Sterling Audio SL230MP Review
Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
- Pair of SL230 medium-diaphragm studio condenser microphones
- True gold-sputtered condenser capsules with 6-micron membrane
- Class-A FET design provides smooth, full-frequency response
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 15 of 15 Reviews
WOW! Impressive!
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Keith on Guitar Center
These small diaphragm condenser mics are the real deal! While I've only had these for a week, I have used them at every possible opportunity I've had and they have exceeded all expectations. Of the SDC mics I own and know well (the Sure SM-81 & SM-137, Samson C02, AKG C1000s, and Audix F9) the SL230MP rivals my favorite, the venerable SM-81, which has been my "go to" SDC for maybe 25 years. Now, if I'm being honest with myself, I have to say the only reason I'm likely to grab the SM-81s before these is simply because the SM-81s are pushing $800 a pair. I typically feel cheaper SDCs come across as strident and harsh. Not these! Sterling has created a very smooth and very natural sounding mic that is easy to use. These things, in every way, offer the performance you expect in a $500-800 pair of mics. My biggest quibble is that the pad and highpass switches require a tool like a toothpick or something to to engage and disengage. ... More
Just what the Doctor ordered
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by LadyCuddles on Guitar Center
Was looking at this and the R0de microphone option. Decided to go with this one. Wasn't sure about the price being an issue, but glad I went with the Sterling. Nice carry box, well padded. All the perks, wasn't sure I needed the windscreens, until I listened to these microphones and what they picked up, glad for the windscreens. Well designed and simple shock mounts (even came with replacement rubber bands). Not sure what to think about having replacement rubber bands included, are they easily breakable, or did Sterling just want to push the "perks" by giving you spares? In either case, nice, sleek microphones. Picked up sound easily in my X/Y stereo array. So much so, they even picked up the boom breeze sound from a local fan I didn't realize was blowing on them. The microphones look well built, durable for any studio recording environment, and robust enough to handle the day to day live gigs they will be used for in my situation. I plan on using them in live performances of a traveling six piece choir, in a X/Y stereo recording pattern of the group. I'm sure I am going to get some of the background noise, but hope these microphones do a better job of focusing on the group, and less on the audience. As my job is providing live recording engineer for the group, I just hope the microphones become my best part of what I am doing for the group, and what I am going to be known for. In short, the microphones look, and sound up to the challenge. ... More
My New Go-To Overhead Mics!
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Eric on Guitar Center
Just bought these while at Guitar Center while looking for some new gear, given price and quality I have seen for Sterling products before I had to try with the Matched Pair reference. All I can say is "Wow! Great stereo imaging and balance. My New Go-To Mics for Drum overheads in my studio! Great price too!
Accurate sound reproduction & great with vocals
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by BK on Guitar Center
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. ... More
Great buy
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Flimmay Tintstone on Guitar Center
bought these to mic misc in my home studio. They work fantastic on acoustic guitars and drums. Really great sound for the money. They are not super bright or boomy. Very warm, with tasty mids and highs. you really cant go wrong with these for any studio. 48v phantom power is built into my board. Make sure you have a power source.
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Great pair of mics!
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Dani_dav on Guitar Center
I use them as drum overheads and they sound fantastic. Trying next on acoustic guitar, but already expect good results.
Happy with this purchase.
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Bobbo on Guitar Center
Nice outfit- sturdy case, comes with nice shock mounts and foam filters. Sounded best to me without any effects when used on my home recorder, much clearer than my good AKG dynamic mic.
Warm, clean overheads
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Neil on Guitar Center
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 price for sure. Can be metallic sounding
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Jeremy on Guitar Center
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.
Excellent response and sensitivity
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Al on Guitar Center
I am a solo guitarist now aging very quickly so I sit and record many of my old classics from the 50's -80's mainly acoustically .these mics have great response on lows and crisp minds. Un colored by effects or recording tricks. I am very pleased with them and they are not expensive… compared to so many others I have used, they could easily be
very happy with purchase
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Scott on Guitar Center
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.
Perfect balance on both mikes. Superb recording.
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Phantom on Guitar Center
Recording
Would highly recommend these mics.
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Lee on Guitar Center
Great set of mics. Miked up a student choir and did the job with great sound.
Good pair
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Systamatic on Guitar Center
Used the pair to record acoustic instruments for my album. Very pleased with the result.
I would recommend this product
Sterling Audio SL230MP Matched Pair, Medium Diaphragm Condenser Microphones with Shockmounts, Windscreens, and Carry Case
Reviewed by Paul on Guitar Center
Decent condenser microphones. Good for recording for acoustic guitar and for overhead drums.
