{"product_id":"rdl-stm-1-stick-on-microphone-preamplifier-compact-50-db-gain","title":"RDL STM-1 Stick-On Microphone Preamplifier - Compact 50 dB Gain","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the RDL STM-1 Stick-On Series microphone preamplifier, the bottom line is clear: this is a compact, no-frills preamp built for installers and broadcasters who need reliable gain in spacerestricted environments. The reviewer found the STM-1 delivers a fixed \u003cstrong\u003e50 dB gain\u003c\/strong\u003e that consistently raises mic-level signals into line-level range, and its tiny footprint makes it useful where larger preamps are impractical. Power is supplied externally and the unit is optimized for 24 Vdc operation, so buyers should plan their power solution before installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact form factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, stick-on housing fits into tight spaces and mounts where larger preamps cannot be used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFixed high gain:\u003c\/strong\u003e A built-in 50 dB gain reliably converts mic-level outputs to line-level for nearly any line input without extra adjustments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBroadcast and commercial focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed with sound and broadcast installations in mind, it performs consistently in professional routing and mixing chains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSingle-ended supply input:\u003c\/strong\u003e Accepts a simple single-ended DC feed, simplifying wiring in many installation scenarios.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e12 Vdc compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can operate from 12 Vdc with about 6 dB less headroom for battery or low-voltage setups when needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntercom input flexibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e The input will operate directly from a speaker for certain intercom applications, adding installation versatility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe STM-1 is aimed at audio installers, broadcast engineers, and AV technicians who need a reliable, unobtrusive preamplifier to boost microphone signals in racks, behind panels, or in tight enclosures. Its fixed gain and compact size make it especially handy for permanent installs where adjustment and space are limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less well suited to users who need variable gain control, phantom power, or integrated power supplies; those who require adjustable thresholds or multi-channel preamps should look to larger modular units. Also, purchasers must provide an appropriate DC power source, ideally 24 Vdc, to achieve full headroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReliable fixed \u003cstrong\u003e50 dB gain\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a wide range of mics up to line level without extra gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery compact and lightweight design simplifies installation in cramped spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible power options let it run from 24 Vdc or 12 Vdc when necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks for intercom setups by accepting speaker-level inputs in some uses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower supply is not included, so buyers must source a compatible 24 Vdc (or 12 Vdc) supply separately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFixed gain means no onboard trim or phantom power for condenser microphones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSTM-1 Stick-On Series Microphone Preamplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFixed 50 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle-ended DC, nominal 24 Vdc\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlternate power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperable from 12 Vdc with 6 dB reduced headroom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplication\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommercial sound, broadcast, intercom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput capability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMic-level; will operate directly from a speaker in intercom use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RDL STM-1 is a practical, budget-friendly preamp for installations that require dependable gain in a tiny package. Installers and broadcast setups that need a simple way to boost mic signals will appreciate its \u003cstrong\u003ecompact size\u003c\/strong\u003e and consistent 50 dB gain, though buyers should budget for an external 24 Vdc power supply and consider alternatives if they need adjustable gain or phantom power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the STM-1 include a power supply?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt does not include a power supply; plan to provide a compatible single-ended DC source, preferably 24 Vdc for full headroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it run on 12 Vdc?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it can operate from 12 Vdc but with about a 6 dB reduction in headroom compared with 24 Vdc operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this suitable for condenser microphones?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe STM-1 provides fixed gain but does not supply phantom power, so condenser mics requiring phantom will need an external phantom power solution.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Radio Design Labs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48190170300635,"sku":"B0051V1NH2","price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71y8IOqtXHL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769488082","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/rdl-stm-1-stick-on-microphone-preamplifier-compact-50-db-gain","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}