Aston Spirit

Microphone Overview

The Aston Spirit is a high performance condenser microphone . Without a transformer, it takes the form of a cylinder 17.5 cm high and 5.4 cm in diameter. It is a versatile transducer with a switch on the body. This will allow its user to select between the omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional directivities with which the device is equipped.

The microphone is among the recording equipment excelling for most instruments and for recording vocals. Its capsule has also been carefully selected and associated with high-end transformerless circuits.

Using only high-quality components, the Aston Spirit promises exceptional audio performance . Its dual attenuation option also allows it to withstand very high sound pressure. On the other hand, its low-cut filter cuts extreme bass for flawless audio quality .

Its design offers a beautiful, open sound with sparkling harmonics. Thanks to its characteristics, it provides surprisingly natural and transparent sound . With a subtle touch of flattery, the microphone will then capture the full essence of its sound source. It will then reproduce the sound in all its details, even in the treble without adding the harshness that we perceive in certain condenser microphones.

The anatomy of the microphone

The cylindrical body of the Aston Spirit is cut entirely from stainless steel. It also features a smooth finish and laser-etched legends. The housing uses a stainless steel spring cage structure in place of a conventional housing. It also has a wave-patterned head grille.

The best microphone has a very original design whose main role is to provide additional protection. In fact, the structure of the case allows the cage to deform slightly to absorb the impact of shocks on the microphone. The housing can then be re-centered in seconds simply by rolling the microphone across a flat surface.

All this maneuver is done without damaging the microphone itself. In addition to additional protection, the microphone's steel head grille provides a degree of off-axis rejection. In fact, two internal posts (fairly thin) support the cage lined with a stainless steel trellis. The whole thing will provide a screen against various interferences and a useful degree of pop filtering. With a weight of 547 g, this construction gives an impression of robustness and reliability . Just above the capsule, we notice three switches:

• One, to adjust the signal attenuation to 0 dB, 10 dB or 20 dB
• The middle one to select the directivity: omnidirectional, cardioid or bidirectional (figure of eight)
• The last concerns the low cut filter at 80 Hz

Note : You can also consult our complete test guide and review on Antelope Audio Edge Go microphone . This is the best USB microphone produced by the Californian brand Antelope Audio.

Direct mounting on stand

Like the Neumann TLM 102 , the design of the Aston Spirit also makes it an original microphone. This is because it uses custom molded caps with built-in XLR and universal foot thread adapter. The system is so efficient that it allows the microphone to be mounted directly on a stand. Mounting is via the integrated thread and an interchangeable thread adapter. Note that handling noise is also extremely reduced. This design makes Aston microphones very easy to repair .

An integrated pop filter

The Aston Spirit has an integrated pop filter formed by a completely enveloping one-piece mesh. As it has been cut from steel, you can then remove it for cleaning. A random weave also allows sound to pass through and protects the microphone from multiple wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The microphone mesh blocks unwanted stops . Considering these aspects of the microphone, it can be said that it is the ideal recording equipment for highly sensitive electronic applications.

The technical characteristics of the Aston Spirit

The frequency response of the microphone is 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB). At around 10 kHz, we notice the presence of a very slight bump which will add a little airy detail to the sound. This bump only affects cardioid and omnidirectional polarizations. In bidirectional or figure-eight mode, the curve is around 6 kHz. But, it still remains very subtle.

Then the response curve begins a gentle descent to below approximately 80 Hz. Mic sensitivity is specified as 23.7 mC/Pa (at 1 kHz into 1kOhms). Without the Pad enabled, the Aston Spirit can also handle a maximum sound pressure of up to 138 dB. This is the best microphone for rap or hip hop . The Origin shows a much higher equivalent noise level than the Aston Spirit. However, its noise floor does not differ much from that of similar microphones. It's low enough so it won't cause any problems in typical studio applications.

Based solely on the spec sheet, the Aston Spirit shows very similar numbers and response shapes. However, what makes microphones different doesn't always show up in the numbers. Usually the builder smooths the curve and this obscures the fine detail. To determine the advantage of the microphone, it is then imperative to use the human auditory system.

He very quickly recognizes what is not natural in the sound reproduction, mainly in the reproduced speech. This is one of the main reasons why all sound engineers and connoisseurs carry out extensive testing on microphones.

In addition, discover the best ribbon microphones . This guide offers you several ribbon microphones with a complete test to help you choose the best microphone you need.

Sound test results on the Aston Spirit microphone

Tested in a home studio and with cardioid directivity, the Spirit is very little sensitive to the proximity effect. It doesn't really pick up the sound of the room. However, finding the right distance between the mic and the speaker is very intuitive.

The low midrange offers a smooth sound when slightly withdrawn. The sound returned remains easy to equalize. The rendering is fluid and there is no painful resonance to manage. In terms of mids, the rendering remains very correct and pleasant even in transients. On the other hand, the high mids betray the capsule's modest origins. They are not very thin and catch the plosives a little too much.

The mesh rib contributes to the quiet operation of the microphone, but is not very effective during proximity recording. If you use it as a vocal microphone, or for a voice-over, we recommend the use of windshields or additional pop filters for better results.

If you're using it for broadcasting, consider opting for a tripod or microphone boom. This will limit handling noise. In fact, the latter can alter the sound quality of the final result. Like the Aston Origin microphone , the Aston Spirit is a microphone that has a correct output level. However, for optimal results, we recommend the use of a preamp.

Note that amplifiers that are too clean will very quickly reveal the limits of the microphone. We therefore recommend using those with warm electronics which will calm the transients. At the same time, the lows will be thickened, and the highs slightly colored. With a low-end or too perfect amp, the midrange can quickly become tiring.

The microphone is rather quiet when powered on or when switching from one directionality to another. This is a very rare detail for microphones in the Aston Spirit range. The sound reproduction remains very faithful and precise for its range . To record a bass drum, we recommend placing the microphone about twenty centimeters away. Opt for a figure-eight directivity, and the Aston Spirit will wreak havoc.

In front of a microphone like the Aston Spirit, recording a cardioid voice is very airy. In the studio, for recording traditional instruments, the result will surprise you. The sound remains very faithful and precise without being garish, the microphone simply excels.

If you compare it with other microphones, you will notice that the Aston Spirit is far from being yet another copy of the Neumann. It has a very characteristic sound specific to the device. If you compare it to a TLM 103 , the Neumann is very firm, almost naturally compressed.

The Aston Spirit will be the opposite. Very open and airy, the microphone tends to pick up surrounding noises a little more. For proper placement, we recommend the use of pliers. Moreover, the manufacturer recommends the Rycote pliers to ensure better support.

The specifics of the microphone

• Microphone type: condenser microphone
• Acoustic operating principle: Pressure gradient
• Directivity curve: Cardioid
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
• Equivalent noise level: 18 dB A-weighted
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz to 1 kOhm: 23 mV/Pa
• Maximum sound pressure at 0.5% THD: 127 dB
• Attenuation Switch: -10 Db/0 dB
• Low cut filter: 80 Hz
• The microphone requires 48V (+/- 4V) phantom power to operate properly.

See also : The best studio microphones. This guide offers you the best professional studio microphones so that you can choose the best at the right price.

My verdict on the microphone

The Aston Spirit is a little gem of technology . If we only focus on its design, its design already says a lot about the sound result we will obtain.

To begin with, three grids protect the Aston Spirit capsule:

• The first consists of a wave-shaped head grille. It will allow the whole thing to deform without breaking. It also plays a role in the directivities of the microphone.
• The second is formed by a mesh rib. She will be responsible, among other things, for eliminating plosives. Furthermore, it will also protect the capsule against various electromagnetic disturbances.
• The third is a rigid grille which will act as a skeleton for the microphone.

Just looking at the microphone, with its rather original appearance, we immediately expect exceptional sound quality. Which is precisely the case. The Aston Spirit is not just a piece of recording equipment. The microphone constitutes a musical instrument in its own right . It is the mainstay of all studio recordings. The manufacturers want to provide a source of inspiration for the artist, producer and engineer with sound.

For this, Aston enlisted several top audio professionals to perfect every detail of the microphone. Thus, at each stage of product development, selected professionals carried out blind tests. The hundreds of selected capsules were therefore eliminated one by one thanks to a very rigorous selection process.

The Aston Spirit was tested on female and male voices. It has also undergone testing on different types of instruments. The efforts paid off. The Aston Spirit then becomes the most sought-after microphone in its range. The sound it produces is unique and has been crafted by the best ears in the business.

Are you new to the world of music? Do you want to set up your own studio? The Aston Spirit remains the ideal microphone to start with. Very versatile, it will record your voice perfectly. It is also perfect as a room microphone. To do this, simply activate the omnidirectional directionality.

He excels on percussion, cymbals, acoustic guitar, clarinet, pianos, bass drums and snare drums. Associated with the Aston Origin, the duo offers an exemplary and unique sound. Very rich and natural, the whole will then capture the sounds in all their essence. Fully adjustable thanks to its switchable directivities, the Aston Spirit plays in the big leagues. Used as a handheld microphone or stand microphone, it produces a warm and faithful sound like a very good professional microphone.

Our review of the Aston Spirit condenser microphone

The Aston Spirit is one of the very versatile and unique microphones with its multi pattern. It can easily compete with microphones two to three times more expensive than it with very clean sound. Considering its performance and features, we immediately understand why the Aston Spirit has won numerous awards.

Aston Spirit demo

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