Sterling Audio is well known for their latest line of great sounding, affordable microphones ranging from large diaphragm to ribbon to a multi-pattern tube mic. These mics are great for recording instruments and vocals alike. Before we get into the video of Pete Thorn doing an in depth demo of a couple of these mics, let's take a look at some of their specs.
ST159 Multi-Pattern Condenser
The Sterling Audio ST159 is an outstandingly versatile microphone, able to capture a wide range of sources with detail and clarity at a price range that's perfect for the home or project studio budget. With multiple pickup patterns to choose from, including cardioid, omni and figure-8, the ST159 features a ton of flexible options to cover just about any recording scenario, making this a perfect fit for any collection.
The ST159's capsule translates a warm, smooth and articulate sound that works exceptionally well with acoustic instruments, but with its full frequency range and extreme volume handling, it can really be used for just about any recording scenario you'll encounter in the studio.
ST170 Active Ribbon
The Sterling Audio ST170 blends the rich, smooth tonal qualities of a ribbon microphone with a modern voicing that will excel in many situations. It features a standard figure-8 pickup pattern that’s remarkably versatile, delivering a full frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz with extremely high volume handling rated up to 132dB max SPL.
The ST170 is an excellent choice to capture the rich character and natural tone of electric guitar cabinets, but works exceptionally well with a wide range of instruments. The active design of the ST170 microphone uses 48V phantom power to deliver your signal at the most optimal level, resulting in a rich bottom end with an incredibly detailed presence. Even without any EQ or processing, the ST170 is capable of delivering a mix-ready sound.
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Here's Pete Thorn demoing the Sterling Audio ST159 and ST170:
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View our whole collection of microphones