Sontronics STC-1 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The STC-1 is Sontronics' pencil condenser, and the capsule unscrews. It ships cardioid, with omnidirectional and hypercardioid capsules sold separately, so one mic body covers drum overheads, a room pair and a spot mic on hi-hat without buying three microphones. Response runs 25 Hz to 20 kHz, wider at the bottom than most pencils in its class.

The switching is generous for a mic this size: pads at -10 dB and -20 dB, and filters at 75 Hz and 150 Hz, all on the body. Combined with a 137 dB ceiling that lets it work close on a snare or a brass bell rather than only at a distance. Sensitivity is 20 mV/Pa with 16 dBA self-noise and impedance under 200 Ohms, into 3-pin XLR on 48 V phantom. The mic is 162 mm long and 270 g, and ships in a wooden box with a clip and foam windshield. Choose black or silver above; the SKU follows your choice.