Sterling Audio P20 Review
Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 15 of 15 Reviews
let's just start off saying this is a workhorse mic!
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by ziggy on Guitar Center
This mic, as far as i can tell, and from the price point, is here to compete with and somewhat embarrass the SM58 as others have noted. Now, for road use, and rehearsals, studios/garage bands etc. this mic is a tank. i'm quite confident i would have to abuse it far worse than i could see doing in all but the harshest of situations. i found for vocals it's actually really great for my voice, i'm a bit dark and sometimes nasal. The P20 brightened the dark just a bit, giving my vocals a bit more life, and masked some of the nasal making it a bit softer and less shrill. The P20, handles plosives well, and even when getting up close on the capsule it didn't reveal any sense of it being unusually overwhelmed with bass/energy. the curves of the 20 may be such that the highs and lows roll off in a different range than the 58 and the mids boost a bit too. i'd expect that though, and for me it definitely works. i tried it on my guitar also and i would have to say that it held true to what i expected, it brightened things up a bit in the mids; which i would think is a good thing for most live music venues, as it would lend a bit of presence to things. Overall i feel like it kicks the @** of the Sm58 when you factor in all it offers for the money. Even we're they the same price, the construction of the 20 is kinda bulletproof and the sound might just have a bit more presence. i also have a Sennheiser in the same range, slightly more expensive than a 58, and i would put this P20 up against that also. Final conclusion, this mic is definitely fit for purpose, with a price to make you buy multiples right from the start. this is a hard working, take no prisoners, get the job done and have money for dinner and a pint afterwards mic. Clubs, churches, sound engineers, rehearsal studios, community theaters, ANYWHERE where there is live music being setup and broken down even occasionally will be glad they opted for the P20 as a utility mic. Well Done Sterling ! ... More
Nice sound, impressive extras
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Troy R on Guitar Center
A couple of cool things right from unboxing: the P20 has a nice weight and sturdy feel to it. It reminds me a bit of Audix OM2 and EV mics I've used in the past. Second, the case included is really nice. Most mics come with a vinyl bag or nothing, but the Sterling case is a thick foam with good padding. It's a rarity for a mic to come with a case that actually protects it. I really like that attention to detail and it's unexpected in a mic at this price point. Plugging in, I first noticed almost no handling noise. Running through a rehearsal, the P20 held its own against my other mics. It's important to note, I went from a Shure to this mic with no EQ change. It's unfair, but most house sound people have the mixer set for Shure mics and don't bother to re-EQ for anything else. I had a wonderful EV mic that had a great sound on its own but it was hit or miss from club to club whether anyone could hear my voice. The gain structure of the P20 was also really nice. I didn't have to boost the signal from the board at all. I had to look pretty hard to find some downsides to the mic. I have some mics that I think the proximity effect is better on. I my voice did fall off a bit as I was off axis. To be fair, I'm thinking of mics that cost at least twice as much. I would like a little more prescience boost to it, but it's really fine as it is. That may be personal preference. As it is, it's loud with a very clear sound. ... More
Perfect for live sound applications and recording
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Sean on Guitar Center
I was given this microphone to test out. Recordings done in acoustically treated and shot room. Sound Source: Vocals, blues and reggae Construction: Solid, weighty metal construction, nice carrying case and standard threaded clip. Sound Recording impressions. This is obviously going to be a comparison between the sm58. To my ears, the p20 is slightly brighter than the sm58. For me this is a good thing. I felt there was less mud and more clarity in the high range/mid range, the 58 is maybe more dark IMO. I did not need much gain to get the vocalist in acceptable recording range. The only thing the vocalist noticed was that he may have come out of the field range slightly easier than with a 58 depending on how he was leaning into it from his chair. This was a non issue once he got used to it. The gain staging is acceptable to turn up on the fly and should not cause any unpleasant surprises either. Overall Impression. I would say this is a solid microphone for live sound applications and even recording applications. It did the job and tracked just fine to a UA Apollo 16 in studio. I've used a sm58 for years at venues all across LA, but I will def be utilizing the sterling alongside them in future shows. ... More
Stands Strong Next to Other Dynamic Mics
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Mark on Guitar Center
I got this mic as a deal. My initial use was going to be as a back up/extra mic for live and practice use. I was blown away once I started using this mic. I have a Shure SM58, Sennheiser e935, and Blue Encore. I feel much more comfortable grabbing the P20 when I'm recording demos and recording than I do any other my other mics. I won't say the sound quality is any better or worse than the e935, but, most of the time I can't tell the difference (and I'm not as afraid to pull the P20 out in situations I may be afraid of losing/breaking the e935). I'd recommend this mic to anyone. Sound quality is great, build quality is great and the included case ensures it stays that way. ... More
The new kid's got game!
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Dan on Guitar Center
Right away I was into the packaging and the included protective soft case. Def not the norm. Durable build and nice balance to this mic. Plugged it into my home studio and was able to get a nice clean & clear signal comparable to your SM58 or Sennheiser counterpart, but a much nicer price. I would have zero worries about throwing this mic in the gig bag (remember that soft case I mentioned?) This could be your new workhorse for your live events. Solid piece of gear from Sterling.
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Worthy alternative to the SM58
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Craig on Guitar Center
Purchased this for rehearsal/live performance vocal mic. I have an SM58 but was looking for something less dark - and this mic delivers. Comparable in every way to the SM58 - handles plosives well, well constructed, great pickup pattern. It will require a little EQ tweaking (compared to the SM58) - I ended up running it almost flat and got a great sound on my voice (low tenor). Will definitely be picking up another!
Cost effective alternative to the SM58
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Jason on Guitar Center
To begin, this came with an awesome soft case, much nicer then you typically get. The construction was solid, and the mic has a nice weight feels very durable. A/B'd it against an sm58 at a band rehearsal. Found it to be eq'd a little darker, but seemed to be less prone to squealy feedback when cranked up. Good rejection from the sides and behind. This is a great option to keep in your gig bag and use for live rehearsals based on this feature. Plus the price point is great on it.
This is exactly how it should be!
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Jeremy on Guitar Center
I have been using this microphone "mainly" for live applications. Never mind the price because that is secondary. I am more concerned about output. And this hits the mark high! I compared this mic to my SM58 and really, for a much better price point I see that the P20 actually sounded slightly better! Recording scratch takes in my DAW was wonderful! (I actually kept a few!) I can't say enough! But, I'll stop here!
Highly recommend over SM 58
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by James on Guitar Center
I have the Sterling st151 is for deeper tones , original sm58 sure mic and now this Sterling p20. I am super impressed how the tone quality stays clean from low to high but I would put a higher price on this cause muddy mics are good for metal but this one shows clean imperfections.
Excellent Value- Quality Product
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Westin on Guitar Center
Very happy with the overall quality of this microphone. Delivers a full range of sound with a solid and sturdy design. Would recommend for novice and pro singers alike.
Nice Alternate to Shure SM58
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Rick S on Guitar Center
A cost-effective alternative to an SM58. I also compared it to my Sennheiser e835 and Electo-Voice ND767 for vocals and it measured up. Nice looking design and it comes with a very nice case!
Great microphone
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by David on Guitar Center
Bought this for my son, he loves it...its very sturdy and well built. Very dynamic sound for vocals.
Best microphone on the market
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Edward on Guitar Center
I have a Shure SM58 microphone and the Sterling P20 has much better sound. I use it as my main microphone now.
Great Mics
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Bryan on Guitar Center
I purchase two of these mics for Karaoke using a PA system. They are amazing, sturdy, and have just have a nice feel to them. Would purchase these over more expensive mics anyday
Great Mic at a Great Price
Sterling Audio P20 Dynamic Passive Vocal Microphone
Reviewed by Al on Guitar Center
I run a jam and a small recording studio, I picked these up for the jam so that I wouldn't be as upset if I lost them, they are so good that I use them in the studio now too.
