Gallery
Description
Features
Specs
Reviews
Q&A
Sterling Audio

collapse expand iconDescription

The Sterling ST159 Microphone Pictured in Its Rugged Aluminum Carry Case with SM8 Shockmount

A multi-pattern condenser

The Sterling Audio ST159 multi-pattern condenser microphone delivers a wealth of recording features that makes it a versatile mic for any collection. It delivers a warm, smooth and articulate sound, along with a full-frequency range and extreme volume handling. On the back of the microphone is a switch to change the microphone's polar pattern: choose between a cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-8, depending on your recording needs. 

Close-up Image of the Sterling ST159 Microphone's Attenuation and Low-Pass Filter Switches

More headroom without the hum

With a switchable high-pass filter and attenuation pad, the Sterling Audio ST159 large-diaphragm condenser microphone provides additional versatility in the recording studio. Its 1" large-diaphragm design delivers detailed and articulate sound, while its hand-assembled capsule and custom-wound transformer capture incredible smoothness and warmth.

A Close-up Image of the Sterling ST159 Microphone with its Mic Clip on Top of the Included Carry Case

Protect your investment

The ST159 also comes in a rugged flight case with an aluminum exterior and padded interior. Inside the case, there is enough room for both the microphone and the shockmount, giving you the portability and protection to record anywhere inspiration strikes.

A Close-up Image of the Sterling SM8 Microphone Shockmount

A shockmount for any recording application

Included with the ST159 is a premium metal band-suspension shockmount. The Sterling SM8 microphone shockmount isolates the ST159 from unwanted ambient rumble, vibrations and other noises.

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Flexible pickup patterns: cardioid, omni and figure-8
  • Warm, smooth and articulate vocal, instrument and speech recording
  • Switchable high-pass filter and attenuation pad
  • Full frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz
  • Extreme volume handling: 144dB SPL
  • Precision 1" diameter, 3-micron diaphragm with disk resonator
  • Hand-assembled capsule, custom-wound transformer, Class-A circuit
  • Includes SM8 premium shockmount and aluminum carry case
  • Requires phantom power
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Circuit Type: Class-A FET
  • Polar Patterns: Omni, Cardioid and Figure-8
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
  • High-Pass Filter: 75Hz, 12dB/octave
  • Attenuation Pad: -10dB
  • Sensitivity: 32mV/Pa
  • Maximum SPL: 144dB (134dB without pad)
  • Equivalent Noise: 22dB SPL
  • Typical Load Imp.: >1,000 ohms
  • Output Source Imp.: 200 ohms, transformer isolated
  • Dimensions: 7.7" long, 1.9" max diameter
  • Weight: 1.3 lb.
  • Power: 48V phantom power

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.21

14 Reviews

71%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Very Clean, Warm Tone With Versatile Multi-Pattern Switches

This microphone has a fantastic sonic signature for this price range. I love the versatility of the polar switches, which allow you to toggle between three microphone pick-up patterns. I also appreciate the attenuation switch and the low-cut switch which allows you to adjust the tone of the microphone before it reaches the preamp. This is a fantastic deal for musicians, recording engineers, podcasters, streamers, voice actors and more. The versatility this microphone brings will support the user for years to come and the durable construction will make sure that it lasts for a long time.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

It works

I replaced my ST69 with this after trading it in. I liked the ST69 for the most part it was just a hassle with the extra set up. This mic lacks the warmth the ST69 had and the room noise if in a minimally or untreated room is more noticeable than the tube/hybrid mic. I need to crank the gain on my focusrite 1st gen over 80 percent to get vocals to be at a decent level. Still, I think it works for demoing out ideas and commentary etc.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Home Studio11
  2. Amateur Recording8
  3. Professional Recording4
  4. Performances1
  5. Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing1
Cons
  1. Poor Sound Quality3
  2. Bulky/Heavy2
  3. Pricey / Poor Value1
  4. If I saw cons we wouldn't use them.1
  5. Harsh syllables and high frequencies1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced7
  2. Professional Musician5
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Good Audio10
  2. Versatile10
  3. Durable8
  4. Easy To Use8
  5. Compact4

Reviewed by 14 customers

  • Very well made and pretty good sound

    3

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted5 months ago

    byroderick

    fromCalifornia

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    i was going to buy a rode mic because the specs were so good…but this popped up on sale very reduced price. It's very sturdy and i think pretty amazing for the price, but a lot of background noise. i did get a rode signature and like it much better.

  • Very underrated!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted5 months ago

    bySuzie

    fromChicago, IL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use this in my home studio as well a for podcasting. It's been a great vocal microphone in the past and still is. With the multiple settings and patterns it is very versatile. It comes in at a price point which is unbeatable for this level of sound quality. It's a real shame that Guitar Center no longer carries this mic.

  • Great all around studio condensor

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byMatt

    fromMansfield, Ohio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use this mic in multiple applications including primary vocals, acoustic guitar, front of amp (electric guitar and bass) and room mic. Great quality construction, built like a tank. Sound is amazing! Very versatile with the switch to change dynamics for different applications. Very impressed!

  • Great mic for the price

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byJay

    fromRaleigh, NC

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I got this mic because I wanted something with a switchable polar pattern. The provided clip was much sturdier than I expected based on experience with other discount brands. The mic sounds pretty good for its price range, but if you have an AKG C414 you won't replace it with this.

  • Would Purchase Again

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byRobert

    fromLos Angeles and Chicago

    Used for backing vocals. Responsive, reliable patterns. Signal compresses cleanly. Go-to tools at a convenient price point.

  • Very Clean, Warm Tone With Versatile Multi-Pattern Switches

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byPharaoh the Producer

    fromLos Angeles

    This microphone has a fantastic sonic signature for this price range. I love the versatility of the polar switches, which allow you to toggle between three microphone pick-up patterns. I also appreciate the attenuation switch and the low-cut switch which allows you to adjust the tone of the microphone before it reaches the preamp. This is a fantastic deal for musicians, recording engineers, podcasters, streamers, voice actors and more. The versatility this microphone brings will support the user for years to come and the durable construction will make sure that it lasts for a long time.

  • Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted7 months ago

    asked byMike

    fromDetroit Michigan

    What wiring options are used with this mic can it do USB and xlr and SD does it come with any wiring hookup

    What wiring options are used with this mic can it do USB and xlr and SD does it come with any wiring hookup

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The manufacturer provides no options. It's an XLR.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byjeffrey

    frombig bear city, ca.

    would this microphone work on overheads for drums

    would this microphone work on overheads for drums

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Yes, it would be excellent.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byMaggieBlue

    fromWichita KS

    Would this work for video production projects to capture a wide variety of sounds (voice, nature background sounds, etc)? Can this microphone be connected directly to her Macbook Pro + Adobe software and captured for editing purposes?

    Would this work for video production projects to capture a wide variety of sounds (voice, nature background sounds, etc)? Can this microphone be connected directly to her Macbook Pro + Adobe software and captured for editing purposes?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Hardware wise - Yes. It's a great mic, at the price the best their is. Device wise - this is an XLR connection. Will the Macbock take a USB? If so it needs to be adapted to USB. Please see "Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter"

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked bySebZ

    fromundisclosed

    Im looking at getting this and pairing it with the "Musician's Gear Microphone Stand with Fixed Boom", would i be able to connect it or would i need a different type of attachment/stand?

    Im looking at getting this and pairing it with the "Musician's Gear Microphone Stand with Fixed Boom", would i be able to connect it or would i need a different type of attachment/stand?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    You're good to go.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byAntwan

    fromundisclosed

    Can this mic be good for singing rapping and vocals

    Can this mic be good for singing rapping and vocals

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes.