounds great.”
– Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco, Pink)
“I work fast and write while I record, so being able to delve deeper and choose the best sounding mic for the song after I've recorded is invaluable. That's why Sphere DLX is my main vocal mic.”
– SOHNCustomer Reviews
N. Wilson
November 19, 2024
Amazing best in its class
I have match this mic with some of the real things and I am surprised on how they sound that close. It’s must have for the modern studio
Read MoreM. Fagnoul
July 10, 2024
Universal Audio
3 words : Mobile-Mic-Locker or Sounds-Really-GrrrRRrrrrreeAaat
Read MoreD. Ho
July 4, 2024
The best microphone I’ve ever used
I’ve been recording with an excellent tube mic for decades. I was getting ready to change the tube (for the 4th time), but instead got the Sphere DLX. The versatility of this mic is...
Read MoreA. Bose
May 16, 2024
One stop solution!
Wow!! Just what I was looking for! I've tried it on multiple instruments and vocals for various recording sessions, it's incredible and detailed! The software is really easy to use as...
Read MoreJ. Metzger
November 14, 2023
The led
This mic is pretty cool , minus the light show and the fact that you have to place the mic 90 degrees from the actual source seems rather peculiar . I havnt tried...
Read MoreM. Pardalos
October 19, 2023
Good but waiting on V2
UA have done a well job making the originally Townsend microphone, and Sphere GUI look sexy. At its core it is a good microphone. Personally I didn’t use it like a Swiss knife, I just...
Read More -
Customer Reviews
UA Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone
N. Wilson
Amazing best in its class
I have match this mic with some of the real things and I am surprised on how they sound that close. It’s must have for the modern studio
J. Metzger
9 months later
So after using this mic for about 9 months and buying a Neumann u87 , I have come to the conclusion that the uad sphere is trash . The uad u87 profile doesn’t respond like the real u87 . The sound produced from the sphere is cheap sounding . I believe they are using cheap Chinese capsules and I could honestly tell it was cheap when I first unpacked it . The mics grill reminds me of an mxl mic . I wish I would have never fallen for the uad trap . None of the plug ins will give you the same results as the hardware . Yes the plug in is cheap , but imo after working on world class gear I’ve came to the conclusion some mics make , tracking , and mixing so much easier . Do yourself a favor and buy the real gear that will actually give you better results and speed up the recording / mixing process .
M. Fagnoul
Universal Audio
3 words : Mobile-Mic-Locker or Sounds-Really-GrrrRRrrrrreeAaat
D. Ho
The best microphone I’ve ever used
I’ve been recording with an excellent tube mic for decades. I was getting ready to change the tube (for the 4th time), but instead got the Sphere DLX. The versatility of this mic is unbelievable. In addition to the incredible mic selection, being able to adjust proximity (after the fact) is invaluable. Best of all, it is the quietest tube mic I’ve ever used!
A. Bose
One stop solution!
Wow!! Just what I was looking for! I've tried it on multiple instruments and vocals for various recording sessions, it's incredible and detailed! The software is really easy to use as well!
J. Metzger
The led
This mic is pretty cool , minus the light show and the fact that you have to place the mic 90 degrees from the actual source seems rather peculiar . I havnt tried every modeled mic as of yet , but notice that the sensitivity seems to be consistent between models . This mic is really quiet which is a plus and set up was a breeze . Sound quality is a solid 8 out of 10 , 9 if the light was removed and 10 if it could capture stereo without having to turn the mic away from the source .
M. Pardalos
Good but waiting on V2
UA have done a well job making the originally Townsend microphone, and Sphere GUI look sexy. At its core it is a good microphone. Personally I didn’t use it like a Swiss knife, I just found a sound profile I liked and stuck with it. Sadly the sound profiles don’t change the build of the microphone, so whatever Mic-sound I chose, it still had that Sphere artifact highs. Being able to change settings from the control room is very handy! (Pad, polar pattern, lowcut, profile)
If there ever is released a version 2 where the overall quality of the mic is raised, I can’t wait to jump back on it.R. Miller II
neve
everything top notch I sild my 1084 rack after using the plugin
P. Singh
This Mic makes my decision simple.
Awesome Product! Sweet Stereo! I was in the market for a new vocal microphone and this one hit it out of the park! Find the model best suited and the color is there, simplest decision instead of grabbing different mics I can just click a new one and backup vox are separated instantaneously, recording an acoustic? Then just click which one fits the rest of the palate and your mix is clear just from the emulations alone. I’ll use this DLX for life! You can spend your money on the real microphones and I’ll have the audience not know the difference. SWEET DEAL!!!!!
E. Peterson
Unbelievable
I am an owner of the Townsend Labs L22 which is the same as the sphere DLx. It has been the most amazing and versatile mic I’ve ever used. The software is the stuff of science fiction and lets you use the right mic every time and fix it if you didn’t setup properly. I will get more in future and convert all my mics to the l22/ dlx. Thank you to UA for making the best products that help me make my best music.
J. Aponte
Incredible value for the money
I work as a professional musician and voice-over artist and for me, this mic kills it on everything! I've auditioned for tons of major VO jobs with it, many of which were for some of the biggest companies and projects out there, and I've not had any complaints. And what gigs I've booked with it, it's aced it. Having access to a number of the industry standard mics plus extra features to be able to optimize their sound is a big deal, especially at its price point.
By far, my current favorite VO pairing is doing a 50-50 blend of the TLM-103 emulation with the Brauner VM1 emulation. Absolutely fantastic, production-ready sound with very little need to do anything to it. Add onto that the UAD emulation of the Helios Type 69, and you've got a combo that works with just about every kind of VO imaginable.
And that's not even getting into the musical applications either; this has been my go-to mic for recording acoustic guitar and vocals and it aces both of those! Having a massive amount of choices means i can have mics for just about every single style of music. Its' flexibility cannot be overstated. This is a good mic to have in the arsenal.L. van Laer
Outstanding
I’ve been using a Neumann U87 for vocals for several years. On first listen out of the box using a classic vocal preset, the transparency and presence on the DLX surpass the Neumann. Wow.
D. Marais
Still my go-to mic years later
I am an owner of one of the early Townsend L22 mics (essentially the rebranded UA LDX) and I am still blown away by the quality and sonic textures of these mic emulations. The UA software updates make it even better. Highly recommended!
