Isn’t she beautiful? Let me introduce you to my Aston Origin Condenser Microphone designed an built in the UK and currently the primary microphone in my home recording studio.
Like many of you, I have gone through and collected a few mics over the years, starting with the AKG Perception 220,(since sold it), then to the workhorse studio mic every studio should own, the AudioTechnica AT2020. I then graduated to the beloved RODE NT1-A, one of the best and most purchased vocal mics in the market. These are all great vocal microphones you should have in your arsenal if you plan on staying in that under $500 range, hell under $300 range.
Then one day at the recommendation of a friend who runs their own studio I came across the Aston Origin, built like a tank with the sound of a fluffy warm teddy bear. We fell in love and have stayed together ever since.
It retails for under $300 but competes with mics six times its price. I have even seen a few review videos where its been put up against the Neumanns of the world in a blind listening comparison, and comes close if not surpasses (a little exaggerated I know), but close.
This is what I love about it:
It delivers a warm texture to the vocals, a smooth and intimate sound.
Picks up a great mid-range that punches you in the chest
Its small compact size and durability, feels like it will last for years
Its 3 year warranty for replacement is a no brainer
Just one con for me:
Due to its design, plan on using angles when you mount?, it will require you purchasing a custom shock mount.
I use my Origin and Spirits happily alongside classic microphones such as the Neumann 49b, U87 or AKG C414s and often choose the Astons. ~ Chris Porter, Producer (David Bowie, Wham!, Thin Lizzy)
Aston Microphones, a newcomer started by two of the original founders of sE Electronics (who left the company in 2014), is proud of the fact that its Origin microphone is made entirely in the UK, for exception of the capsule. Like many microphones in (and even well above) this price bracket, its center-terminated (Neumann-style) capsule is of Asian origin. Aston rigorously hand-selects the capsules it receives, and the company claims that only about 20% of the capsules make the cut.
The Origin‘s grille consists instead of a fabric-like knitted stainless steel mesh completely surrounded by a large protective wave spring. Clever, innovative and durable, the design of the mic’s grille is arguably the most innovative aspect of the Origin., and it looks cool too!
What are some of your favorite Microphones within this price range? Do you own one of these mics, and if so, share your experience and or opinions below by commenting.
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