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A PAIR OF GREAT CONDENSER MICS.. UNDER $150??? Sterling Audio SL230

A PAIR OF GREAT CONDENSER MICS.. UNDER $150??? Sterling Audio SL230

Sterling Audio

Description

Sterling Audio SL230MP matched pair SL230 studio condenser microphones provide outstanding stereo imaging for ultrarealistic reproduction of acoustic instruments, percussion, piano, choirs, orchestras, live field recordings and much more. Each of the two medium-diaphragm, Class-A FET mics come equipped with true, gold-sputtered 6-micron diaphragm capsules, superior-matched frequency response and output characteristics of +/– 1dB, resulting in solid stereo consistency for level matching. A switchable 75Hz filter and switchable -15dB pad make the SL230MP a versatile go-to pair for a wide variety of high-volume sources. The SL230MP comes complete with removable indoor/outdoor windscreens, customized shockmounts and a generously padded protective carry case that guards each SL230 mic from damage during transport and storage.
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair Medium-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones With Shockmounts, Windscreens and Carry Case Matte Black
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair Medium-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones With Shockmounts, Windscreens and Carry Case Matte Black
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair Medium-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones With Shockmounts, Windscreens and Carry Case Matte Black

Features

  • Pair of SL230 medium-diaphragm studio condenser microphones
  • Class-A FET design provides smooth, full-frequency response
  • True gold-sputtered condenser capsules with 6-micron membrane
  • Cardioid pickup pattern rejects back and side sounds
  • 150dB Max SPL with the -15dB pad (135dB without PAD engaged)
  • Switchable 75Hz filter reduces rumble and sub-sonic vibrations
  • Custom padded, rugged protective case
  • Two SM9 microphone shockmounts and windscreens
  • Requires 48V phantom power

Reviews

4.87

15 Reviews

93%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Accurate sound reproduction & great with vocals

I don't use this for music. It boomed on my desk to stay out of the shot when I record video. Pros: -Medium diaphragm condenser that behaves like a small diaphragm -2 very nice built, with a nice case -No character/color to the sound -Great rejection in background -Minimum eq required Cons: -Bass rumble, proximity effect, plosives, & taps on stand are so bad, it has to use the hi pass filter at all times -a tad sibilant on my voice -Sound signature changes if you move too much back and fourth or side to side -Hard to find enough reviews bc it's relatively unknown compared to a sea of other mics -Hot enough to pick up anything in front of it, even hand movements, etc Before buying these, I got a MXL V67N that was a dud. The Sterling Audio SL230MP build quality and sound was way superior in comparison. And couldn't believe the price for 150ish. I briefly considered the Samson C02 or the Audio Technica AT 2021 for their boom capability, but this one sounds way better. It's not perfect though. Sensitive to plosives, rumbles and taps so requires a hi pass filter engaged at all time. A tad sibilant on my voice but a little eq was fine. Didn't want to eq too much bc it sounded so accurate and so good out of the box. I have a couple of other mics from Blue, and while I enjoy them for their character/color, I specifically enjoy this one for it's clarity. Very happy. Would recommend. Would buy again. Just wish it was easier to find online or in more retailers so that people would be more aware of it and have more reviews available.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Good price for sure. Can be metallic sounding

They record sound, decent in gain and self noise. but it does not hold up to more expensive microphone. I used this to record classical guitar but it's a bit metallic sounding and rather harsh at times. Like I hear a bit of the mic's metal canister with it. But it also sounds a bit lo-fi when listening back to back with other mics. I am not sure why, the sterlings is slightly more fuzz and grainy. It could work better other instruments was just not good match for me.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Amateur Recording11
  2. Home Studio10
  3. Professional Recording9
  4. Performances7
  5. Outdoor Events / Games4
Cons
  1. Always needs hi pass filter on1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced11
  2. Professional Musician3
  3. Novice1
Pros
  1. Good Audio14
  2. Easy To Use10
  3. Versatile9
  4. Compact8
  5. Durable5

Reviewed by 15 customers

  • I would recommend this product

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byPaul

    fromFederal way, Washington

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Decent condenser microphones. Good for recording for acoustic guitar and for overhead drums.

  • Warm, clean overheads

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byNeil

    fromSíoux Falls, SD

    I bought these to use as overheads, paired with Sterling's ST170 ribbon as a room mic. I have always struggled getting drums to sound natural but not anymore. They're not harsh or tinny but bring warmth and detail out of my kit with minimal EQ adjustment. I can't wait to try them on acoustic guitar and I think a piano would sound great in these as well. Even after seeing the positive reviews these still exceeded my expectations for their price. Couldn't be happier to find something like these in my budget!

  • Good pair

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    bySystamatic

    fromAtlanta, GA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Used the pair to record acoustic instruments for my album. Very pleased with the result.

  • Good price for sure. Can be metallic sounding

    3

    submitted2 years ago

    byJeremy

    fromCA

    They record sound, decent in gain and self noise. but it does not hold up to more expensive microphone. I used this to record classical guitar but it's a bit metallic sounding and rather harsh at times. Like I hear a bit of the mic's metal canister with it. But it also sounds a bit lo-fi when listening back to back with other mics. I am not sure why, the sterlings is slightly more fuzz and grainy. It could work better other instruments was just not good match for me.

  • very happy with purchase

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byScott

    fromMarlborough, CT

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Currently using as overheads on drums. plan to use them on an acoustic guitar. I only have SM57's and A Blue large condenser. these mics capture the highs much better than them. a lot of value for the cost.

  • Would highly recommend these mics.

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byLee

    fromFayetteville, Ga.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great set of mics. Miked up a student choir and did the job with great sound.

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Q&A

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

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byRpacania

    fromundisclosed

    What does 'Requires 48V phantom power" mean? Is this something I must purchase to make these mics work? Also, are these mics wireless?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    1) 48V Phantom means the mic requires internal power. This is either provided by the board/interface or by a 9v battery in the mic. These mics are not wireless.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byBelen

    fromStockton, CA

    Hi I want to purchase this set of mics but I want to know will they work for a small youth choir I want to use them for a event we are having at church and want to see if they will work for small group

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Thank you for your question. An agent will contact you within 48 hours

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byLee

    fromCascade, ID

    I want to have a couple microphones set up record the congregation of a very small church during worship. Would these microphones be good for that? Also, if they will work for that, what would be a good setup?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    They will work depending on set up/location. We need a little more information to better help you. Please give us a call at 855-770-3373

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byMeecho

    fromNew Braunfels, TX

    I've only used these mics twice, and the second time, one of them gives off a loud hum on the low end once the phantom power is activated. The other mic works just fine. I've tried multiple cables, and I've tried the other mic on the same cables to rule that out. The problem follows the mic. Is it possible I have one bad mic? Has anyone else experienced this problem?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    That is possible that it's just the one mic that isn't working. I know you've said you tried different cables, but did you try plugging the cable into a different input?