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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.
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Great Condenser/Low Price
When starting to build my home recording studio, I was looking for something affordable that I could record some vocals and acoustic guitar with and still have a good sound. I was reccomended to the ST55 and I'm loving it. After 6 months of use, it has definately paid for itself. All of my friends are surprised by the awesome recordings I make now.
The -10dB switch and the low roll-off are nice touches, and I like the box, although I wish it was a hard case like the ones that come with other condensers.
Reviewed by BackdropGuitarist on 10/3/2006 who plays Rock.
12 people found this review helpful.
0 people found this review unhelpful.
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ST55 review for Vocals
I was recently surprised to see this mic as it is obviously a a renamed Groove Tube GT55 right down to the case. A decent Mic for the price, with accurate reproduction, but I find it a little bland for vocals, no sizzle. The bass roll-of and 10 db attenuation are nice features at this price. Think the RODE NT1A provides better sound for the same price
Reviewed by on 8/30/2006 who plays Soft Rock/Progressive.
10 people found this review helpful.
2 people found this review unhelpful.
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Good first studio mic
I picked this up at my local GC for 2 bills, though I was a little iffy on having only one polar pattern to play with. Got it home, took off my SM-58 (I'm cheap), put this in its place, and fired up the home rig to see how it sounded, after flat-lining my 1604's parametric, and bringing up my DAW software. I'm used to recording in a noisy environment, and with the hi-pass filter and attenuation switches, it's almost like I'm recording in a proper studio. Gonna have to pick up another one of these ASAP.
Reviewed by Joseph J. on 3/29/2007 who plays Rock.
7 people found this review helpful.
1 person found this review unhelpful.
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Good Value For This Price Range
I love this mic. Beat my old one without a doubt. This is the best mic in this price range. You get the most bang for your buck. Low noise, considerable sensitivity, and warmth. sounds great with my Tubepre and Firewire Solo. I can't wait to upgrade to an st77!
Reviewed by Ernest Parker on 3/22/2007 who plays Hip-Hop.
5 people found this review helpful.
0 people found this review unhelpful.
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Perfect for podcasting in various locations
I picked this microphone up because I was about to do a live show/podcast recording at a tattoo studio, and needed a decent microphone to pick the client and tattoo artist up. I didn't get a chance to have a test run at it, but I didn't need to. The sound was amazing.
I've used this at the tattoo studio, my spare bedroom/studio, and my co-host's duplex and a office building inside a warehouse and it picks up just what it needs to. I have yet to have any major problems with it, and I love it.
Reviewed by ITRadio on 7/2/2007 who plays Rock, Alternative, Punk.
2 people found this review helpful.
1 person found this review unhelpful.
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Worth Every Red Penny!
I can tell you how many home studios I've been to where they have everything but a good mic. So when I decided to build my own studio, the mic was of utmost importance. The only issue was, I had at the time a "shoe string budget". I went to Guitar Center in Southfield, MI. and got introduced to this mic. Best money I ever spent! Now keep in mind that this is by know means the best mic inthe world, but at the price point, it is awsome. It delivers crystal clear vocals and it's rugged enough to last over the years. I've used a few mics to record vocals, but this mic is outstanding in the booth. Get One, you won't be dissapointed.
Reviewed by Damion Morse on 8/24/2009
0 people found this review helpful.
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Well Worth it
For starters, it sounds great. Vocals and/or Instruments. I used it for about a month now in many recording tests just to see how well it did and how easy it was to work with as per its sound quality. It works very well. It is warm but not boomy. Although it does have a deep low end it does not overpower the rest of the frequencies. It is just there.
Recording a Bass cabinet was surprisingly well. It was maybe a little too clear- LOL. Hear everything that the speaker had to offer.
Vocals, it is smooth. You have to respect the distance but that is not the mics fault. The singer should understand where he is and how to sing in a studio. It will give you what you put in front of it.
The body is built extremely well and looks great!
All in all, it is worth more than I paid for it. Get it! I recommend it.
Reviewed by Gbluesy on 7/21/2009 who plays Blues, Southern, Country, Classic Rock.
0 people found this review helpful.
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Well Worth The Money
I have been recording live or in my small studio for years now. When I make any efforts to improve my system, I always seem to have the most success when moving up with the mics. Here is one of those successful add stories. This mic has what it takes to be a smooth yet pleasing sound while being an everything mic. It holds it's own all over. It does have that Groove Tube/Sterling way about it so it has earned it's way into my favorite mic list. The fact it does not need the Tube box like the other mics from Grove Tube makes it easier to use.
It does not do the siblin or boom thing or favor the source as to what is around it. it just records smooth and you get a very good reproduction of the source as is sounded when it recorded.
I like it and I am sure you will be pleased with it also.
If you want me to put it on a scale from 1 to 10 ( 1 being best ) I have to say it's a 4 and sometime a 3. Hope that all helps.
Reviewed by Gbluesy on 6/12/2009 who plays Classic Rock or Country and Blues and Boogie.
0 people found this review helpful.
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Great sound for low cost!
I dig this mic. I'm very happy with it. I mostly record vocals with it and a little guitar. The ST55 has a warm sound ,and is also very detailed. I'm using it with an ART MP Studio pre that I bought. If you know what your doing you can pull off that pro sound your looking for with this mic, it just takes a little tweaking.
Reviewed by G-Hef on 2/18/2008 who plays Hip-Hop, RnB, Neo Soul.
0 people found this review helpful.
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