Sterling SP150SMK microphone review

Our Verdict

When it comes to toll betoken and presentation, the SP150SMK mic earns its sterling name and reputation. The sound quality brings it over the top to make the Sterling model a great entry-level mic — and more.

For

• Not bad toll
• Rich sound
• Visually appealing
• Includes shock mount and carrying case

Against

• No attenuation pad or high laissez passer filters
• Requires phantom power

Tom's Guide Verdict

When it comes to price point and presentation, the SP150SMK mic earns its sterling name and reputation. The sound quality brings it over the top to make the Sterling model a great entry-level mic — and more.

Pros

• +

  Great price

• +

  Rich audio

• +

  Visually appealing

• +

  Includes stupor mount and carrying instance

Cons

• -

  No attenuation pad or high pass filters

• -

  Requires phantom power

Sterling SP150SMK: specs

Price: $99
Connexion: XLR
Ports: XLR
Condensers: Not stated
Directional patterns: Cardioid
Size: 7.i 10 1.nine x i.9 inches
Weight: 1 pound

The Sterling SP150SMK mic lives upwardly to its first-class brand name, whether information technology comes to performance or presentation. I purchased it every bit a part of a parcel with the Rode Podcaster, and was disappointed that the package didn't come with the Rode PodMic. "These mics are just equally good," declared the client service worker at my local music shop. It wasn't lip service, either. He was right.

The SP150MK mic provided infrequent sound during my recent podcast, and as well proved that Sterling cares about quality presentation. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the mic box and found another box — a conveying case which provided not only convenience, only protection. That might not mean much to some mic enthusiasts, streamers or podcasters. It ways a lot to me because I know how expensive hardware can be, and when a company is conscientious plenty to include protection in its presentation, I can appreciate it.Quite simply, this mic is the total parcel; this Sterling SP150SMK review volition explain why.

Sterling SP150SMK review: Price and availability

The Sterling SP150SMK is available for $99.99 at Guitar Center and Musician'due south Friend. Information technology's a familiar, accessible price point, and one that I would recommend for anyone who wants to get into podcasting and streaming.

Sterling SP150SMK review: Design

I'll get into more than of the box-opening experience later. Right now, let me focus on some of the great detailing and specifics regarding the Sterling SP150SMK.

(Image credit: Sterling)

The mic itself has a great feel and wait. Weighing in at a single pound, the mic is sturdy, but non clunky. The actual Sterling-based details, in terms of proper name and logo, are tastefully done. The Sterling logo is underneath a small cardioid designation, to recognize its fixed cardioid pickup pattern, and the brand proper noun is engraved into the side of the mic. With a silky black finish and a Carolina blueish ring virtually the height of the mic to break up the monotonous color tone, the SP150SMK has style and swagger.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

In terms of setup, this particular mic comes with both a shock mount and hard mount selection. The spider-ring stupor mount helps to prevent bumps and vibrations, and the hard mount option allows for pinpoint mic placement. I went with the shock mountain choice, but because I'one thousand a podcaster and desire to proceed as much racket out during the pre-product process every bit possible.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

This selection will also likely be a go-to motility for folks who record instruments, and Sterling itself notes the mic's versatility in recording "guitars, drums, amplifiers and more." Both the daze mountain and the hard mount options comprise a round screw-in piece that fits around and underneath the XLR port. Information technology's a sweet design function that non only holds the XLR cord in place, but too offers easy connectivity to a mic boom stand. Both the XLR cord and stand are sold separately.

(Epitome credit: Tom'southward Guide)

Now, I can talk almost the conveying case. It's an important feature for me, personally, because I often transport equipment to do my podcasts. It can be a hassle either packing equipment or shelling out extra cash to find suitable options to protect my equipment. The Sterling SP150SMK mic literally solved that trouble equally shortly as I opened the box. The conveying case is custom-padded and has "rugged protective" features, which is simply to say "difficult plastic." In that location'due south also snug fitting for the mic, shock mount and hard mounts. The case isn't perfect; it had a slightly unpleasant odor, and information technology would have been squeamish to have an allotted infinite for a XLR cord. That's a pocket-sized gripe for entry-level pricing, though, and it's clear that the Sterling brand believes in luxury without devastating ane'southward budget.

Sterling SP150SMK review:  Sound quality

Enough most the presentation. Permit's talk virtually power. The lesser line for any mic is whether the audio comes in richly and clearly, and the Sterling name rings true.

I connected the mic to a soundboard, but I didn't place information technology on a stand up. Instead, I attached it to the shock mount and waved the SP150SMK around similar a stage mic. Impressively, I didn't lose anything in terms of sound quality. The only extraneous racket that the mic picked upwardly was when my elbow rubbed confronting some plastic wrapping paper in the firsthand expanse where the soundboard and mic were placed. Even a small-scale setup with a pop filter would take eliminated that racket.

(Image credit: Tom'south Guide)

Concerns almost the lack of a loftier pass filter may be justified, though I would argue that soundboard technology and/or software can alleviate a lot of those issues.

When I finally put the mic up on a traditional stand, the sound was then exceptional that I didn't accept to make any post-product adjustments. That type of performance shows the versatility of the Sterling mic and is a godsend for beginners who might non know the ins and outs of audio editing.

Sterling SP150SMK review: Verdict

The Sterling SP150SMK offers performance, protection and a nifty price. It well-nigh feels footling to dock the mic for the scent of the example or non having a space for the XLR cord in the carrying instance. In the field, this Sterling brand is more than silverish — it makes a play for the gold.

Ken J. Makin is a tech and entertainment writer for Tom's Guide, and has nearly 20 years of experience as a announcer. He's an avid podcaster and freelancer for various sites, including ESPN's The Undefeated and The Christian Science Monitor. When he'southward non podding or writing, Ken is probable spending time with his wife and children.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/sterling-sp150smk

Posted by: ramirezsumsed.blogspot.com

Share this post