Sontronics

The Sontronics SIGMA is an active ribbon microphone with a larger price tag on it. But after just a few uses I realized that I have just purchased a microphone that I will be using for a long long time. This microphone is a phantom powered microphone that puts a very warm and natural sound in your recordings. It also looks great too, which is one of the reasons that I think it cost so much. The looks of the microphone alone will shock people. The SIGMA has a shock mount feature that is very good, you can put this microphone very close to the artist or instrument and you will not have to worry about any vibrations being recorded from the microphone stand. OVERALL OPINION The frequency response on this microphone is 20 hz to 20 khz and it has a figure 8 polar pattern. After just looking at the specs, I was in the store and really didn’t want to get it because the price. I though it looked great though, the sales guy told me to take it home and try it. If I didn’t like it bring it back and get a full refund. So I bought it and after using it for a week I felt like I got my 700 dollars worth already and didn’t think twice about returning it. I have since recorded about 6 whole albums (not all my albums) with this microphone and every person that has come in and used it loves it. They always say something about the look of a microphone, and like it or not appearance is very persuasive in getting people to come and record at your studio. This mic looks great and sounds amazing. I have recorded everything from vocals to harmonicas with it and it has never let me down. I love how it sounds with acoustic guitars and bass cabinets.

I had some small issues after I started using this mic. For some reason it wasn’t picking up the highs very good. The lows where pretty warm and crisp but it seemed to not get the highs clean and then it started to sound like it was muffled because there where no highs and the lows where really heavy. It kind of gave that under water type of sound which is actually a cool effect but you don’t want it on your vocals because it sounds horrible and very unprofessional. It makes it sound like you are a rookie recording at home and no one would want to listen to your music like that. OVERALL OPINION The Sontronics STC -2 comes on a shock mount so you wont have many problems with the mic moving and it seems to have a built in wind pop filter. Also, it does look great in your studio or home setup with the polished chrome and silver look. It looks like a way more expensive mic than it really is. I just cant live with the overall sound that I was getting. I need my music to record clean at all cost even if I have to invest a little more money. I have heard some people say the same thing as me and they are having the same problem getting the highs to take clean. But I have always met some people that love this mic and have no problems with it. Maybe it just depends on how your voice is and what frequencies it hits on. I have a deep strong voice. This mic just didn’t cut it for me, it seems pretty well built though so I wouldn’t worry about dropping it . But If have a heavier more prominent voice I wouldn’t choose this mic. Invest a little more and upgrade.