I rap and record vocals, I’m on the mixing journey learning from reading and watching tutorials. The thing that makes the most sense to me is get it right at the source. And let me tell you this mic does exactly that. I recorded my first song using it an I used Sony C-800 emulation on my lead vox, Neumann U87 modern emulation on my BG Vox, and the Neumann 103 emulation on the ad libs. Let me tell you I have to change my whole approach to mixing.The moves I would make mixing vocals recorded with my Aston Microphones Origin are not the moves I need to make with this mic. It sounds as good if not better than the Origins (no slight to the Origin, it’s a great mic for its price) processed vocals right out the box. And using it with my Apollo Solo printing the pultec EQ, la 2a and 1176 compressor the heavy lifting is already done I ruined my mix approaching the Sphere LX recording like I did the Origin. I listening to the tracking version I realize I don’t need to do much else to my vocals. I got it right at the source!The hardware is well built solid and the LED that lights up when it’s powered on makes you feel like you’re recording into a quality mic. UA has amazing hardware it’s the “middle man” software you have to use to get access to the plugins that suck.The most useful features are the plugin especially the iso sphere module I’m using the iso armor isolation chamber and the iso sphere module makes my recording sound like I’m in an ideal recording environment.The… read more most un useful part is UA Connect app which you need to register the mic and get the Sphere mic collection plugin. UA Connect is not working on my iMac so I’m running the 14 day free trial of the plugin through my Apollo Solo but when that’s up The mic is just going to be a mic and for a $1000 I would choose a different mic for the sound of just one.

Value
I got it for $799 but If the Sphere plugin issues get resolved I would say it’s worth the money. If the emulation of $100,000 worth of microphones are 80% accurate that’s still $80,000 worth of microphones I’ll take it.

Manufacturer Support
Now the customer service is good but they have not helped me resolve the registration issue yet. I can’t use any of the UA plugins natively because of UA Connect I’m only accessing them from the limited DSP on my Apollo Solo. They did help me resolve some issues I was having but UA Connect hasn’t worked since August 14th when I got the Apollo Solo.

The Wow Factor
The sound quality, the look, the build quality, the flexibility, the options, and Iso sphere. This is a great mic for home studios pair it with a decent interface and you can make some good quality music and the more experienced you are the better your results will be. But even a beginner can do their thing with this mic.

Musical Background:
Song Writer, Recording Artist

Musical Style:
Rap/HIP Hop read less