Sontronics STC-20 Pack

Would you like to equip your home studio with a large diaphragm condenser microphone without breaking the bank? Why not choose the Sontronics STC-20 Pack and its multiple accessories? This cardioid microphone is designed to record male and female vocals as well as acoustic instruments. Discover in this article the results of our test and our opinion on the Sontronics STC-20 Pack.

Sontronics STC-20 Pack Microphone Overview

Before going into the technical details, let's first focus on the contents of the pack. By opening the box, you can immediately see that the microphone does not come by itself. Indeed, Sontronics STC-20 Pack condenser microphone

• 1 large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone
• 1 shock absorber
• 1 pop filter
• 1 XLR cable of 5 meters
• 1 storage pouch

In short, everything is there to make quality recordings.

The STC-20 microphone benefits from a robust construction . The Sontronics logo is beautifully engraved on the metal. Its upper end is smooth with an open air. This makes it ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments .

As for the pop filter, it is made of nylon and has a double layer. It is designed to keep out noise that could spoil your recordings. Also note that this accessory is light and compact. In addition, it is very easy to install.

The shock mount is designed specifically for the microphone. It is an almost essential tool for large diaphragm condenser microphones . Indeed, unlike dynamic microphones, these types of microphones are very sensitive to handling noise.

To operate this XLR microphone, simply plug it into 48 Volt .

Note : Also check out our complete review guide on the Presonus M7 microphone . Discover in this guide the technical performance, sound quality, technical characteristics, as well as our opinion on this condenser microphone and some demos on its use.

Sontronics STC-20 Pack: cardioid polar pattern

The Sontronics STC-20 Pack has a cardioid polar pattern just like the famous Rode NT-USB . As its name suggests, the directivity of this type of microphone is in the shape of a heart. It captures sound sources facing the microphone and rejects those located behind it. Sounds from the sides are also attenuated.

The STC-20 is therefore designed for recording vocals and instruments in the studio or at home. This is the ideal microphone if your home studio is not acoustically treated. Indeed, this microphone displays a directivity targeted towards the front . Therefore, it does not reproduce the approximate acoustics of your recording studio.

If you want to capture sounds all around the room, you should opt for an omnidirectional microphone like the Blue Yeti pro studio for example.

Also note that there are versatile microphones that can play the role of both an omnidirectional microphone and that of a cardioid microphone. This is particularly the case with Blue Snowball. To change the sensitivity of the microphone, simply press a button on its back. It's practical, isn't it?

The Sontronics STC-20 Pack and its practical accessories

Let's return for a moment to the accessories supplied with the STC-20 microphone. This is indeed an offer that is very rarely found on the market. The Sontronics brand spoils us with all the gadgets delivered in the same box as the microphone.

By opting for the Sontronics STC-20 Pack, you will no longer need to purchase other additional accessories to optimize the quality of your recordings .

Let's see together what the first accessory could bring us: the shock absorber . This is a spider type model. This device being very stable, it serves to eliminate noise when you manipulate the microphone . Furthermore, this support equipped with elastics also helps eliminate foot vibrations .

The pack also contains an anti-pop filter, your best ally during your vocal recording sessions. Placed between the mouth and the microphone, this custom-made device has the role of banishing parasitic noise . Among other things, it helps you obtain better recording quality when you pronounce the letters “B”, “P” or even “T”.

And the icing on the cake: the zipped protective pouch . This is useful when you are on the move. In addition, it is also very practical for keeping the microphone safe when not in use.

In addition, discover our test and review of the Austrian Audio OC18 microphone . It is a bidirectional microphone which has a fixed polar pattern and a single diaphragm. This guide presents the technical performance, sound quality, and technical characteristics of this condenser microphone.

Sontronics STC-20 Pack: a model specialized in multiple applications

From vocals to acoustic guitar to piano and many other acoustic instruments, the Sontronics STC-20 Pack can accommodate a wide range of sources . This is why it is called an all-in-one microphone.

This versatile mic can also be used to record a guitar amp . However, be careful not to place the microphone close to the amp so as not to obtain a too bright sound. As it is a condenser microphone , it is therefore very sensitive on the treble.

It would therefore be wiser to opt for dynamic microphones or ribbon microphones if you are looking for perfect sound for your electric guitar.

The STC-20 is also very popular with teachers giving online courses. Thanks to the pop filter, the microphone produces clear, noise-free sound. Enough to be easily understood by students.

Focus on the sound quality of the Sontronics STC-20 Pack

Now let's talk about sound quality, a criterion not to be taken lightly when purchasing a microphone.

First of all, note that this model is among the least expensive in the Sontronics range. Although its price is accessible to everyone, it is not deprived of quality, far from it. Indeed, the STC-20 benefits from the same care as the STC-2, a high-end model from the British brand.

The STC-20's frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz . It offers an excellent signal/noise ratio thanks in particular to its large membrane. It also has the particularity of effectively rejecting background noise . It provides clear sound with plenty of detail.

Another review guide : Blue Bluebird SL, a condenser microphone that features a thin gold-sputtered diaphragm.

The technical characteristics of the Sontronics STC-20 Pack

• Type: condenser microphone
• Directivity: cardioid
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa
• Load impedance: 200 Ohms
• Noise level SPL: 125 dB
• Power consumption :
• Power type: 48V phantom power
• Dimensions: 194 x 53 x 53 mm
• Weight: 609g

Our opinion on the Sontronics STC-20 Pack

For use in the studio or at home, I recommend this Sontronics microphone. This model from the British brand offers good quality recordings with a minimum investment.

The accessories supplied with the condenser microphone can significantly improve the quality of recordings. It should be noted that it is more cost-effective to purchase the Sontronics STC-20 Pack rather than purchasing a microphone, pop filter and shock mount separately.

Furthermore, you will no longer need to worry about accessory compatibility by opting for the STC-20 Pack. In fact, these are all accessories designed specifically for the microphone.

The STC-20 Pack really adapts to multiple applications, as the manufacturer specifies in its recommendations. Whether for singing, podcasting or acoustic instruments, the quality is always there. And this is an advantage that the STC-20 shares with the other high-end model from the same brand, namely the STC-2.

Given its performance and versatility, this microphone represents a good investment if you want to set up your home studio. What's more, the price-quality ratio is very interesting.

Sontronics STC-20 Pack Demo

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