Sterling Audio Introduces New Studio Condenser Microphones

Sterling Audio — working closely with Aspen Pittman of Groove Tubes fame, legendary researcher and designer of audio tubes and microphones — has announced recent additions to Sterling Audio's line of professional microphones:

ST66 (Class-A tube, large diaphragm condenser mic)

ST55 (Class-A FET, large diaphragm condenser mic)

ST44 (Class-A tube, mid-size diaphragm condenser mic)

ST33 (Class-A FET, mid-size diaphragm condenser mic)

ST31 (low-noise FET, mid-sized condenser mic)

With the exception of the ST31, all models feature an attenuation switch (ST55/ST66 -10dB; ST33/ST44 -15dB), a 75Hz, 12dB/octave low frequency roll-off switch, cardioid polar pattern, and transformer-isolated output. The ST31 uses a hypercardioid polar pattern and transformerless output design.

All Sterling microphones feature high-SPL handling. Available accessories are the STSM3 and STSM4 shockmounts and the STPF1 professional pop filter.

One of the features of Sterling Audio's large capsules is the exclusive Disk Resonator™ system. With it, they have been able to compensate for the 14kHz frequency roll-off that is inherent in large diaphragm mics. This deficiency translates to a lack of sparkle from high-frequency sound sources.

Other manufacturers have typically solved this problem with corrective EQ circuits after the capsule; "boosting" the high frequency which unfortunately results in increased noise and other negative sonic artifacts from this band aid circuit approach.

Disk Resonator Technology incorporates a gold-plated brass "umbrella" that protrudes from the center of the diaphragm in Sterling Audio's ST55 and ST66 mics. It gently boosts the diaphragm sensitivity to shorter sound waves, allowing it to respond more accurately to those all-important higher frequencies. The result is optimal sensitivity, full frequency response, and a low signal-to-noise ratio.

While most modern condenser diaphragms are 6 to 12 microns in thickness, Sterling Audio, in association with Dupont, has produced a highly resilient Mylar that measures a mere 3 microns. This allows the ST55 and ST66 to deliver a degree of sensitivity unparalleled in the industry.

The ST66 and ST44 use triode wiring on specially selected pentode tubes to yield low noise and a more realistic dynamic response than their competitors. Its power supply is designed with a load-balancing circuitry that allows cable runs of more than 200 feet with no deviation from optimal performance.