Sontronics STC-1 (BLACK) - Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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Home / Sontronics STC-1 (BLACK) - Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The Ultimate Blueprint for Acoustic Instrument Tracking
The Sontronics STC-1 Black is a masterclass in small-diaphragm condenser engineering, designed to resolve the common problem of acoustic instruments sounding muddy, dull, or overly harsh in digital recordings. Hand-built and individually calibrated in the United Kingdom, its incredibly light capsule membrane delivers lightning-fast transient responses. Whether utilized as a single spot mic for intricate solo classical guitars or deployed as a matched stereo pair for sprawling drum overhead tracks, the STC-1 yields a perfectly balanced, record-ready tone right out of the box.
Pristine Capsule Architecture and Flexible Capsule Swapping:
At the core of the STC-1 is a premium small-diaphragm condenser capsule configured with a tight cardioid polar pattern. This direct pickup field focuses entirely on the acoustic nuances of the target instrument while providing excellent side-rejection to isolate your tracks from unwanted room reflections or bleed from nearby musicians. To unlock even more versatility, the STC-1 features a modular thread design, allowing you to easily screw on Sontronics' optional interchangeable Omnidirectional or Hypercardioid capsules (sold separately) to adapt to any complex recording configuration.
Onboard Pads and Dual-Stage Low-Cut Filtering:
To handle wide-ranging dynamics across highly diverse acoustic sources, the STC-1 comes fully equipped with flexible side-mounted control switches. A three-stage attenuation pad (0dB, -10dB, and -20dB) allows you to safely position the microphone in front of blisteringly loud signals like close-miked snare drum rims or high-output brass sections without introducing internal clipping. Additionally, its integrated dual-stage low-cut filter (Linear, 75Hz, and 150Hz) lets you instantly sweep away muddy proximity buildup, low-end stage rumble, or passing footstep vibrations before they enter your mix.
Tour-Grade Metal Construction and Studio Accessories:
Built to survive the demanding environments of commercial project studios and grueling orchestral road tours, the STC-1 features a heavy-duty, tour-ready solid metal enclosure finished in a sleek, non-reflective matte-black coating. Its slim, lightweight pencil form factor makes it effortless to mount and position inside crowded instrument groupings or tight overhead spaces. To make the kit immediately operational, the microphone arrives complete with a custom-molded foam-lined wooden presentation box, a rugged mic clip, and a fitted open-cell foam windshield.
Small-Diaphragm Pencil Capsule: Engineered to deliver class-leading high-frequency definition and lightning-fast transient response on acoustic instruments.
Focused Cardioid Polar Pattern: Directional pickup zone isolates your primary sound source while cleanly rejecting off-axis room acoustics.
Three-Stage Attenuation Pad: Selectable 0dB, -10dB, and -20dB switches allow you to manage high-SPL sound sources effortlessly.
Dual-Stage Low-Cut Filter: Switchable Linear, 75Hz, and 150Hz filters quickly clean up muddy low-frequency rumble and room proximity.
Modular Thread System: Compatible with optional interchangeable Sontronics Omni and Hypercardioid capsules for endless studio flexibility.
Uncompromised Acoustic Clarity: The ultimate default choice for tracking acoustic string guitars, violins, grand pianos, hi-hats, woodwinds, and banjos.
Handmade in the United Kingdom: Proudly hand-assembled and quality-tested in England, arriving backed by Sontronics’ premium lifetime warranty.
| Feature | Specification |
| Microphone Type | Small-Diaphragm Solid-State FET Pencil Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid (Interchangeable with optional Omni/Hyper capsules) |
| Frequency Response | 25 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 12mV/Pa (-38dB ±2dB) |
| Attenuation Pad Switch | 0dB / -10dB / -20dB Selectable |
| Low-Cut Filter Switch | Linear / 75Hz / 150Hz Selectable |
| Impedance | ≤200 Ohms |
| Equivalent Noise Level | Less than 16dB (A-weighted) — Low-noise performance |
| Maximum SPL (for 0.5% THD @ 1kHz) | 137 dB (with maximum padding engaged) |
| Power Requirements | 48V Phantom Power Required (±4V) |
| Connector Type | 3-pin XLR Male |
| Finish / Casing | Heavy-Duty Metal Alloy Body, Matte-Black Finish |
1 x Sontronics STC-1 Small-Diaphragm Pencil Condenser Microphone (Black)
1 x Custom Velvet-Lined Protective Wooden Presentation Box
1 x Heavy-Duty Snug-Fit Microphone Stand Clip
1 x Premium Open-Cell Foam Acoustic Windshield
1 x Official Quick Start Operations Guide & Lifetime Warranty Documentation
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