Aston Microphones Spirit Review
Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
- Large-diaphragm pressure-gradient condenser microphone with variable polar patterns
- Polar pattens switchable between Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8
- 1" gold-evaporated capsule; protective wave-form mesh head with built-in pop filter
- Innovative blend of discrete and integrated circuitry
- Optimized circuit stage scheme from phantom power input circuit to capsule voltage bias
- Unique nonlinear voltage/current source rectification
- Shock-resistant, wave-form mesh head with built-in pop filter
- Unique, individually tumbled chassis finish
- Custom-molded end cap with integrated XLR and interchangeable mic stand thread adapter
- Onboard 10/20dB pad and 80Hz highpass filter
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 8,385 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Aston Microphones Spirit. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Aston Microphones Spirit. For example, 91% of 443 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Aston Microphones Spirit have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 25 Reviews
Built like a tank!
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Sam on B&H Photo Video
I've been using a pair of Aston Spirits for the past year and totally enjoyed everything I've recorded with them, from concerts to singer-songwriter duets and even field recordings (long story!). First off, huge kudos to Aston on the build quality- as the title says, these are built like a tank. Well, maybe not like SM57-hammer-a-nail-into-a-plank level, but for a condenser mic, these are the sort of mic that doesn't mind being carried from gig to gig or the occasional rough treatment by "helpers". In a way they kind of remind me of power tools from the mid 20th century- the sort of thing that looks and feels like it's probably going to outlive you. Well, at least from the outside anyway. On that note, Aston seems to have very good QC too- despite not being factory matched (and actually more than 1,000 serials apart!), the two mics fit very well together and, if not for the serial numbers on the mics and their boxes, would be all but interchangeable. However, the real important part of course of any mic is the sound quality, and that is definitely an area where the Spirit definitely weighs in quite highly. I must be clear- the Spirit is a bit on the brighter side of the spectrum; obviously it's nowhere near the level typical of SDC's, but it's quite clearly not a U47 if that's the kind of sound you want. However, I can happily report that the mic completely lacks that 'cheap highs' sound that you get with budget LDC's; the highs are very smooth and as other reviewers have pointed out, the mic really takes to EQ'ing quite readily, so you can really reshape the sound without fear. Overall I would suggest the general frequency response of the mic lends itself most immediately to female and tenor vocals and voice-overs, acoustic guitars, woodwinds, percussion, and as a general all-purpose recording mic. I find they excel as a 'mid' spaced pair when recording samples or ensembles, and also work very well in blumlein configuration as one might expect. Some particularly bright instruments (e.g. some saxophones) might benefit from a darker sound than the Spirit provides raw. I hope one day Aston might consider a revised Spirit with the same 'vintage-semi-modern' voicing switch they did on the Starlight SDC's, as that would really turn the Aston from a quality multi-tool into the mother of all studio Swiss Army knifes. Although the built-in mic stand mount is a great idea, after a few months I bought their (now discontinued) Rycote shockmounts, which were good enough I even used it on a boom once (another long story)! I would recommend getting their latest shockmount system, but I haven't tried them yet. Overall, if the sound of the Spirits matches your voice/needs well, then I sincerely don't think I could recommend another mic in or below this price range before it. I don't think I will be letting these two go any time soon! ... More
WOW! Amazing sound!
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Wow! Just wow! I bought my Aston Spirit, reaching out from AKG, Blue, and Neumann, to a new mic brand after such outpouring love in reviews of the Aston Origin. I needed a multi-pattern mic that was versatile. The box seems inexpensive and it did require a separate shockmount. (It has one built-in but it mounts the mic directly to the stand. Not terrible but not versatile.) The Spirit was amazing for male and female vocals of alternative, pop, classical, and operatic vocals. I tracked my acoustic guitar and it was astounding, as well as for my violin and cello. I would say this could stand up to most upper echelon mics in versatility and clarity. Even as a room mic the Spirit sounded stellar! It was perfect for small room recording, large space studio, ambient sound recording, and close-up instrumental recording. I love using the Spirit. It is truly a favorite of mine as microphones go. ... More
Amazing quality for the 1/3 of the price
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tape dude on Guitar Center
These new Aston mics are amazing. Compared to mics costing 3 to 4 times more, the quality and sound is just as good. Sounds great on vocals, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, percussion, room mic, etc. Instead of buying one c414 for the same money buy two of theses.
Amazing
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Joe on Guitar Center
I've been curious about the Aston company and the hype they've gained, so I bought the Spirit. I've used multiple Blues, the Akg C414, the Neumann tlm 102, and pretty much every sure you can think of. This is by far the single best mic I've ever used for vocals, it honestly feels like a revolutionary product. Don't let it fool you, just because this mic is significantly cheaper than the tlm 102 or the c414 doesn't mean it won't hold it's it. If you have to have one studio mic, this it it, hands down. I honestly don't even usually write reviews, but this thing deserves praise. ... More
I'm finally satisfied
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by bobbydoylemusic on Guitar Center
In the past year I've bought and try it out many different kinds answers to do microphones and brought them all back I have not been satisfied with the sound after buying the Aston Spirit I'm finally satisfied I love this microphone it's very quiet it sounds wonderful and it makes my voice sound better than it is what else can I ask for thank you Aston you've made an expensive microphone inexpensive.
Ads
This Mic is Powerful,Awesome and Sounds Perfect! Aston Wins!
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Fred Lane The Revelator on Guitar Center
Buy The Spirit.
Sounds great, is great
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Garrett N. on Reverb
Mics are pretty subjective from a vocal perspective, I got this mic because it fits my voice like a glove. That said, it’s a great all-around-er. Loving it for acoustic, you name it. Build quality is great. Internal pop filter is pretty decent, I’d still recommend an actual pop filter for heavy plosives though.
Aston Spirit: best mic in this price range
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Ko on Guitar Center
Vocals easy to eq. Cuts through the mix effortlessly. Holds its own against my $7K Bock. I like it so much I bought two.
Good sound, noise level too high though
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matthew M. on Reverb
It’s unfortunate. This mic has a nice open U87-ish sound and a great musicality to it. Great for singers. But the self-noise was awful. Mine wasn’t broken or anything either. Just a high self noise straight from factory! True you can just gate it, but I like simplicity and having to do the least amount possible. It’s built like a tank though.
Amazing for the money and then some
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Dan O. on Reverb
I got this mic on the recommendation of this random dude who sits near me at work. It's pretty great though. Has a heft and sturdiness that makes it feel like a much pricier model. The tones are clean and round, and with multi-directionality and two levels of pad, it can handle most LDC situations. What's not to like?
Perfect shipping time
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Avarto B. on Reverb
And the mic is WAY better than it's price. It beats some Neumann's honestly, and I've been a pro engineer for a decade and heard many,
Low self-noise, fantastic clarity and detail
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Rod M. on Reverb
I'm thrilled with this quiet, versatile mic. It delivers clarity and detail I'd expect from a much more expensive microphone.
Good Sound, High Noise
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by John F. on Reverb
Good sounding mic, though the self noise is quite a bit higher than my others, (Neumann TLM 102, Blue Yeti Pro) by about the factor of 2. It sounds remarkably similar to the Blue Yeti, with just barely more refined highs.
Too much sibilance!
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tom on Guitar Center
No matter where I place the mic: the side of my face, above my head, off to the side and a foot away the recording exaggerates the sssssss sound. I've used other mics Such as Neumann BCM 104 and never encountered this problem. Any ideas on how to correct it?
Sounds great!
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jeff on Guitar Center
Warm sound
Amazing sound coherent phase at mid range and highs
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Denis R. on Reverb
Way better than rode nt1
Great versatile mic
Aston Microphones Spirit Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Elliot R. on Reverb
Sounds very clear, straight forward operation. Variety of options for polar patterns. If I could only have one mic in this price range it would be this one!
I like it so much I'll probably get a second
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jack on Guitar Center
A fantastic sound for a good price
Warm and Detailed
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Thomas on Guitar Center
Lots of things will sound good on this mic. Can't wait try try it on them all. Meantime, vocals (bright tenor voice) and acoustic (maple Taylor 614) sound amazing.
Mic
Aston Microphones Spirit Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Dan on Guitar Center
Haven't used yet
