What Are Modeling Microphones And Why You Should Have Them?

For decades, sound engineers and music producers have always rely on having multiple microphones for different applications during recording sessions. Most would also go for classic microphones from makers such as Shure, AKG, Neumann, Telefunken, Sony and many more as these mics are proven to be the best and virtually the gold standard in achieving the most perfect when recording vocals and instruments, which could also means they are expensive to acquire.

But in recent years, the term “virtual mic locker” have become increasing common with the introduction of the newest technology available on the market now, which is the modeling microphone. These innovative microphones offer a range of benefits, from versatility and flexibility to cost-effectiveness and convenience.

Modeling microphones are a type of microphone that can be used for recording, broadcasting and live performance. A modeling microphone system usually consists of both hardware which is the microphone itself that has flat response, and a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) software which allows the user to switch between different virtual microphone models and preamps in real-time or after during the mixing session.

Modeling microphones offer a wide range of benefits. First, modeling microphones are incredibly flexible and versatile. They allow users to switch between different microphone models in the software with ease, making it easier to find the right microphone for the job. This can be especially useful for recording artists who need to switch between different types of microphones for different recording sessions and if you have multiple recording setups or are working with different musicians. Instead of having to use different physical microphones for each setup, you can simply change your model on the fly in the software and be ready for anything!

Another benefit is that modeling mics allow you to record with consistency in sound across all your recordings. Since there's no need for multiple physical microphones (and therefore no chance that one will sound better than another), every recording will have exactly the same quality--which means less time spent tweaking each individual track in post-production.

Most importantly, it is cost-effectiveness. Rather than having to purchase multiple physical microphones, users can simply use a single modeling microphone to achieve the sound they are looking for in the software. This can save both time and money; you can use one microphone in multiple ways without having to buy multiple pieces of equipment that serve the same purpose (like a condenser mic), this is especially useful for those who are just starting out in the recording industry.

In addition to being cost-effective, modeling microphones are also convenient to use. They eliminate the need for multiple physical microphones and allow users to easily adjust microphone settings, such as gain, polar pattern and EQ presets, directly in the software during or even after the recording session!

Now let's meet the some of the modeling microphones systems we have in our store!

The “VMS” is a hybrid system that utilizes an extremely transparent condenser microphone and state-of-the-art digital processing suite that recreates the tone of classic microphones and preamps. The Virtual Microphone System collapses the wall standing between audio engineers and expensive world-class audio tools, allowing them access to the virtual microphone locker of their dreams ranging from dynamics, cardioid models of classic ribbons, famous small-diaphragm mics, and even large-diaphragm mics for under a thousand dollars.

The ML-1 microphone is the centerpiece of the Virtual Microphone System. This large diaphragm mic has a shock-mounted, gold sputtered, 6-micron capsule and a state of the art FET circuit path that ensures the most linear, flat, and clean ‘blank canvas’ response. Combined with the Slate Digital tube microphone modeling software, it can sound like some of the most classic microphones in recording history.

The ML-1 modeling microphone gives you instant access to a virtual mic locker stocked with eight of the world’s most famous mics such as the coveted tube classics (the FG-47 and FG-251) to a modern ultra-fidelity condenser (the FG-800).

Like its big brother the ML-1, the ML-2 microphone was designed to have an ultra linear response with no distortion, so that it can serve as a blank canvas for VMS modeling software. This neutral-sounding small-diaphragm modeling mic captures even the loudest sources with clinical precision — the perfect blank canvas to use with Slate's microphone emulations. The ML-2's compact size allows you to place it in tighter spots than their ML-1 large-diaphragm mic, but gives you the same sonic flexibility during tracking and mixdown.

The Sphere modeling microphone system consists of a precision large diaphragm condenser mic and a Sphere plug-in, letting you accurately emulate the most coveted vintage and modern microphones ever made. The Sphere mic has two capsules and output channels, capturing directional and distance information that is otherwise lost with a conventional single-channel mic. This additional information is used to reconstruct how different mics respond to the sound field.

The Sphere plug-ins are the software component of the modeling system. Sphere plug-ins even lets you change your mic selections and polar patterns after recording, accurately modeling the response of a variety of microphones, including transient response, proximity effect, harmonics, and three-dimensional polar response in realtime, without discernible latency. The Sphere software's Dual Mode gives you the option of phase-coherent mixing of multiple virtual microphone models from the same physical mic, either during or after recording. Using the Align control, you can even adjust the relative phase alignment of the two mics.

The Universal Audio Sphere DLX microphone modeling system consists of a high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mic that works in concert with software that meticulously models the sonic attributes of 38 of the most coveted microphones ever made - including legends such as the large-diaphragm 47, 67, 87, M49, C12, and other mics like the 451, 57, and even the classic ribbon 4038.

The Sphere DLX, a dual-capsule mic with dual outputs, enables a more thorough capture of the sound field — stereo recording can be done by rotating the Sphere DLX mic 90° and using the "Sphere 180" plug-in, producing a coincident XY recording with a 180-degree (opposite-facing) capsule arrangement. It is even possible to have different mic models on the left and right channels.

Universal Audio Sphere LX offers a streamlined approach to the company's renowned microphone modeling system. You get a high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mic that works in concert with software that meticulously models the sonic attributes of 20 of the most coveted microphones ever made - including legends from Neumann, Telefunken, AKG, Sony, and more. The mic's compact design ensures flexible placement options, while IsoSphere software reduces unwanted coloration and room ambience in challenging spaces.

You can also blend the sound of two mono mics using Sphere LX's Dual Mode — a surefire way to maximize mic'd snare drums and guitar cabinets.

Modeling microphones are not without their faults. While they can produce a great sound, there are some downsides to using them as well. For the most obvious reason, they may not match exactly as the sound quality of high-end analog microphones. This is because digital processing has its limits and will never be able to achieve the same level of fidelity as an analog recording device.

Because modeling microphones rely on digital processing, they are susceptible to latency issues (the time it takes for your computer to process data before sending it back out). If you're recording yourself and listening through headphones or speakers while playing an instrument at the same time, this delay could cause problems with your timing.

So in order to beat this problem, or if you have a computer that is not as quite high-spec'ed, it is advisable to the recordings using the microphones without the software first just to make sure the recording is consistent and in time with the tempo.

Modeling microphones are a great new tool to add to your recording arsenal. They provide a versatile, cost-effective solution and an easy way to get high-quality recordings without having to spend hours trying different microphones and preamps or spending thousands of Ringgit on gear that you may not need, making them a great choice for those who are just starting out as a recording artists, podcasters, and audio engineers.

The biggest benefit of using modeling microphones is their versatility, as they can be used in any situation where you would normally use a dynamic or condenser microphone. This makes them perfect for home studios, but also live sound applications where you don't want your audience hearing the noise from all those cables running around backstage!

If there's one thing we've learned about these devices so far it's this: just because they're called "modeling" doesn't mean they only work with the softwares and plugins--they work just fine on their own too! In fact some people prefer using them without any software at all (but if you do want some extra features then there are plenty available).