Best value mic ever
I own the Groove Tubes GT-55, which is the same mic. I bought it for $299 3 years ago, and it was the best money I have spent on my home project studio in years. Now that it sells for the same price as all those overhyped Chinese LDCs, I am thinking about picking up a pair, and a ST66 (the tube version) to boot! Before I bought this mic, I had an SM58, SM57 and a Studio Projects C1. I won't bother to compare it with the dynamics, but the difference between this mic and the C1 was immediately clear, even with the pres built into the Mackie mixer I had at the time. And don't try to tell me the C1 is just as good but simply has a different "character". This is not a "character" difference. The 55 is simply a pro mic and the C1 is not. It is clear that this is a much higher quality product, both in terms of build and sound. The 55 is smooth and big sounding, without being boomy or overhyped. The C1 sounds sizzly (in a bad, distrortion-ridden kind of way), thin, and inaccurate. It is clear that the electronics in the the C1 are substandard in comparison with the 55. I recently upgraded to better mic pres and the difference is even more clear. I was hoping to be able to find the C1 more useful with the better pres, and while its sound improved slightly, the 55 improved substantially, ultimately making the difference between the two all the more obvious. The 55 sounds great with any pre, but really excellent with a good one. I recently recorded two men doing group voiceovers to minidisc, with the C1 on one track and the 55 on the other. I solo'd each mic track. The C1 sounded harsh, with fizzy highs. The 55 was detailed without harshness, with smooth, extended (but not overpronounced) highs and powerful but tight lows. The room ambiance was better resolved, too (part of this is due to the C1's slightly tighter pattern, and part due to its lack of accuracy). Don't get me wrong--the C1 has its place. But I don't feel like I got my money's worth. I could do as well or better for $99. But with the 55, I feel like I got more than my money's worth (and when I bought mine they cost $100 more) If you can only afford one condenser, buy the ST55. For those who think it sounds too dark, after you have lived with the distorted sizzle of those Chinese mics, you and your audience will start to get ear fatigue--just like with overhyped studio monitors. The only reason I gave it less than a 5 for features was that it is Cardoid only, but that's a pretty tall order at this price point and quality level. Also it does not include a shock mount or case like the C1, but I'd rather my money go to the mic itself than accessories.
Reviewed by djsaint on 12/20/2006 who plays theatre/production music, indie rock, pop.
25 people found this review helpful.
2 people found this review unhelpful.
