Sterling Audio ST51 and ST31

  • Thread starter Thread starter dastrick
  • Start date Start date
dastrick

dastrick

huh???
Has anyone used these mics? What are your thoughts about them? They get excellent reviews. They seem like great mics for the price.
 
I believe the ST-31 is the same mic as the discontinued Groove Tubes GT-33 and Alesis AM-30 (also manufactured by GT). Decent MD FET condensor with roll-off and pad if I recollect correctly. When the older versions were new, I think list price was $599 - so the current $99 price is a deal. The older models were well constructed. I haven't actually looked at the ST-31, however, so I can't say that it is built exactly the same. I own a couple of the GT and Alesis versions, but don't use them much. They are certainly adequate mics, but I typically have better mics available for the same application (instruments, overheads). I usually much prefer the GT-44/AM-40/ST-44 tube MD mic for the same applications.
 
Thanks for the info. I'm really looking at the ST31 for drum overheads. What do you think? I'm sure they'll be better than the Behringer C2's that I use now. Man, those things are harsh.
 
For the price, pretty hard to beat I think. They will work just fine for overheads. I have better mics now, but they cost a lot more as well. The price on these is the same as when Guitar Center was blowing them out after they parted ways with GT. I looked and they did list for $599 when they were first introduced FWIW. I never thought they were worth that price, but $99 is a steal IMHO. The capsules are swappable as well, although I've never bothered with anything other than cardioid.
 
So the capsules are swappable in the ST31? I don't see that mentioned anywhere.
 
dastrick said:
So the capsules are swappable in the ST31? I don't see that mentioned anywhere.
Click to expand...

They were swappable on the GT/Alesis versions. There were omni and hypercardioid capsules available. Weren't cheap though. I recollect that they were like $200 list. I don't see additional capsules on Sterling's web page, so they may not be offering them. Assuming that these are exactly the same mic, old GT and Alesis capsules would fit if you can find one.

OK, here we go. Of course a capsule costs more than the microphone at this point:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Groove-Tubes-C3-Omni-Capsule?sku=501711

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Groove-Tubes-C2-Hypercardioid-Capsule?sku=501710

May still be worth considering for the GT-44/AM-40/ST-44, though.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top