Sterling SP150SMK microphone review

Our Verdict

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

For

• Cracking price
• Rich sound
• Visually highly-seasoned
• Includes stupor mount and carrying case

Against

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

Tom's Guide Verdict

When it comes to price bespeak and presentation, the SP150SMK mic earns its sterling name and reputation. The audio quality brings it over the superlative to make the Sterling model a not bad entry-level mic — and more.

Pros

• +

  Great price

• +

  Rich audio

• +

  Visually appealing

• +

  Includes shock mount and carrying case

Cons

• -

  No attenuation pad or high pass filters

• -

  Requires phantom power

Sterling SP150SMK: specs

Price: $99
Connection: XLR
Ports: XLR
Condensers: Not stated
Directional patterns: Cardioid
Size: 7.1 x one.9 x 1.9 inches
Weight: one pound

The Sterling SP150SMK mic lives up to its starting time-form brand proper noun, whether information technology comes to performance or presentation. I purchased information technology as a part of a bundle with the Rode Podcaster, and was disappointed that the package didn't come with the Rode PodMic. "These mics are just as good," declared the customer service worker at my local music shop. Information technology wasn't lip service, either. He was right.

The SP150MK mic provided infrequent audio during my recent podcast, and also proved that Sterling cares about quality presentation. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the mic box and found another box — a carrying case which provided not only convenience, but protection. That might non hateful much to some mic enthusiasts, streamers or podcasters. Information technology ways a lot to me because I know how expensive hardware tin exist, and when a company is conscientious enough to include protection in its presentation, I tin appreciate it.Quite just, this mic is the full bundle; this Sterling SP150SMK review will explain why.

Sterling SP150SMK review: Price and availability

The Sterling SP150SMK is available for $99.99 at Guitar Centre and Musician's Friend. It'south a familiar, attainable price signal, and one that I would recommend for anyone who wants to become into podcasting and streaming.

Sterling SP150SMK review: Design

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

(Image credit: Sterling)

The mic itself has a slap-up feel and look. Weighing in at a unmarried pound, the mic is sturdy, but not clunky. The actual Sterling-based details, in terms of name and logo, are tastefully washed. The Sterling logo is underneath a small cardioid designation, to recognize its fixed cardioid pickup pattern, and the brand name is engraved into the side of the mic. With a silky black cease and a Carolina blue band well-nigh the elevation of the mic to pause upwards 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 option. The spider-band daze mount helps to foreclose bumps and vibrations, and the difficult mount option allows for pinpoint mic placement. I went with the stupor mount option, but because I'grand a podcaster and want to keep as much noise out during the pre-production process equally possible.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

This selection volition besides likely exist a become-to move for folks who tape instruments, and Sterling itself notes the mic's versatility in recording "guitars, drums, amplifiers and more." Both the stupor mount and the hard mount options contain a circular screw-in piece that fits around and underneath the XLR port. It's a sweet design function that not only holds the XLR cord in place, merely also offers easy connectivity to a mic boom stand. Both the XLR cord and stand are sold separately.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Now, I can talk about the carrying case. It'southward an important feature for me, personally, because I oftentimes send equipment to do my podcasts. It tin 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 problem as soon equally I opened the box. The carrying case is custom-padded and has "rugged protective" features, which is simply to say "difficult plastic." There's also snug plumbing fixtures for the mic, stupor mount and hard mounts. The instance isn't perfect; it had a slightly unpleasant odor, and it would have been nice to have an allotted space for a XLR cord. That'due south a minor gripe for entry-level pricing, though, and it's clear that the Sterling brand believes in luxury without devastating one's budget.

Sterling SP150SMK review:  Sound quality

Enough about the presentation. Permit's talk most ability. The bottom line for whatsoever mic is whether the audio comes in richly and conspicuously, and the Sterling proper noun rings true.

I continued the mic to a soundboard, but I didn't identify it on a stand up. Instead, I attached it to the shock mountain and waved the SP150SMK around like a stage mic. Impressively, I didn't lose anything in terms of sound quality. The only extraneous dissonance that the mic picked up was when my elbow rubbed confronting some plastic wrapping paper in the immediate area where the soundboard and mic were placed. Even a minor setup with a pop filter would have eliminated that noise.

(Paradigm credit: Tom's Guide)

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

When I finally put the mic upwards on a traditional stand, the audio was so infrequent that I didn't have to make any post-production adjustments. That type of operation 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 great price. It nigh feels petty to dock the mic for the smell of the case or not having a space for the XLR cord in the carrying case. In the field, this Sterling brand is more than silver — information technology makes a play for the gilded.

Ken J. Makin is a tech and entertainment author for Tom's Guide, and has nearly 20 years of experience equally a journalist. He's an avid podcaster and freelancer for various sites, including ESPN's The Undefeated and The Christian Science Monitor. When he's not podding or writing, Ken is likely spending time with his wife and children.

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

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