Microphone Shoot-Out!: Blue Bluebird vs Sterling ST55 (Mesa Dual Rectifier/PR Custom 22)

Microphone Shoot-Out Between the Blue Bluebird and the Sterling Audio ST 55. The Blue Bluebird is about $300 and the Sterling ST55 is about $200. Both Mics are in the Affordable category and could be great assets to your Home Studio. Both Mics are going through a Tascam US1641 USB Audio Interface into an iMac 24" and Logic Studio 9. Guitar used was a Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 Brazilian Limited Edition.

Which Mic do you think sounds better? I will be doing more Mic Shoot-outs over the next few Months...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• blue
• bluebird
• sterling
• sterling audio
• st55
• mic
• microphone
• shootout
• shoot out
• ryan dunn
• tascam
• us 1641
• mesa
• boogie
• dual
• rectifier
• imac
• prs
• paul reed smith
• custom 22
• brazilian

[dayingyang0]

COMPLETELY not the intended use for the bluebird. If you're looking to do a shoot out of mics for that purpose you should have been using the standard SM57 instead. The bluebird is fantastic at recording vocals and acoustic guitar (the best actually for it's price).

[CowcarMusic]

@dayingyang0 You are absolutely correct! This was bought for recording acoustic guitars... I like putting all of my mics up to the Mesa and seeing how they sound... I will eventually do acoustic mic shoot outs (tlm 103 vs c414 vs bluebird?)....

[kennygreenmusic]

The Sterling ST55 sounded way better. The Blue was very thin in comparison.

[CowcarMusic]

@kennygreenmusic Agreed! The Bluebird is more of an acoustic mic for me.

[ELNDJ]

i dont like this mic... i have it and my AT2020 Records better vocals.....

[CowcarMusic]

@ELNDJ Cool man. I'm looking to get an AT4040 shortly for acoustics. I'm also getting a Neumann TLM 103 for vocals! can't wait!

[madbubbin]

st55 off center FTW> but I actually do really like the bluebird. I bet it would be great with a twin reverb.

[2FreshFoSho]

sounds like burnie burns

[morninggloryseed]

@morninggloryseed

PS...I have not used a bluebird mic and I realize you did not reference using all condenser mics. But setting a bluebird to cardioid pattern (or figure 8 in a nice room) and sitting the capsule at least 6" from the amp should give you a nice recording and not damage the capsule.

My main condenser mic has a -10db pad and engaging it ensures no distortion when recording an amp....that and I keep it a good foot away from the grill.

[morninggloryseed]

@dayingyang0

I don;t know why people insist on prepetuating this myth. I have made recordings for the better part of half my life and when I record an amp with a good condensor mic, the sound is far more rich and full as compared to using an SM 57. Sure, it comes down to taste and what sound you are looking for....but as I usually record an electric guitar 3 ways (direct, condenser mic, and SM57) I can support this with real world examples. Maybe I should make a video.

[Ab151]

Bluebird all the way

[ArGyProductions]

Oh man that Guitar Melody during the second half sounds so beautiful xD

[midwestlocos]

the blue bird of course :)



[slingstone1]

bluebird is clean and moist st loud and dry

[johntguitar]

The Sterling sounds way better to me, more clarity in all positions.

[hoopdesign]

Cool! This is just the video I needed for helping me with deciding on my first microphone to buy myself. I actually really enjoy the sound from the bluebird better. I think the sterling is too muddy sounding for me. Plus I understand the the bluebird is great with vocals and acoustic recording which is what I'm mostly into anyway.

[lordbow]

For general recording which would you recommend? I know the bluebird is supposed to be a general mic, but i can't help but notice how the st55 sounds better when distorted. I'm a starter, and i just want to make quality homemade recordings, i'll be doing electrical guitar and acoustic nylon guitar stuff, which mic do you recommend?