Sterling Audio ST159 & ST170 Microphones, demo by Pete Thorn

[@justinreynolds3935]

I spend a month writing a song and he makes an intro bs song for a mic review and it sounds incredible. This guy is a variety of genres . I see why he's a top call guy.

[@JanisKlinnert]

You got the best tone of all the KZbin guitarists! Its just so tasty. Keep it up nice job

[@mikeheaphy]

Very, very well done !!!!

[@tyfincher7300]

Came for the ST170 review, subscribed for the phenomenal guitar playing and music production skills. Dude, you are out of this world!

[@njrous]

ST170 is also a phenomenal mic in general!

[@HectorRiveraGTR]

I have the ST55 in my studio, bought it in 2007 and ten years later is still my go-to mic for voice and acoustic guitars. Great Demo Pete!

[@kingpencowboy7977]

Same i own 9 mics AND my st55 (😊1st mic i ever owned) is my go to to this day

[@bakerXderek]

Just bought the last ST159 at guitar center because of you, such a step up from the MXL 990 that was already a good mic. Such natural clarity.

[@bman2404]

Just got the ST170 for my first mic in my home studio. Sounds absolutely fantastic on my Badcat amp. About a foot away from the speaker and you get all the bottom end you would ever need. Sounds full, warm, and clear. Thanks Pete!

[@PeteThorn]

+Brennen Mayfield 👍👍

[@njrous]

I made a video comparing this with a Royer and it definitely holds up! Solid guitar mics for sure

[@edmoss267]

great job....had a sterling audio st55 bout 10 years never failed me once.they are good mics...

[@robbyscot4124]

Congratulations, Pete, on breaking past 100k subscribers. I'm glad to be one of them. I really like the way you present things, and you are a magnificent guitarist.

[@PeteThorn]

+Robby Scot thanks much, Robby!!!

[@soulslip]

I just bought 2 new ST-170’s and I am absolutely in love and addicted now! It sounds amazing in mid-side with an sm57 etc!! Happy recording! Good music! Cheers!

[@mrjaydlyon]

I have never been a 335 guy, but every time you pull that thing out it sounds awesome!

[@richardharmon9596]

It sounds incredible while you are speaking into it. Like a great DJ Radio Station kind of sound .

[@ValentineGoloubev]

Nice engeneering work, Pete!

[@dilsan78]

I’ve had an ST55 for 15 years as well…it’s been great for me.

[@demetriussandoval2476]

Thank you so much for the phenomenon review. For some reason there is very minimal information about these mics and brand, so it was nice to see a well produced review showing great examples of the audio quality

[@findJLF]

Great showcase of these microphones Pete. The song / track is worth exploring further too... Really came to life in this recording. Excellent.

[@marcandrenault1233]

Pete i discovered your channel recently and just wanted to say your stuff is pretty awesome man.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Marc! welcome!

[@diablilloperdio]

Awesome audio. Voiceover sounds great.

[@LeechGeist]

Roman Ferrer Yeah voice over is actually what brought me here. There are hardly any reviews for the 159. I tried it out at GC and I’m 99% sure I’m picking one up soon. I could tell I liked it even over the kid across the store playing Smells Like Teen Spirit over and over. Just need external confirmation to pull the trigger on the idea. This video pretty much did it for me. I haven’t recorded music(mostly been dabbling in VO) in years but I could definitely see myself slipping back into music after watching this video.

[@tedc6694]

Bought my st170 black friday for $150 from gc. Look forward to getting back to town to try it out on everything!..50 watt cab, down to 5 watt, acoustic dreadnaught, trumpet, violin, cellos, and might even sing into it lol

[@blackcreekmusic783]

My first mic was also a GT-55 bought at Guitar Centre. However I think it was around $400 back in the early 2000's. I recently used it on the outside of a kick drum and combined with a D-112 inside, it really brought the kick drum to life. But it's severed me well on just about everything. Mine was solely used with the original Mbox and looking back I don't think those pre's really did a lot for that mic.

[@swimlaps1]

Natural clear sound! Cool to hear the various guitars. 8:24! Voice over-for sure!

[@OyvindBjorgo]

Haha, the deep voice gag made me laugh so hard I had to rewatch it to actually hear what you said! "One man... One guitar... No holds barred..."

[@USAJ31]

Love all your videos Pete. Thanks man.

[@SeanKerns]

Great demo. I had not realized there was a GT connection with these, but they both sound great. The tasty playing didn't hurt any.

[@PhillyWatts]

Great tone! I have the ST 155 and it is very nice as well!

[@Bracero25]

The tone Ive always imagined in my head!

[@newdayz1000]

Yep! Top Dawg! Every video shows it! Thanks for the info!

[@onzkicg]

5yrs ago.. ST159 I found mint $100, still okay 2023? Awesome guitarist!!!

[@enriquekikzdelapazbichain1126]

Sounds FREAKIN awesome!

[@USAJ31]

Great sounding intro as always.

[@coreyclark6505]

That Martin sounds lovely!

[@joeydineroakafai-zell5485]

Bad ass mics but even better performance and tracking. Great video.

[@kipmillwee6936]

Nice one Pete. always great to see you sharing your musical knowledge.

[@L.Scott_Music]

One thing I really appreciate about your demo videos is that besides a great breakdown on the product the videos are each a lesson on the recording process and guitar song writing. --- Very interesting that you have a GT55. That's actually Groove Tubes designed by Aspen and his top engineer. I have a GT57 I got from Aspen a couple years ago. IIRC, Aspen sold the design to Sterling and they made only minor design changes.

[@micha-elcleveland1265]

The 335 was WOW

[@PhilHeesen]

Great track, great tones and great video. Thanks Pete!

[@leecity416]

I was in Guitar Center and hear the ST170 and I plan on using them has my overheads. There some great and clearing sounding mics.

[@njrous]

I’ve used the ST170 on cymbals and they sound great!!

[@loganmilesolson]

Just got the 159 and no way can i get enough signal through my scarlett 2i2 to record an acoustic that far away. Im strongly leaning towards buying the apollo twin

[@colinmcdonald7591]

Wow can you use this mic or something similar all the time in your videos for voice over? Sounds amazing and crisp and clean no room sound like the other one.

[@PeteThorn]

+Colin McDonald to be fair, I was right up on this one, close to it - my other Mic I usually place back further in the room, So it’s not in the shot -So not really a fair comparison - but this one does sound really terrific!

[@deedledum21]

Love your work Pete.😎👍

[@peterschaefer1665]

Stellar tones..wow!!

[@reddblurr]

Awesome video man exactly what I was looking for thank you!

[@maverickdoe6984]

GuitCon 2017 gave you the exposure you deserve. I'm amazed you aren't already over 200k subs. Great review of the mics, and great music!

[@PeteThorn]

It's helped for sure! thanks!

[@florianbaiker5519]

Wasnt aware of Pete until guitcon this year. Cool chill guy that knows his stuff. Very diverse player also!

[@ebeep]

Good grief, that Suhr tele and AC15HW together are pure magic.

[@ruby2thursday]

i have got to stop watching your vids. between your, and all the other web reviews...i like yours best...most of the time. now i own a st159(few weeks back) a lewett lct 140 (last year) and just now ordered the 170. I also have a pair of sterling 230's and a pair of 131's. i'm pretty well set. awesome guitar work you do...reviews too...thanks for all the education and such you drop on us.

[@andresilvasophisma]

Really dig that 12 string guitar tone.

[@dapperdanman1956]

Great show Pete thorn always interesting.

[@peterschaefer1665]

Dude..nice tune!! Great sounding mics!

[@cali3168]

Hey Pete, fantastic demo as always. Question - I'm in the market for a new ribbon microphone and I'm torn between the Voodoo VR1 and the ST170. Any thoughts, advice? Mainly used for recording acoustic and electric guitar.

[@njrous]

Can’t speak for the Voodoo VR1 but I did a mic shootout video with the ST170 and the R10 on acoustic and electric guitars, the ST170 definitely holds up

[@wednesday_woes]

You're amazing !! thanks for the reviewww

[@stratorarious]

That sounded fantastic and great informative vid!

[@StephenNaveed]

Great vid. I think I'll grab one of the ribbons

[@janreutelsterz186]

Hey Pete .. i love your guitar playing & videos. Could you please do a video on your recording chain / process or give us a studio tour? Cheers, jan

[@Valerifon1]

Love your videos Pete! Very detailed and informative! All the best - Luther

[@lance134679]

Thanks for the demo. I've been keeping an eye on the active ribbon microphone segment of the market for a while and these might be a good place to jump in - they're very affordable compared to others, such as Cloud, AEA and Royer. I think the closest competition would be the SE VR2 or Samson VR88. The ST159 is a great example of how condenser mikes have changed in the digital era. I have a few older low end condensers and they're not nearly as nice.

[@fireyourrocketts]

Really nice video..awesome riffs you got there..I use the ST170 for drums overhead got them few weeks ago to take over the shure beta green 4.1 condensers I used for many years. I also bought a pair of AKG C430, either to experiment on hi hats and ride or overheads, the other condensers I have are AKG P170 but I am thinking in getting rid of them, do not think they hold up to the other pairs..I like the drums plugin you used on your riff but would love to put real drums on it..cheers!

[@cedricschmidt6923]

oh !! sound great !!! thank you Pete !! for your tricks :-) just i have a question : when you use BAE 1073 , you plug preamp in apollo or you have converter ? if yes what is the converter ? thank you :-)

[@caloss2]

Yes Pete, you could definitely do voice over

[@TheGamingGalaxyTGG]

You definitely could do voiceover work!!! Your voice sounds amazing!

[@marike1100]

Been wanting to try the ST170 ribbon mic for recording my saxophone, ribbons are perfect for brass and woodwind instruments. Hoping it turns out to be a poor man's AEA N22. Great playing, cool video, thanks.

[@phoenixrising1576]

Did it work out or what did u buy?

[@christianboddum8783]

The definition speaks volumes! Great sounds.

[@Mellevaelslide]

Hi Pete! It's amazing how the ST170 captures and generate that kind of "vintage tone" from the amp, great mids! I think it would be the right choice for a 70's kind of tone (the one I get from my gear) compared to the 159. Have you tried ST66/69 tubed mc's? Thanks for such a precise test.

[@footnotedrummer]

Thanks for the review, Pete! You answered exactly what I was looking for, which was "how well are they built?". I've read a lot of information on why high priced mics are so high priced, and many times... the answer is simply "because it's made in a country that is perceived to have high quality products" and or "it's hand built". This certainly rings true when it comes to instruments. Being from the states... we've been somehow bred to believe that we're the only skilled artisans on the planet, therefore... our stuff costs more. This is quite arrogant in my opinion. However... there is a hint of truth in some of this, based on world economy. When it comes to microphones... the ones that are hand built with high quality products will cost more, and unfortunately... those don't seem to be made in China or some other low cost region. I've also heard that "because the components are of lower quality... the microphone longevity just isn't there". When you buy a Telefunken or Neumann you can rest assured that this mic will sound the same in 30 years as it does today, as long as it's cared for. Whereas (again... what I've I've heard) "mics that are made by machine and/or use lower quality parts, just won't stand the test of time". It kinda sounds like (based on your experience with Sterling) that we shouldn't really look at them as more of a means to a quick end. Meaning... "only get them if you want something that sounds good today and gets the job done". Or have the mentality of "if it breaks or you need another in the future because the old one doesn't sound good any longer... just buy another cheap mic". You'll certainly still be in a better financial position than if you had originally bought a $2000+ microphone, but I'm curious of your opinion on this topic. Thanks!

[@spokeman]

Great song man!

[@delivrance3961]

Voice allright ! U can!

[@Firebrandrock]

Agree, you could certainly be a professional broadcaster with your voice. But the world would be lost without your guitar playing.....,always enjoy your videos. Tuned into the live broadcast last week and it was great, very informative. Keep it coming.... BTW...,what model of studio headphones do you use? Keep the music flowing.....

[@sambitkundu]

Pete, can you teach us your tricks to produce your excellent drum sound? Your drums are as great as your guitar tones.

[@Wes5501]

just subbed here recently. Great vid! Super Informative! Great guitar player! Keep it up man. I'll be checking for new content man. Take care buddy.

[@PeteThorn]

+Murdoc thanks!

[@tetsuyama5116]

Great demo, Pete. Checking price point on their's and VK sites... :)

[@robbievalentine8239]

Hey Pete by ACTIVE ribbon does that mean it's requires phantom power? That's usually a big no no with ribbons isn't it?

[@njrous]

This one does require phantom power! The active ribbon mics came about not too long ago and their electronics protect the ribbon from any damage

[@dandyism7288]

You should sing as well, I heard great backing vocals at a Chris Cornell concert (pinkpop I think).

[@StealthParrot]

Hey Pete, by any chance is the live show you did with Ian Thornley at the Suhr Factory Party 2014 available for purchase? I can't stop listening to it, just amazing musicianship all around. Would love to buy it! Thanks for the interesting videos you put together.

[@stanpalmer7]

Question- did you have the low cut filter on or off? The manual states that you should always have it ON unless you're recording a bass, kick drum or similar source.

[@officialpoa3171]

*Dear Pete, The lighting in your studio fro video is great - what is your set up for doing video??!*

[@BillyBlaze7]

great playing man. Have you ever tried a Rode NTK? if so what were your thoughts?

[@Skoora]

Hi Pete, was wondering with your experience with the ST170 if you had any headaches getting phase right with a 57 (or similar dynamic). I've use Condensor and dynamic combo's for years but having a hard time with the ribbon and the dynamic. is it the figure 8 pattern contributing? I even tried nudging in the DAW to find which direction I might want to move the mic but it only gets into comb filtering. All I seem to achieve is that sound that's weaker together than the mic's solo'd. Any insights appreciated. Thanks.

[@notbraindead7298]

Every time Every time I hear Pete play the guitar I want to throw mine in the garbage.

[@darrylgregorymusic]

Did you try the 170 on the acoustics? If so, how did it sound?

[@njrous]

In my latest video I used the 170 on acoustic, sounded fantastic and didn’t need a clean boost like the cloudlifter to get a good sound.

[@iancosgrove]

That ribbon mic has wonderful warm tone for overdrive, is the delay/reverb added in post?

[@RealShurikenX]

Sterling ST159 vs Lewitt 440 Pure? Which do you say wins in sound quality?

[@jamjunkies3639]

Great video. :D

[@Skoora]

Would you say the Sterling ST170 has supplanted the Voodoo SE VR1?

[@JaviyPilar]

Hey Pete! your voice speaking thru this amazing mic sounds like Z. Vex's hahaha

[@440hzguitar]

How does it compare to your R121?

[@IsaacGarciadelaPoza]

Hi Pete! what mic sound better for electric guitars ? the Sterling ST170 or Beyerdynamic M160 ?

[@kasramoghaddam1389]

Pete , what low to medium gain drive pedal would you recommend with the Vox ac hw? 😊

[@andyoncea]

Sounds a bit like Opeth, very nice!

[@PeteThorn]

thanks!

[@hammer5475]

Hey Pete! Do you think a ribbon is the way to go for a 4 x 12 cab? I've been using 57s as well as some condensors for studio stuff...

[@austenevans6867]

Talk about Ryan Reynold's doppleganger. Great vid dude.

[@dunamisflux1786]

Any issues with phase when micing 8' apart?

[@monseresendez674]

Hey, can someone show me how to set up the 159 mic??? It's a surprise for my bf and I don't understand very well how to! :(

[@rjmcmooseknuckle]

That Gibson 335 sounds killer :( lol

[@prikvit1]

you should do Brian Griffin from Family Guy voiceover

[@95awesomenes]

What chords are those from 8:00 to 8:03?

[@CaryChilton]

Your D28 from Chris ...

[@FabrizioPeretti]

Ahahahha man you' re fun to watch!

[@luckysevens.AltRock8]

what are they worth

[@njrous]

The ST170 is about $250 right now, I did a shootout with a Royer R10 ($500) and it was a great match!

[@luckysevens.AltRock8]

@@njrous cool

[@silverstone3228]

11:11

[@jette2001]

im the 420 viewer!