UA Sphere LX and DLX Sound Different

So, same mic models, same capsule. Different sounding mics. Let's take a look at why and listen to the differences.
Big thanks to @UniversalAudio for providing the Sphere LX for these demos.
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[@NinoAmerica]

What’s the vocal effects chain on this video. Wow! This is one of the best sounding videos I’ve ever heard on KZbin. No lie !

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

You can see the stack here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqaWh5-kn5yrhZY Basically, it's SSL > Precision De Esser > Cvox > DFC

[@BillBene67]

wow, not what I expected. I have the L22 but I do hear a difference from the LX to the DLX as well. Both sound amazing though. Nice comparison Mark.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thanks Bill! I was totally not expecting this much of a difference between the two. It definitely merits further investigation.

[@davecamille1184]

Thank you very much for being an early beacon of light in the world of these new microphones! It is obvious you truly care and are not just trying to sell something. If I may, I would like to voice that I and many of my colleagues are about to pull the trigger on one of these mics and are desperately looking for some kind of shootout between the dlx and the lx regarding the "essential" emulations, and especially the ones that were originally not modelled for the lx (like you did here with the Brauner). UA say that running the Putnam/OW collections on the lx is "possible, but not advised, since they were done for the dlx/L22". But, we are really curious how much of a difference it would truly make, whether the emulations sound as accurate (and "good/professional") on the lx, and, most importantly, whether some emulations would possibly sound even nicer on the lx (as shown in this video). After all, it could just be that UA simply don't want to give too many people a good reason not to spend a third more on the larger mic... In any case, we know how much of a hassle the making of proper, accurate shootouts is, so we truly appreciate your dedication and work, and we're hanging on your lips for more content regarding these microphones!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thanks man! As a longtime L22 user, I’m really now looking to replace it in the booth with the LX because I prefer the sound and the size. The L22/DLX is a much heavier mic, too, and requires a sturdier stand or boom. I believe the LX is Sphere 2.0, not a downgrade. As long as you’re not planning to do Sphere 180 stereo recordings, which I never do, the LX should cover all the bases nightly. And I think it’s pretty obvious that all the Sphere mics including Putnam and Ocean Way sound great on the LX and that Brauner/103 combo is gold. Stay tuned. More Sphere videos coming. I love this thing.

[@NinoAmerica]

My kind of channel! I’m thinking of buying this. Which is better ? Thanks !! Also. I have uad Apollo twin to match

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I'd go DLX if you're also going to use it for music.

[@MysteriesHear]

Hi Mr. Microphone Assassin, Which one do you recommend for strictly only singing/vocals?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

For music, I’d pick the DLX.

[@PhearNone7]

Thank you for that comparison! I knew I heard a difference when I first watched to the early comparisons you youtube.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Glad it was helpful! I’m going to do comparisons of Ocean Way and Putnam mics next week. Stay tuned!

[@ChaceBonanno]

So the LX is better than the DLX/L22? I have an L22. Pissed that UA rebranded literally a couple weeks after I got my L22. I might pick up an LX. Might just wait to see the next generation of them with all you’ve pointed out in this video. Whatchu think?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Don’t think the next gen of the Sphere will appear for a couple of years or more. You’re not missing anything with an L22. It may even be worth more in the long run than a DLX. Don’t worry about what you think you’re missing. Make the most of the L22. It’s an amazing mic.

[@ChaceBonanno]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff do you think it’s worth picking up an LX? I’m considering it as a more portable alternative to use when I’m on the go. Do you think it sounds too different to just interchange?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@ChaceBonanno That's not a bad idea. They do sound a little different, but I think it's all about context. Are you cutting tracks that will go into a mix or a music bed? Then the difference may not be as obvious. I have a video coming today with the LX and DLX up against a music bed so maybe that will help to see if they even sound different when the track is not in solo.

[@onlyfriendyeah]

appreciate you doing this, important comparison for people in the market. the lx is clearly the winner on your style. will be watching your ocean way comparison for the lx/dlx next. instant subscribe

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the sub! Stay tuned!!

[@TheRecordist]

The LX sounds fantastic, but I'm still partial to the big sound of the L22/DLX. Great video!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

That’s the beauty of it. There are no wrong answers here.

[@TheRecordist]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff agreed!

[@ConfidenZeTheHumanTorch]

They both sound amazing the L22 sounds boutique and the DLX sounds like a new type of mic

[@garyembar4774]

Objective, succinct dissection and delineation of “DLX vs Lx”series that there is on the Internet period! Mark, I’m waiting to witness your Lauten versus series ….with Eden/Atlantis/Clarion.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you very much, but I have zero interest in Lauten mics.

[@mitchmalloy3468]

Have you ever tried the Slate VMS. I’m shooting out the XL and the slate now. It’s very very close. I have all the Slate blackbird software mics though and only the stock UA mics. The UA47 has a more solid low mid but while shooting out mics for my RCA records ceilings and walls cd I was at “room with a view” studio in NYC and they had just acquired about 20 vintage elam 251’s, c12s and 47’s from east germany. So we did the most epic mic shoot out and I got to hear how different the exact same mics were. An Elam251 won. Id also used the “music grinder” studio in LAs 251 on my debut cd on RCA. Still the best sounding mic I’ve ever heard I wonder what happened to that mic. Through all this my point is that these all sound great but to my ear the L22 is still better than the lx. And I might have to get one.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Hey Mitch! In my opinion, for someone who has a big rock voice like yours, especially where the meat of that tone is generally above C4, the rich midrange and air of a 251 is the ticket for sure. I’ve never tried the Slate, mostly because I had been a total douche-snob about it, but one thing that I started to question about modeled mics was the lack of a physical transformer since they are all transformerless mics with faux harmonic grit sprinkled on top, and while it may seem accurate to the ear, whether or not it would behave the same way in a busy mix. You may get close to that fabled Grinder 251, but it may also always be missing something, and I bet if that was their magic mic, it probably had a great tube in it to really saturate when you belted into it. Don’t get me wrong, I think mic modeling is the future, especially with great tubes getting scarcer and scarcer every year, but you can’t beat the real thing… yet. And that being said, I totally agree that the L22 sounds more authentic, mostly due to its larger headbasket.

[@mitchmalloy3468]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff You’re a very nice man. Steven and I go way back and he’s a fan and sent me that when it came out and it saved me as my current custom made inner tube mic was constantly crapping out. And to me it sounded great. And I was spoiled beyond measure. But then I heard the L22 on line and i was like hummmm better? Maybe. But id never tried one so i figured it was time so i got the smaller one by mistake 2 days ago. Its good. Seems to have a thicker low mid on the 47 but i don’t have the putnam samples. Im wondering how much difference they make. But yeah i do notice when I smash either with the volume of my voice it doesn’t crumble as nice as a real one did or as the inner tube mic did when it worked. But the blackbird 47 sample is the first 47 I ever found useful. I think I’m going to get the L22. And keep the best one. You wouldn’t know this about me but I landed a starburst voice over in 1990 in NYC and it ran heavy on MTV. Was nice mail box money. But then i got too busy with my career and touring to do any more. They told me I was believable and sounded young and called a few times but i could never show up. Snickers and miller light. I Still speak very young but yeah I’m a first tenor so way different than you. Id like to speak to you if possible if you could you email me at [e-mail] I’ll send you my cell. Thanks again for such a kind and detailed message back.

[@OrquestaCafe_J_RUIZ]

how do you record a mono channel using the DLX ? It's very difficult to pan guitars that are recorded in stereo!!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

The sphere plug in sums it to mono

[@OrquestaCafe_J_RUIZ]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff how?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@OrquestaCafe_J_RUIZ That's what the plug in does. Unless you want to record stereo with the Sphere 180 app. You may want to watch some of their videos for more details.

[@wilmartin9178]

very thorough break down of both mics! Couldn't the ambience heard in the bigger DLX mic can be addressed by choosing a tighter pickup pattern?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thanks! Great question. Unfortunately, it’ll always be a factor of the headbasket resonance physics since in essence, the headbasket is “pre capsule” in the chain.

[@wilmartin9178]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff very, very good point.

[@skepticsandseekers4715]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff While true, it seems that something like DeRoom2: a room echo remover, could do the job of making things tighter in post. Still, if you know you always want a tighter sound, it makes sense to get the mic that does that. Even so, the full body sound of the chunky boy was also very nice.

[@MarkVO]

I completely agree with the assessment. I think the "roominess" or "space" of the L22 sounds very much like undesirable resonances for VO. Great for singing (which is likely the reason this mic even exists). The Sphere LX has this extra sharpness and directness and I absolutely hear it.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Right? And I bet they could fix most of it by putting a similar capsule deck dome on the DLX. It would cost pennies to make.

[@RedJay]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Aside from the dome (which should have been added on such an expensive mic...) UA could have taken a step back and said "how much would it cost to ship the DLX with two baskets, one for space and one adapted LX style one for tight sound even though it might look funny on wider mic build some folks may want that option?"

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@RedJay I agree they should put the dome on the DLX. My understanding is they left it as-is with only the pad switch change because it was turnkey at the factory to just make them the Townsend way with a new badge, which was an important financial consideration, especially during the supply chain issues of Covid. But yeah, it’s an obvious issue.

[@RedJay]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Amazing to think the echos of the past few years are still hitting companies.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@RedJay It's totally wild. And it's going to take at least another year to normalize. All of the surprising, unexpected stuff UA released in the last year or so is based upon what they could do with what was available. Most companies weren't as resourceful, which is why it seems like, so far, there's a real lack of interesting new hardware being teased for NAMM by anybody.

[@uv4bk]

Great video! I am really liking the sound of the TLM-103/Brauner on this mic. I also dig the smaller body and travel case, and your analysis about the headbasket is interesting. I wonder if the original Sphere is 'more accurate' for modeling the 47s, given that the headbasket is a huge part of the sound of that mic! The headbasket dimensions of the brauner (and TLM-103, to a lesser extent), are more closely aligned with the current LX model, so I wonder if that plays a part in the accuracy of the modeling of those microphones (as opposed to being in a 47 style head basket, which they were never intended to be). Keep up your great work!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you! Speaking of, there’s a 47 LX/DLX comparison in the video I posted today that centers on that very idea of how the headbaskets sound different kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZbJeYiYf9RmkKs

[@larryjeffryes6168]

I think you just answered my question. I can blend a U47 with a M251?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Yup!

[@xenprovence6126]

Please Help! I am using my L 22 above my drums. It’s positioned rather close, about 40 inches above the snare. My question is what is the best angle at which to point the L 22? Due to it being in stereo mode, It’s obviously pointed at the drums with the stereo symbol facing the snare …should I angle it parallel to the snare drum or should I angle it with the head basket top facing down at the snare drum? (I want to add that I am not using any tom or snare drum mics. But I am using the proximity knob to virtually lower the L22 mic towards the drums. In addition to the high overheads for cymbals, the L22 essentially becomes a stereo close mic for the snare and toms. I also have a wide open kick mic, and both these microphones are running sympathetic gates to add clarity to each of their signals. Who knows maybe there’s someone out there who finds this interesting and could add any beneficial comments to better my process.) Thanks so much for your wonderful videos.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Just experiment. Don’t be in such a rush to find all the answers.

[@thejimclarkmusic1]

Dr. Your analysis with the in-depth thought process made my decision easy. I owe you some music now. I have just the commercial music jingle piece in mind. Conclusion for the 2023 Holiday Sale…. 1. Buy the LX $799 2. Buy the Sphere Mic collection for $59 from UA. I do both broadcasting and singing……… A practicing genius always thinks things “a little past through!”…….”You” 😊

[@Macho_Beats]

Thanks my friend for such an amazing video. Can I ask what shock mount are you using?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

You're welcome! I'm using Rycote Invision on both. Using the Invision VB for the DLX/L22. Big fan of the Rycote mounts.

[@Macho_Beats]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Thank you.

[@leshawn1977]

What I noticed is that the shock mount for the DLX sucks the weight always slopes down doesn't matter how you tighten it what's is the school mount your using

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

It’s a Rycote Invision. The large one.

[@leshawn1977]

Ok I was looking at that shock mount

[@jeffstewartauthor]

Alright.... Woke up with this waiting for the first cup of coffee, to listen in my most chill, optimisticaly cynical and objective mode which is half the first cup of coffee down. Now, upon first back-and-forth, in my headphones, my first reaction was the DLX sounds bigger, but, as I kept listening, I realized it was only that in contextual sound. Once I focused in on the sound of the LX, I quickly understood it sounded a lot better than the DLX, which I didn't expect. Cleaner, even warmer. Nothing against the DLX, it's fantastic, but the reason why I watch this channel first is because of the subjectivity. Had I not seen this, I would have, in time, not even considered the LX and went straight for the big, girthy guy. haha. 3:32 to 3:38 is gold, by the way... That said, I will be putting this mic in queue for the next purchase. Great video here, man. Wanted to ask you, mic aside, what you thought about the WA 73 EQ. When I heard it into the Twin X where I bought the U87ai, it sounded really good to me. Added something. And it doesn't cost the small fortune the actual Neve 1073 does. Anyway, thanks for the contrast here, Mark. Glad I saw this today!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thanks Jeff! I was pretty surprised how different they are. The LX really is Sphere v2.0. I can’t really speak to the WA73 EQ. I haven’t tried one but I totally get why you’d be interested. U87 into Neve is a sound that is so classic that it’s practically in our dna. That Neve low end warmth pairs well with the 87 low end. Luckily, I bet you could 30 day demo the WA73eq practically anywhere. Really with any 73, you don’t get fully get the signature Neve sound until you enable the EQ circuit.

[@jeffstewartauthor]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Thanks, man. Yeah, just listened to this video again. “It sounds expensive,” is a perfect way to put it. I’m still shocked by the difference! What a trip.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@jeffstewartauthor Between the quality of the newest mic models and what clearly appears as UA's commitment to the Sphere, I'm ready to double-down on not needing to buy another mic. I mean, I want to buy other mics, but I've been gigging with the Brauner/103 combo this week and it's been pretty great on everything I've thrown at it.

[@jeffstewartauthor]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Soon as I can, I'm getting one. I must.

[@RickMolloy]

wow the lx really does sound like it has way more presence. My dlx showed up today so I guess I'll have to experiment with 3d printing a diffuser to go inside... My studio is in hiatus for a bit though, there was a water event at the current studio yesterday (gear appears to be mostly OK) but its 75-80 db in the house depending on the room I'm in. So I'm taking this as a sign to get the new studio up and going promptly.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Dude! So sorry to hear about the water event. Yikes! Glad your gear seems to be unscathed. That's scary stuff. I hope getting set up in the new space is as friction-free as possible. Keep us posted if you do craft a capsule deck diffuser for the DLX. That sounds like a great idea.

[@billesposito2112]

I think the LX sounds more natural. The DLX adds a lot more low end. Still sounds great. In a perfect world the LX would come with all 38. Great Content. Love this stuff. Thanks.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Totally agree!

[@zettepix2009]

I have to believe you as a professional who can also compare to other mikes but (through an ipad) I preferred the dlx for your voice. It was fuller in frequencies so that you can then equalize if needed. But I was thinking of the use case of singing in a mix. For voiceover the lx seems to require less treatment.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

For sure. LX seems better suited for VO and DLX for music.

[@Tav_cr]

Big Mic sounds better to me and would be my future choice when my moment to buy a Sphere comes. Love that Neumann Logo shirt.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I find this shirt so frustrating because they printed the logo about two inches too low, LOL.

[@Tav_cr]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff I recognized it immediately. ♥

[@ERICDIZZYASMR]

The 87 sounds like heaven.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Absolutely agree. I do think both 87s sound pretty great. Plus, you also get the 103 and the 67 NOS, so it covers a lot of ground in that sonic family. And if that was all the Sphere did, it would be good enough.

[@lubosnovak3668]

I have a UA Sphere DLX and I'll put my neck on it, unlike the original L22 it also has covered diodes. Unlike the Sphere LX, the cover over the LEDs is split into thirds. I have no idea why. It does mean, however, that the original Townsend Sphere L22 and its younger sister, the UA Sphere DLX, are much more different than you might think. It would certainly be worth comparing the two.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Interesting! Thank you for including your observation. I hadn't known that. However, there probably won't be any more Sphere demos here. No longer a UA user.

[@ssserotonin1373]

Save the money and get the UAD Csuite cvox to rid the ambience??

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

If you’re on a Mac, take a peek at Hush.

[@ssserotonin1373]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Cool deal will check out

[@wenshutang2645]

Thank you sir，is the DLX=L22？

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

They’re the same. Only the pad switch is different.

[@LightVehicle]

Hi what is it like for singing songs. That's what I want it for. Thank you for the informative video. Interesting 🤔

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you. As I don’t sing, I can’t really speak to what that experience is like, but I know of a lot of people who love the sphere for music.

[@tdoto]

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE APOLLO SOLO CAN RUN THE 2 PREAMPS? THERE IS 0 INFO ONLINE THANK YOU

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

To be clear, are you asking if you can run a Sphere into two linked channels through a preamp model on a Solo? I believe you can.

[@tdoto]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff I’m just wondering if anyone has actually done it, I’m assuming you’re going to need to run the sphere modelling unison for both inputs which is probably a lot of DSP. Also never actually tried to run 2 mic’s through the solo, although the i/o would indicate it’ll run with no problem. Maybe it’s just the word solo messing with me.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@tdoto The Sphere plug in runs as a single instance across it. You link two channels as if it were stereo into one single channel in Console and the Sphere is only used once across both to interpolate the signal into a dual mono output sent to the fader. Overall, the Sphere plug in doesn't use that much DSP. You may want to wander over to UADForum.com and see what they're saying there, but I'm thinking it can be done on a Solo with no problem.

[@tdoto]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff really appreciate the info and super fast replies, really didnt want to have to go through the trouble of getting another twin but sounds like its a good chance it'll be smooth sailing. cheers man.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@tdoto Fingers X'd. If you get a chance, report back how it's working. I'd love to know from someone who has tried it.

[@crazyKurious]

yes there is a weird high end ! It has a little brittle sheen to it. I am listening this through my sony MDR-Z1R

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Interesting. I’ll have to start listening back on some other sources. Thanks.

[@OGBPTV]

The DLX actually sounds better for voice over in my opinion.sounds more expensive. The LX sounds like it would be better for radio or sports commentator.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I can totally see that.

[@sergigahr]

they are not the same circuit inside. the LX always sounded better to me

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Right? Different circuit. Different headbasket. The LX definitely won the shoutout to stay in the booth. I get it that the DLX was basically turnkey from the L22, but if the powers that be had given the DLX the same kind of plastic capsule deck dome as the LX, it would have made a huge difference, but then every L22 owner would want that mod.

[@donnas8408]

Like DLX sound better - both great- why do you choose to turn your mic upside down?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thanks! I hang my mics inverted to make it easier to push the ones I’m not using out of my eyeline when not in use.

[@skepticsandseekers4715]

If this microphone came with a model of your voice, it would be a bargain at ten times the price.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

See, that would be great. I could collect a royalty and spend the rest of my life in board shorts living near the beach. Give them a call and make it happen, please.

[@TeleporterM11]

Has anyone compared this mike to the AkgC414 ll.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Not I.

[@JohnHanssonDotCom]

I don't think I learned almost anything useful from this. What was said could have been said in a few minutes. But I guess you were just so happy about the sound that you couldn't stop talking 🙂 And it's always nice to see people with passion, so I guess that is what I appreciate from this video.

[@mrgreen6221]

Bought it...

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@mrgreen6221]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff you really sold this to me big time!!! Very impressed with what I heard. Should be here early next week. Thanks again for the advice.

[@galgogergo]

@@mrgreen6221 Did you get it? How do you ilke it so far?

[@xlilxillx]

sounds amazing. the DLX sounds like poo

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Anyone who tells you there isn’t a difference between the two has no ears.