Avenson Audio STO-2 Matched Mics

[fillmoresound]

Anybody have an opinion on these? I read they're decent, and for $500 the price seems insane for a matched pair.

[cgarges]

They're CRAZY good and Brad Avenson is a totally great guy. So's Erik Wofford, who designed the original Stapes mics.

I believe it was Joel Hamilton who wrote a really great and accurate review of the mics right here on this board. It turned into quite a cool discussion. Do a search to find it and you'll learn a lot.

By the way, this probably belongs in General recording. People are going to think you've got a pair for sale.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[stapes]

Thanks for the kind words, and yeah, if you want some that are for sale, you know where to find me
Just to set the record straight "I" didn't design the original stapes microphones. Both Brad and I came up with the mics, with a lot of the technical end being held up by Brad. He's fixed the mics up real nice now.

Erik Wofford
Stapes Audio

[supafuzz]

Bottom line is these mics are amazing.

I keep trying to use other kinds of mics to get some variety
for acoustic guitar and percussion but I'm spoiled since I've been using the stapes..it's like the default sound for me.....and I have the earlier versions..I can't imagine how they improved these...

Hey you can get oktava's for cheap but they sound harsh and are quite inconsistant. { I sold my pair as soon as I got the pair of stapes]

If you go on Tower records.com and listen to the last track of my cd you can hear the mics at work with an acoustic...

H

[DryCounty]

I have the "first revision" of these mics -- the kind where the guts are all in an electrical box (I think this is the version Joel's review is based upon?).

Here's a link to some recording I did with them recently:

http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopi ... 410#235410

[stapes]

Old School! Glad to hear somebody still has those around. I still use them ocassionally. The ones that Joel reviewed are the tiny black ones that Harley is talking about. He's got pics on his website.

Erik Wofford
Stapes Audio

[wirerecording]

I bought a pair of Brad's mics and love them. I use them constantly as room/ambient mics. I've bought too many mics over the years and in terms of cost vs usefulness, the Avenson's are matched only by Shure 57's and SM-7's. These really are great mics for cheap money

Stuart Sullivan
wirerecording.com

[Huntlabs]

Is there anywhere to get them for under $495.00...... I think I'm sold. The gear whore in me is screaming for a pair!

[cgarges]

Is there anywhere to get them for under $495.00...... I think I'm sold. The gear whore in me is screaming for a pair!

I doubt it, since you can get them straight from the guy who builds them for that. Just buy them anyway. They're worth more than that and all the money goes to Brad and Erik. It's really a no-lose situation for everybody.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[supafuzz]

I doubt it, since you can get them straight from the guy who builds them for that. Just buy them anyway. They're worth more than that and all the money goes to Brad and Erik. It's really a no-lose situation for everybody.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

and you will say..why did I wait so long.I need to re-record everything now that I have these...oh yes it will happen

[Huntlabs]

I'm pulling the trigger!

Erick sent me an email....

I'll do a mic test when I get em.

John