The Sterling Audio ST170 ($299.99) features a figure-8 pickup pattern, active phantom-powered design and SPL handling up to 132 dB. The side-address mic weighs 11.4 ounces and offers a 2-micron aluminum ribbon element. It ships with a metal shockmount and sturdy aluminum carry case. The ST169 has a 1-inch diaphragm, selectable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 polar patterns, switchable highpass filter and attenuation pad, and can handle up to 142 dB SPL. It ships with Sterling’s SM8 premium metal, band-suspension shockmount, aluminum carrying case and low-noise power supply.
