Sterling Audio ST66 Condenser Mic = Groove Tubes GT66 ?

I was told by Guitar Center that the Sterling Audio ST66 Condenser Mic is equivalent to the Groove Tubes GT66 and that the mics are made by the same Mfr (Aspen Pittman).

Here is the link to the Musicain's Friend listing for the Sterling Audio ST66:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sterling-Audio-ST66-Large-Diaphragm-Tube-Condenser-Mic?sku=271357

I know the GT66 has been welll endorsed by Chaz and others on this forum. I primarliy want to use this mic for vocals, both Male & Female.
I noted that the MF product info stated "Optimized to capture the most definition and detail from all acoustic instruments like piano, drums, and guitars, the ST66's low-noise GT6205M tube in a Class-A triode circuit provides warmth and detail, adding new dimension to vocal and especially instrument recording.". Vocals don't seem to be played-up here as its strongest feature. The price seems very competitive with the GT66 (although I understand the GT66 has been discontinued).

Anyone else have any experience with this mic?

I'm also wondering how the GT66 / ST66 might sound through a Presonus Eureka Preamp? Any opinions?

-bb

It's hard for me to get excited about any microphone made in China. Have you checked out Rode, or Audio-Technica or Shure's KSM series? They all offer mic's in the same general price range as the GT66.

ORIGINAL: j boy

It's hard for me to get excited about any microphone made in China. Have you checked out Rode, or Audio-Technica or Shure's KSM series? They all offer mic's in the same general price range as the GT66.

Actually.... The GC branded mics are made at the same plant as the GT series of mics. So, they are made in the USA and not China or any other country.

Thanks for the info Chaz -
After talking with Sam at Groove Tubes, my interest has also been peaked on the GT60 . Apparently that mic has been 'acoustically tuned', to improve its high end openess. Do you think that (GT60) might be a good choice for vocals (step up from the Rode BT1-A)? I'm hoping the GT60 will meld in a good way with my Presonus Eureka Preamp.
-bb

Do you think that (GT60) might be a good choice for vocals (step up from the Rode BT1-A)?

I have used both the GT44 (mainly for radio programs) and Gt66 for voice and instrument tracking with excellent results. The nice thing about the 66 is that I rarely need to EQ vocals in a mix. I cut some of the lows and that is about it, aling with some compression to keep things even thoughout the performance.

You do have to be careful which preamp you use because the pre can cause sibilance. It is not the mic, but the pre itself that will cause the sibilance. If you have a pre that gives you selective Impedence, then you will be fine. May can call GT and talk to Patrick about it. Well, Sam is full of great info as well.

I actually use a GT Brick for vocal tracking as well Neve and TL Audio pres.

I think you will be happy with the GT60.

Thanks again Chaz --

You do have to be careful which preamp you use because the pre can cause sibilance. It is not the mic, but the pre itself that will cause the sibilance. If you have a pre that gives you selective Impedence, then you will be fine.

My Eureka pres do have adjustable input impedance. Thats one control I have not played with yet -- so far I have left it set at 1500 ohms (a little higher than the middle setting of 600 ohms). The range is 50 ohms to 2.5 Kohms. Any idea what would be the optimum input impedance for a GT60 / GT66 ? I can give Groovetubes a ring and ask them too.
- bb

Great Chaz. I have not come across much info on how to set the input impedance of my pre, so I appreciate that. You would think that mic mfrs would make some suggestions in their documentation as to optimium preamp input impedance. Maybe some do. My NT1-A manual does not say anything about that (although it does spec the mic output impedance at 100 ohms).
- bb