The Sterling Audio ST69 is a tube condenser microphone that is designed for use in the recording studio. It's got a few different pick up patterns to choose from, including cardioid, figure eight, and omnidirectional, which are pretty much the three standard pick up patterns at play with tube microphones. The ST69 has a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and has a class A tube inside of it. The mic also has a high pass filter at 75 Hz and a -10 db pad. It comes with it's own power supply and a 7 pin cable, as well as it's own shock mount and a sturdy carrying the case. The accessories do feel a bit cheap, but that's what you have to expect with Chinese made microphones and the like.

OVERALL OPINION

While I can't say that the Sterling Audio ST69 would be my first choice for a budget tube condenser microphone, it's still a very solid choice. It's got all of the standard features and accessories you'd expect from a tube microphone, although I'm not sure the exact type of tube that it's got in there. I haven't had a chance to shoot out this microphone with more expensive/popular models, nor have I used it on very many applications, but for recording a male vocalist, the sounds was as much warm as it was clear. There's definitely no getting around that the mic has a very nice sound in general, but I don't think that it would stand up to some of the classic tube microphones out there as some would lead you to believe. These days there are plenty of tube condenser microphones to choose from in this price range and lower, but this is still a pretty good deal. My only concern with the ST69 is that it feels a little bit cheap at times, or at least the corresponding parts do. Either way, the price is still very reasonable. I'd also recommend checking out the Aventone CV-12's as they sound a bit better to me and are also a bit less expensive. Definitely do your research when choosing a tube microphone in this price range, but absolutely keep the ST69 in the discussion.