Best Modeling Mics Compared! (UAD vs Antelope vs Slate Comparison)

What are the best modeling microphones for the studio? Justin Colletti shoots out the top options from Universal Audio, Antelope and Slate, including the LX, Edge, M1 and more
Article Version: sonicscoop.com...
Microphone Links:
Universal Audio Sphere: sweetwater.sjv...
Universal Audio Standard: sweetwater.sjv...
Antelope Audio Edge: www.bhphotovid...
Antelope Audio Axino: www.bhphotovid...
Slate VSM: sweetwater.sjv...
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#modelingmic #modelingmicrophone #UAD #sphere #DLX #LX22 #antelope #slate #stevenslate #m1 #m2 #edgo #duo #axino #note #musicmixing #mixingengineer #proheadphones #mixingheadphones #podcast #justincolletti #audioengineer #musicproducer #listenable #mixingengineer #sonicscoop #interview #Audeze #Neumann #Focal #Beyerdynamic #Sennheiser #Sony #Focal #StevenSlate #Shure #AudioTechnica #hifiman #akg

[@curseleisure5507]

I love my Townsend Sphere L22 (now the UAD Sphere DLX). So versatile. I see the stereo recording and alteration of polar pattern and axis after (and during) recording as being equally powerful as the modeling features, if not more so. And it's a really good sounding mic without modeling applied. There's so much you can accomplish with that one mic.

[@SonicScoop]

Absolutely! GREAT buy. I’d be really curious to compare the stereo recording features on the DLX vs the Quadra directly. The DLX does very well with stereo recording, and there’s so much that can be done with phase using the two capsules, to even get specific polar patterns in stereo. But I can’t help but imagine that I’m principle that’s where the Antelope one should have an edge with the Quadro. Whether that edge is worth all the additional cost in another question though! :-)

[@stripedelicstudios]

I have the antelope audio axino and i absolutely love it!!

[@SonicScoop]

It's SUCH a great mic for the money!

[@SonicScoop]

Article Version: sonicscoop.com/what-is-the-best-modeling-mic-top-models-compared-uad-antelope-slate/ Microphone Links: (Please use these for affiliate deals :-) Universal Audio Sphere: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Universal%20Audio%20Sphere Universal Audio Standard: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Universal%20audio%20standard Antelope Audio Edge: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=0&InitialSearch=yes&Ntt=Antelope%20Edge&BI=20084&KBID=13882&SID=DFF Antelope Audio Axino: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=0&InitialSearch=yes&Ntt=Antelope%20axino&BI=20084&KBID=13882&SID=DFF Slate VSM: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/3177824/794166/11319?u=www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Universal%20audio%20standard

[@scottykomer9992]

I have the Edge Duo and the smaller Sphere. I'm grumpy about Edge. I don't like the sound as much and the software integration for Antelope fails me too often. Comparing directly to my real mics the Sphere can get much closer... for my particular comparisons anyway.

[@SonicScoop]

I slightly prefer the Sphere as well. I think the Edge Go and Axino are great if you want something all in one that provides the additional channels. But comparing the Sphere LX with the Edge Duo, it’s hard not to favor the LX right now. Every once in a very rare while I have to unplug and replug the Axino for it to work. (Though never in the middle of a session!) Admittedly, I’ve never had to do that with my Apollo.

[@nine27]

what do you think Justin get a modeling mic like the DLX or get a Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387? Need something that is my main mic that is able to be as versatile as possible for potential artist collabs..

[@SonicScoop]

I haven’t tried the Atlantis, but would love to!

[@TheSlim1]

i can't afford the sphere lx or dlx i was thinkin about the avantone cv12 or slate digital or uad sc-1 i don't know which one should i get i use behringer b1 i want something way better than behringer b1 Thank You

[@SonicScoop]

The Avantone C12 has one very good sound for the price! If you only want one mic and don’t know what suits you best the SC1 or VMS could suit you well. Their c12 models will be closest to the cv12 sound.

[@carlos-ni4hn]

Heyyy justin Is everything ready for this mixcon 2024 ? We already know the song that engineer Jason are going to do?

[@SonicScoop]

He's doing TWO songs. Originally he was thinking of Vette Motor, but he picked two others that he thought would work better for demonstration purposes. HOWEVER, you can ask questions about Vette Motor in the chat during the live Q&A. And if you can't make it live, I can take your questions about it in advance :-) -Justin

[@loganunknown]

I work mostly offline, which one of these, other than the slate, allows offline use? I got the slate one and returned it as it didn't allow offline use.

[@SonicScoop]

I’d have to look into it, but the other options should fit that bill. Initial activation might require internet connection somewhere, but that can be done on another machine, so you should be able to do offline authorization. The Axino and Edge Go are hardware based so basically authorize themselves after initial registration, and if you have UAD or Antelope hardware, the plugins can run on that so it’s a similar situation. But even if you don’t have their hardware, I believe they both offer iLok authorization which allows for offline authorization. This is all off the top of my head from memory, so double check it, but I believe that’s all correct.

[@ThemFuzzyMonsters]

I have a Townsend Sphere (aka UA DLX). I struggle a bit with its sibilances and I believe I hear it in this session. The Antelope microphone doesn’t whistle as much as the UA.

[@SonicScoop]

Interesting. Do you have any other mics? I’m reluctant to think it’s the mic, as it has so many models that are so dark sibilance is unlikely to be an issue. Excessively sibilance is usually caused by bright sounds coupled with heavy compression that doesn’t catch initial transients. Most appropriately compressed vocals through decent condenser mics will need some de-essing. I’m my tests I didn’t find the Spheres I used to be brighter and more sibilant than others modeling options. Generally the other way around. The DLX did have a bit more of a “diffuse”, “open” and “airy” top end than the LX though.

[@NorthernMonkeyMusic]

Your comments regarding the IsoSphere on the UA are incorrect. They do not model the acoustic treatment at all. Instead, this is to be used to combat the filtering effects of those treatments should you be actually using them. It is in no way meant to replicate acoustic treatment.

[@SonicScoop]

Darn, you’re right, I’ll cut that part. It’s interesting, the filtering does make things feel closer, but it’s mostly just the change in off axis frequency response and the like. Thanks!

[@kelvynification]

The Edge sounds boxy:(

[@dodgingrain3695]

Frankly so many of them sound essentially the same

[@SonicScoop]

It is true that two U87s and a 67 will all sound fairly similar. If you know what to listen for and are well trained, you can learn to tell them apart, blind. But they should sound pretty close to the average person. And extended listening of long examples is more telling than quick switches on spoken voice. The biggest differences will be across categories, like a Sony 800G compared to a Coles 4038, which your half deaf grandmother might be able to pick out reliably. But even then, there are other things that matter more. Mic placement is often even bigger than mic choice. Same with the recording room. On the other hand, if you want to hear even tinier differences, try comparing mic preamps sometime! :-) The most important things that affect sound are the choices we make in mix balances, significant effects, EQ, compression and panning, and of course, arrangement writing and performance. Picking out the exact right sub-shade of blue is not essential to making great art. But in proper doses it can be fun and help keep us interested and motivated!