Universal Audio Sphere DLX Mic | Sony C800 & Telefunken 251

[@jeremy_woods]

They have similar characteristics, but those $10k mics don’t sound like 80 grit sandpaper in the upper mids when you dig in. That’s just what they do better and nobody seems to talk about that. They control the top AND have the air. That’s the pro sound. However, I’d be interested in hearing the Putnam and oceanway versions to compare more than the stock.

[@hanqin5035]

that's it~! the same feeling with you

[@littleoakstudio4254]

I own the sphere, and while its a damn good mic. the real mics just sound better. Even still, im not spending 10k plus for a home studio mic lol

[@acelota]

As a studio with a plenty massive mic collection (Sony C800g and C100, Gefell UM92.1s, Manley Gold, Neumann U87 and Townsend Sphere) I say the Sphere gets pretty close. Of course you’re going to hear a difference when you’re running a fully analog chain(mic pres, compressors, eq’s, etc….) after the mic. But I assure u, if u ran the mics through clean pres into your DAW, it’ll be hard to tell the difference…The Sphere was suggested to me by another multiplatinum engineer & I’ve been sold ever since. Will I sell my collection, no way, but it’s great for variety ♠️

[@mod3stmuzik]

would you consider the Neve1073 a clean pre?

[@acelota]

@@mod3stmuzik not really…it can be, but not so much. Avalon 737 is really clean. So clean it can be kinda sterile if you’re not using a tube mic with it ♠️

[@dannymolns3573]

​@@acelota how about the Isa Two? Would you consider that clean?? Thank you!

[@Mastapeacebeatz]

The real one is so clean and exciting ❤️

[@DariannaEverett]

Once processed the c800 and sphere are comparable which is crazy. The 251 is more obvious to me. But very impressive budget alternative! Always great videos Karra🥳

[@huhkgerry]

AGREE, the sound of the c800 and the sphere is almost no difference at all

[@angelitobandz]

I felt like the 251 was closer to the sphere and c800 more airy and spacious sounding

[@eli90s13]

Was waiting for this one! While I was shedding tears at the studio tour video because of how amazing it looked, I noticed the DLX in the mic room. I was wondering when the video would drop!

[@mike42441]

First, you make any mic sound incredible! I agree it's challenging to hear the difference in the final mix. Although to me, the C800G really brings out the best of the highs in your singing, which I think is another one of the things that makes your voice instantly recognizable. It's as if the C800G was custom made specifically for you.

[@Maji.official.]

Wow fantastic mixing and singing

[@TheOliveradams]

I've got 1 Sphere DLX , 2 Sphere LX , 2 CS1 and a pair of SP1 and I almost don't use any of my other mic's anymore . They are just great !

[@esoesjeff]

Which one do you like the most between dlx and lx?

[@cowabungaw9958]

I'm not hearing the tube character as in the real mics. DLX sounded more forward whereas the others tamed some dynamics from the onset. Thank you for grouping these three.

[@Iamunonymus]

your mix is clean af

[@dweingast]

She is an incredible singer

[@christopherrobinson8258]

your songwriting is off the charts

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

Sphere sounds more saturated to me. It sounds good but the main thing I always realize in these high end mic comparisons is the top dogs always have the smoother, yet more up front upper mid that's just in your face yet not harsh at all. 251 is king.

[@lovelegacy500]

I agree once the mix was done you couldn't tell the difference Wow

[@Denace]

That songs fire 🔥 … Would love a collab!

[@andrasvargas]

Cool presentation!

[@jupiternteardrop237]

Useful review thank you! By the time you get to the final mix ANY of the mics work absolutely fine, it’s just down to the quality of the voice, beats and mix. Solo the mics and you can tell the differences easily, but that’s the point, unless you’re doing folk/acoustic, old stuff, then for modern genres any mic at $1000 is absolutely fine. Mic brands are now just like cars and watches or handbags etc, people pay for the brand bling, proud owner factor, which is fine as well. 😊

[@dylanparker6992]

The main difference between the Sphere and the "elite" mics out there is how it responds to sibilance and breaths. The Sphere has that harshness where the more elite mics can handle with ease. (PS I've been a Sphere owner since 2018)

[@eli90s13]

Wow this is really good information. This has been a consistent issue I've noticed in other modeling mics I've used.. I'm wondering if they've at least worked on that after UAD took over hmm.

[@dylanparker6992]

@@eli90s13 It has to do with the quality of the capsule. Unfortunately it's not possible to fix without redesigning it entirely (which would only raise the cost). "You get what you pay for" has been an unfailing rule in audio unfortunately lol

[@drillgirl718]

yep i noticed many sony clones also dont get the sibilance like the 800

[@MurdaMetz]

I also own a dlx and imo the capsules don’t have the sensitivity to capture the nuance compared to some of the original classics .

[@ChaceBonanno]

Sphere owner here 🙋🏻‍♂️ I agree

[@Dramatello]

PLEASE do a comparison between the Slate Emulation Mic vs The UAD Sphere! I'd love to know which one did the better job of emulation...

[@lyonmuzik33]

the ml1 can do the same thing, it's not worth paying more for this one

[@henrikpetersson3463]

The Sphere is a better mic. The DLX has more features as well.

[@most.notorious.b]

Can you do slate digital vms ml-1 vs uad sphere ?

[@FleurDelisFR]

The singing parts definitely sounded better than the originals it seems to be worth the buy

[@Only1Science]

I sold mine. It sounded like a good representation of vintage mics, but my ears found a sonic common denominator between all emulations and it became boring. I plugged in my Mojave ma201 FET and it sounded better than all emulations. There's a rawness about real mics that can't be copied or replicated. The Sphere is approx. 80% close to the real thing, but that last 20% is CRUCIAL.

[@iamjiroe]

I would say… there’s a rawness than can’t be replicated for now… this tech w the addition of A.I will deff become more popular than regular mics or vintage mic for new buyers

[@DropkickNation]

​@@iamjiroeNah

[@iamjiroe]

@@DropkickNation more like.. yes

[@DropkickNation]

@@iamjiroe Nah. No chance. You will never copy a vintage sound like that. Maybe for less audio focused people that are happy with 90%. But never a 100.

[@iamjiroe]

@@DropkickNation I think you’re wrong but hey! You’re entitled to your opinion 🫨

[@MABM32]

Could you try the BM 800 microphone? Is it cheap and how would it sound?

[@gabbyallong]

Dang and I just invested in a Telefunken haha

[@ziggyteesha8800]

Such a clean sound amazing

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Does this Mic make your other Mics obsolete? And if so are you going to sell your original Mics?

[@david_the_alchemist]

I can't wait for new music from you.

[@dhortonofficial165]

The sphere sounds better with the effects than it does dry. With the efx it’s pretty close with both mics 🔥🔥🔥

[@JackMajor]

The sibilance in the DLX is pretty clear. It's like for both the Sony and Telefunken they have great high-end clarity equally to the DLX, but they sit tight in the mix without getting harsh with the sibilances. The DLX does not, especially not with FX. Despite sounding similar, it's like those two just have their place behind the instrumentation in the mix whilst still being present that the DLX doesn't, as its transients poke beyond the instrument and thusly don't feel like it has its place. I can already imagine a mixing nightmare based on that. Wish I had 10 grand :(

[@farlos]

sheeeshh sony c800g is so good

[@donnas8408]

Yeah, it’s so good all it is. It sounds a smidgen darker than the sphere and if you don’t like a brighter sounding mic, just EQ if you know what you’re doing, you people are all ridiculous when it comes to being fooled by the more expensive price.

[@andrewrodriguez1467]

The real deals are amazing

[@johnfreeman858]

You made me want to save up for a Telefunken 251 now!

[@realtalkroscoeg]

Get a Flea 251

[@dontmindme8832]

girl i’m so sorry if u already anwsered this question but what happened to your old songs? i loved them so much 😭💕 work,whoosah and money on my mind we’re my jam💕 ly and keep up the amazing work! ur an inspiration 💕

[@iamkarramusic]

They’re getting a facelift 😊 they’ll be back better than ever I promise 💖

[@dontmindme8832]

@@iamkarramusic OMG YESSS 💕💕 i can’t wait 😭

[@billesposito2112]

Wooww that's very close after post. And your vocals were loud for the demo. If they sat in the mix a little lower it would be almost impossible to tell which was which. Great sounding mic period. Even if it wasn't perfectly matched. Nice production.

[@deandresmith5761]

Agree they would.. the uad was higher in volume.. u wouldn't be able to tell

[@petrescuandrei3049]

Does anyone know if the song at 2.33 is released? Or is in plan? Cuz that sounds fire man...

[@deandresmith5761]

Now I gotta get this mix and I'm set

[@g3nius]

Sony C800G ❤

[@PICHJ.G]

Favourite microphone sony c 800

[@Yourweakminds]

I have a DLX, with both additional collections. Just easy and flexible. Not high quality, but easy to play: A fun novelty really. No surprise a circa £1k mic can’t compete with a £10k one. To my ears more air around the tele and the Sony: More life and vigour. Thanks for the comparison.

[@kerose]

Not high quality? It’s still a $1500 mic.

[@olabolajilawal5869]

The Telefunken is miles ahead in tonal quality overall. The C800 is nice but no emulator can give you that analog grit and tonal quality. They will try but there's a reason these mics have been regarded for so long for what they are CLASS.

[@johnfreeman858]

Agreed, sounds like instant pro when you hear the Telefunken 251. It's in another league.

[@donnas8408]

You’re all Trippin the difference between the Mike’s the sphere is a little bit brighter sounding that’s it. Nothing more nothing you can’t EQ around if you know what you’re doing.

[@_leivo]

@@donnas8408 Let them believe in fairies and Santa Claus for a bit longer bro

[@eagles527]

Mi opinión es que no se escucha igualmente pero si hay una gran similitud gracias por ese video me lo boy a comprar 🎉❤

[@lyonmuzik33]

ml1 hace la misma cosa por el precio vale mas la pena

[@johndecelien]

This New Mic is amazing

[@Slipsch]

Wish Lauten Audio send you their Eden mic to test out. Would really love to hear you voice on the Eden. Some other mic I would love to hear you voice with are Audio Technica AT5040/AT5047, Soyuz 017FET/Tube, Austrian Audio OC818. And would love to see you try the Rupert Neve Design 5211 mic preamps with the Silk features.

[@zpmicrophones]

Check out will Santana soyuz review

[@kulturedakid]

The mixed versions u can rarely here the difference that's tufffffff💯💯💯

[@neilanderson9151]

If you lowered the proximity setting on the Sphere, to reduce the lower end, and sweetened the high-end with a touch of EQ, the Sphere would be even closer to the Telefunken.

[@dspoet1]

The Sony C800 and Sphere model are close but the real 251 blows the Sphere out the water. No comparison. Can we get that vocal template though? Reverb and delay is on point.

[@johndecelien]

My Mom Passed away last week when you posted the studio tour

[@realtalkroscoeg]

RIP

[@poppasmoke4933]

Hey karra as the sphere hat 2 stereo outputs, do you need 2 analog amps ? 🫣

[@Stationx1]

Excellent video 💯 💖👌

[@sifer2407]

Thanks for this. I never really think of using a specific mic. I always go with what works for my track. I did hear a big difference in the real vs the UAD sphere. Still think it’s an awesome tool to have.

[@littleoakstudio4254]

The sphere is amazing, but the real mics are legendary sounding. that extra magic it so happens costs 10 plus grand.

[@MatteoGamingYT]

What daw should I use fl studio 21 or Ableton live 11

[@MatteoGamingYT]

I use fl studio trail vision thank you for replying

[@MatteoGamingYT]

Should I switch to Ableton I’m a beat maker and a song writer

[@the_shizon3322]

In the final mix it sounded like the Sphere just needed a touch of air, to me the highs sounded a tad less crispy.

[@devanwilliams4488]

I ain’t gone that telefunkin still funkin but the dlx right there

[@nunu9849]

What mic do you use to record voice over in this video? I think It sound best

[@Snipeless.]

what's the name. of the mic stand you use for the dlx sphere I hope you see this message

[@kintubeats]

People will say, this ones warm, that one is harsh bla bla bla, but if u close ur eyes and listen 2 the vocal stems in the mix u couldnt tell the difference 2 save ur life

[@deandresmith5761]

Tru

[@joeyf808]

yup!

[@SYNDRONE]

Only because you can't hear the difference doesn't mean it's not pretty fucking evident........

[@realtalkroscoeg]

Your high, you can easily tell the difference

[@sanidhyachauhan5578]

There is definitely a noticeable difference which is apparent even through phone speakers. But that difference aint necessarily due to the emulations but also because every take is different no matter how much control a vocalist/performer has. Only Freddie Mercury came close to this level of tonal replication

[@MelwinGeez]

I wonder how this microphone differs from Slate's ML-1

[@rogercabo5545]

Did you ever tried to sing in you speech register or a bit above? Does it work? Because you have a great speech voice and would be interesting to experiment with.

[@Rahulbhai.0001]

Nice video ❤

[@scorpion-unitrap5452]

Hello, so it is true that I have some nice microphones like the classic Neuman, AKG and Audio Technica. To name just that. Good on the Sphere L22, because that's the version I own. Ok I say it like everyone else, yeah it's pretty close, to certain originals, but really nothing more. For me, in my use of the Sphere L22 it is the possibility of creating microphones which do not exist, thanks to the morphing matrix and there personally I manage to create texture on certain voices, which I would never have obtained with a single microphone. Here, or rather here, is what I use the Sphere L22 microphone for only that. But I've already used it without emulation and frankly it worked really well.

[@444Inlakesh]

HEY GIRL! YOU ROCK!

[@briansoler4949]

Gotta get me one ❤

[@joshrainbow-IceTenor]

Hi Karra, fantastic video. I am thinking of buying this mic, I love to hear your personal opinion on my story so I can make the best decision. I am an professional opera singer and do my recordings at home. I have a apollo x4 and most of the UAD pre amp emulations and other good plug ins for vocals and mixing. I bought the Charteroak SA538 I think 20 years ago, it is that old, however, I didn't use it on a daily basis. The challenges I run into using this mic is that my voice sounds diminished, like it is locked up in a box and the power of the voice and also the clarity is not there - it sound completely different from what my real voice is. That means if I want to bring power in and clarity I have to do tons of processing to get the sound a little better, it is kinda frustrating for a 1700 euro mic. I made a vocal booth using professional materials hoping the sound would improve by getting rid of my living room over-acoustic frequencies. No difference on the power of the voice. There the vocal booth is closed with the professional blankets I get even more muddy sound. I recorded close by 3 inches, and 6 inches, 12 inches to see if it is because the mic cannot handle the operatic sound - the farther I stand away the thinner the sound becomes....I have no idea if it is the type mic I bought, or, that 20 years made it warn out although it always diminished my vocals. The DLX, do you think in your opinion and experience with the mic that it would be the solution for me and finally get my voice recorded as it is, or, do you think that the mic without any processing and even without the UAD different mic options, that it would capture my voice a lot better than what I described about the charteroak studio microphone! Mostly opera singers are recorded with 2 mics to get that wider kinda stereo field sound as you hear on classical albums, or Pavarotti's recordings. The DLX plug in does have a stereo option to record with and I wonder if that would mimic the way opera singers are recorded. What do you think? You can hear the vocals sound FREE and not boxed in and weak - I think you know what I mean...I think they probably not do a whole lot of wild processing on opera voices beside maybe some compression and reverb if it is not recorded in a hall - Hope you can shine some light into my recording world 🙂and looking forward for a positive reply hopefully that the DLX will make a big difference for my recordings...Thanks in advance...

[@zpmicrophones]

Check out the zp corti flagship or zp apx 207 , they are build like the real legends and give open clear sound like no other mic under 5k can , succes 😉

[@natural2712]

That song is hot

[@v3zMedia]

We need this video with Stam Audio clones 1 day. The UA mic got smoked. 😅

[@henrikpetersson3463]

They don't sound very close at all. Though I sometimes preferred the Sphere on your voice. Of course, with such heavy processing like autotune it will diminish the differences.

[@JuanNungaray]

Sony C800G for the win

[@PICHJ.G]

Nice!!😍

[@jinxypoes1]

the real ones sounds more silky and uad is more low mid and a bit harsher, but thats what you can tweak

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

I'm getting 100's or bags haters can hate? Hmmmm ? Bregoli already did this 😁 Not exactly new Stairway to Heaven or Comfortably Numb. Your life is like a post card everything so clean, so perfect 🤔🤔🤔

[@ravikashsaini2801]

It sounded really obvious even with full mixed when the mics switched. Anyone who says they couldn't tell has bad ears. And they emulations just sound different, I kinda see how it's an emulation, but it's super obvious which one is the real mic when switching back and forth. Not close at all for what is shown and heard in this video. Its kinda cool to have different mic sounds from one mic, and to that effect it's a useful tool. But the emulation is crap. The UA hardware emulations are way better, it's much harder to tell real hardware from software. But these mic emulations are super obvious even after mixing and editing.

[@nategiddens9620]

Hey. I remember a while ago, you did a KZbin short on how to make a song sound like a trailer. Can you do that again? If that wasn’t you, I’m sorry… but could you give your interpretation anyway?

[@JuliusThompson-b9r]

No..the final mix even made the difference much more obvious ..The sound of the twlefunken is just amazing ..its less noisier ,smoother and feels more gluey..uad and Sonny's difference not too much but also obvious

[@aklole993]

What song is this?

[@Don_nell]

What I've learned is people with great voices and people with silky voices will benefit from the Telefunken's mid high push. Sony gives clarity, but I would go with the Telefunken for really great singers. Sony for males and dark voice singers that will benefit from a clear loud mic. Sphere is good for searching out different tones to your liking.

[@JeffDaMarine]

I am requesting to work with you, KARRA.

[@krissheehy]

I wanted to like the sphere but this video demonstrated the opposite of what I was hoping for. It's extremely noticeable in headphones that it doesn't sound the same.

[@realtalkroscoeg]

DLX is to bright like every other mic under 2000. U67, 251 and C800g all are level just right.

[@uprisemusic2428]

How do I get my vocal output mono through the plugin ?

[@UniversalAudio]

The plugin outputs dual mono from Console. So if your DAW allows it (like Pro Tools does) you can simply choose to record one side and you'll have the model if you're in Rec mode. Otherwise, you can bounce the process afterwards once you've chosen your model and convert the stereo file to mono.

[@uprisemusic2428]

@@UniversalAudio thanks for replying, but I think that is the long way to process, can you make it easier for other DAWs like "the plugin should have Mono/Stereo out option in the future?

[@UniversalAudio]

@@uprisemusic2428 Thanks for the feedback. We're looking at options like this for sure. But many users will want to record both capsules so that they can do all the cool adjustments afterwards.

[@rashidimule]

Not even close, just pay attention to the top-end, The real 251 is the winner on your voice btw

[@christiangreim7763]

Unfortunately you forgot the advertising bunner again. Chris Townsend and Eric Pabb have done something great there. I love the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 but haven't compared it to the rebrand yet. Of course, it was an epic takeover. It almost reminds of Urai and co. This proves once again that Universal Audio has not lost its sense of the future. I wish you all the best

[@sunnybhatiamusic]

That telefunken yo😳

[@badcrockett57]

It would be nice if UA had a native version of this modeling system. I don't care too much about their DAIs. I prefer Antelope and Lynx products.

[@yourpuremusic9944]

Nice

[@marius-popa]

Yes, there are differences but nothing that cannot be solved with some eq-ing.

[@HanyAhmed-vk7rq]

Welcome first Also, I want a video that teaches us how to sing on well-mixed music, like the music available on KZbin.. How can I deal with it and add my voice and get the best result

[@BroccoCorleone]

Low mids aint the same vintage ones are smooth

[@milo90col]

compare with slate

[@ianbuchanan5006]

Th more expensive ones are defiantly more powerful with warm saturation

[@AlexValliMusic]

The Telefunken and the Sony sound better than the UAD. The UAD sounded a bit too heavy with proximity effect, the other two felt more open and natural. All three are decent mics, but if I had to choose the modeling mic or the real deal, I'd go with the real deal or at least a solid clone part for part kind of thing.

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

Humus? 1:33 what is she singing? Lol

[@V1T0]

C800G vs LCT1040

[@NOXBEATZ]

night and day

[@Joelfrancis]

251 sounds best in your voice

[@simonspeaker]

what the fuck are thoses vocals 😂

[@lloydstampa9270]

Sphere was close but the studio mics are a big deal

[@ChrisRoaco]

La diferiencia es muy sutil

[@DanielValentine-g8i]

Hiram Brooks

[@danielzalando6421]

the dlx sounds edgy to my ears. not even close to the originals. untrained ears may not hear a big difference what kinda seems to be the selling point nowadays. big companies try to sell the dream of having studio legends under your finger tips that nowadays technology isn't able to achive yet. so for me it's just emu-marketing like slate did before. hopefully one day software will be able to emulate hardware, but it still seems to be a long way. anyways, i really enjoy karra and reid getting those placements. you guys are true originals.