Universal Audio SP-1 – Matched Pencil Pair for Detailed Stereo Capture

The Universal Audio SP-1 is a matched small-diaphragm condenser pair designed for precise, natural stereo recording in studios, project setups, and live environments. Tuned for clarity with smooth top end and high SPL handling, they excel on acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and ensembles where detail and imaging matter.

Key Features

• Matched stereo pair: Delivers consistent tone and phase-coherent stereo imaging for drums, pianos, strings, and room capture.
• Cardioid pattern with high SPL handling: Focuses on the source while rejecting room spill, with up to 142 dB SPL capability for loud drums and amps.
• Hemisphere mic modeling: Included software emulates classic small-diaphragm condensers from studio staples, adding multiple tonal flavors to one mic pair.
• Natural, musical voicing: Smooth treble and controlled mids provide clean, mix-ready recordings without harshness.
• Rugged all-metal build: Road-ready housings and robust hardware make the SP-1 suitable for touring stages and everyday studio work.
• Apollo presets and DAW integration: Ready-made channel strip presets help you hit record faster with professional starting points.

Customer Benefits

With the SP-1 pair you get a reliable, versatile front-end for capturing anything from intimate acoustic guitar to full drum kits and live ensembles. The matched capsules make stereo setups fast and predictable, while Hemisphere modeling lets you reshape tone after the fact instead of committing to one mic sound. Whether you are upgrading from entry-level condensers or building a compact mobile rig, these mics give you pro-level clarity, imaging, and flexibility in a single, easy-to-use package.

Quick Specs

• Microphone type: Small-diaphragm condenser (matched stereo pair)
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Maximum SPL: 142 dB (1% THD)
• Sensitivity: -38 dB (12.6 mV/Pa, 1 kHz)
• Output impedance: 200 Ω
• Power: 48 V phantom power required
• Dimensions: 128 x 23.5 mm (length x diameter)
• Weight: 125 g per microphone
• Connector: 3-pin XLR

What’s in the Box

• 2 × Universal Audio SP-1 microphones
• 2 × microphone mounts
• 1 × stereo T-bar mounting rail
• 2 × foam windscreens
• 2 × thread adapters (5/8″ to 3/8″)

Use Cases / Ideal For

Ideal for acoustic guitar, piano, strings, drum overheads, percussion, horns, stereo room and ensemble recording, as well as live sound reinforcement and mobile recording setups.

Compatibility

Works with any audio interface, mixer, or preamp that provides 48 V phantom power and XLR inputs. Hemisphere mic modeling runs with compatible Universal Audio Apollo interfaces in real time or natively in supported DAWs via the included plug-in.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Matched stereo pair provides reliable imaging and phase coherence.
• Hemisphere modeling adds multiple classic mic flavors from a single toolkit.
• Handles loud sources cleanly while staying smooth on acoustic instruments.

⚠️ Cons:

• No pad or low-cut switch on the body; filtering and gain control must be handled at the preamp or in software.
• Requires phantom power, so it is not suitable for recorders or mixers without 48 V support.