Introduction
In the dynamic world of audio, Aston Microphones has carved a niche with its Origin model. Let’s dive into a comprehensive review, exploring the highs and lows of this microphone.
Microphone Design and Build Quality
Pros:
- Sturdy metal construction
- Sleek and professional appearance
- User-friendly controls
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
The Origin boasts a robust metal build that exudes durability. Its sleek design adds a professional touch, while the user-friendly controls make operation a breeze.
Microphone Performance
Pros:
- Crystal-clear audio reproduction
- Versatile for various applications
- Low self-noise enhances recording quality
Cons:
- Requires a shock mount for optimal performance
The microphone’s performance shines, delivering crystal-clear audio across diverse applications. However, investing in a shock mount is recommended for optimal results.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Pros:
- XLR connection for reliability
- Compatible with a range of audio interfaces
Cons:
- No USB connectivity option
The XLR connection makes sure the Origin works well with different audio devices, but not having a USB connection could be a downside for some people.
Microphone Value for Money
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Bundled with essential accessories
Cons:
- Shock mount not included
Aston Microphones offers a good deal with affordable prices and includes important accessories, which makes it a good value overall. But, it’s important to note that the package doesn’t include a shock mount, which is a downside.
User Experience
Pros:
- Easy setup and operation
- Intuitive controls for quick adjustments
Cons:
- Limited customization options
The Origin is easy to use, with a simple setup and easy-to-understand controls. But if you want a lot of choices to customize things, you might find that it doesn’t have as many features as you’d like.
Final Verdict
To sum it up, the Aston Microphones Origin is a great pick for people who love good audio. It’s well-built, works really well, and is reasonably priced, making it a good choice. Although having a shock mount would have been nice, the whole package is impressive.
luis enrique sanchez –
Just buy this mic. I heard about this from some serious engineers in Nashville and decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. The first few vocalists that listened back to their tracks were amazed at how good it sounded. For reference, I’ve compared this mic to a Neumann M149, AKG C414, Shure SM7b, and a Se 2200t, and the Aston blows them away for most vocals. I haven’t heard the multi pattern version, but the big dogs told me that the cardioid version sounded better, so that’s what I bought.
Sempre io –
Excellent microphone for vocals and acoustic guitars. My recordings have definitely gone up a notch with this addition to my home studio.
John Deegan –
Me encanto todo lo recomiendo para voces con brillo y boces presentes pero es muy buen micro
Joel David Laureano –
Amazing sounding Mic. I make learning tracks for living, in short I record myself singing..a lot, and I’ve been happy with a lot of mics but then I got this one. It blows most mics, for sure all the ones in this price range, out of the water! Nice high end, clear, clean, and I don’t have to boost the gain.
Monark Media –
I’ve owned it for 8 months now so I think I can give a fair and true review. Too many amazon reviews are given within an hour of opening a box. For anyone condsidering this microphone, they need to know how it holds up under scrutiny and time in a professional use scenario. OK Background: I do professional Voice Over work among other things as an actor. I’ve recorded in really high end state of the art studios with mics that cost thousands of dollars over the years.
I’ve also had my own home studio for about 8 years and used CAD, GXL, Blue, and other mid – grade mics quite a bit with varying results. All microphones have their pros and cons. As you probably know, you keep the mics that likes your voice, and you use the ones that have the “sound” your looking for in the situation. Every mic has pros, and cons so here’s my list for the Aston Origin.
PROS:
* This microphone has a sound that is warm but very crisp.
* There is very little “noise” in the mic.
* The proximity effect is good but you don’t have to be 2 inches away to get it.
* The design is elegant and modern looking so it “feels” very professional and it’s full metal construction is rugged
* Mounts easily on a standard mic stand due to the mount hole location… so you don’t need an extra suspension bracket like other mics. This makes it very efficient and easy to set up in a small space or large and eliminates some hassle.
* That makes it easy to mount a pop filter on the mic stand due to the narrow vertical profile created when mounted on top of a mic stand. (see picture above)
* The cardioid pattern is very effective at cancelling out background noise, as in better than any I have used that were below $250… but you don’t have to stress about being perfectly on axis when speaking to get the full recording spectrum from the diaphragm (Recording element)
* Price: This mic has such clarity and detail, I don’t think you could find anything better for the price. If you are ready for a true professional mic but don’t want to spend more than $300 then this your best option that I know of after all my research.
* Handles gain very well (which also has to do with your Preamps), but doing Voice overs I never have to push my vocals and so subtle sounds are clear and present in the recording.
CONS:
* No USB mount so you gotta have the right XLR / pro sound setup to use it
* Single Pattern
* A bit heavy which could be a pro depending on how you look at it.
* I can’t speak to it’s ability to handle singing vocals. Sorry I have not sung into it and recorded the results, other than just playing around. But it’s very present so you will need to manage the mixer and input levels to keep it from peaking.
Overall this is a fantastic microphone that packs a lot more sound quality than anything I know of in this price range. It’s not dirt cheap but there are a lot more expensive options out there and they will honestly give you minimal quality increase over the Aston Origin.
I even heard a rumor that the Origin is loved by the great Stevie Wonder. Which may prove that the Aston Origin is holding it’s own in home studio and professional studio environments. I’d bet on it against any microphone that is under $1,000 out there. If you aren’t looking for one with a “signature” sound which this does but it’s not overbearing, then this is a great option for you. Its clarity doesn’t sacrifice the wholeness needed to pick up the more emotional nuances of a deeper vocal movement. There could be a bit more “bass” response but it’s adequate and you can sweeten it in post and you’ll get stellar results.
Happy recording.
Kaeli –
Prodotto perfetto per la sua fascia di prezzo, unica pecca è che ha pochissimi bassi e quindi a confronto con un neumann u87 ha la voce meno bassosa
Faustino Correa Hernández –
I dunno if this is what they call “UK sound” or “Euro style” but the Origin has a nice warm sound to it. One word of warning, get a GOOD quality audio interface that can truly output enough juice to power the Aston Origin (phantom power +48v). Else, you will hear all kinds of hiss, pops, static noise, etc… oh and btw, the Origin picks up every nuance and shift in your voice (very detailed).
Once you register your mic , you will have a 3 year warranty… Overall, the Origin is built like a TANK, It is built to survive drops, dirt, wind, (sadly, not water…lol.) So, the only beef I have is that it should come in a nice reusable case… BUT it doesn’t , why? Heck, even the cheapest MXL microphone comes in a hard plastic case…
Amazon Customer –
Buen equipo hasta ahora, pero el empaque en el que viene embalado es muy poco protegido. Entiendo que la marca lo hace así por un principio de cuidado al planeta y el menor uso de materiales contaminantes, pero me parece que en un equipo delicado deberían tener presente el cuidado de la inversión como los consumidores de sus productos hacemos.
Monark Media –
I owned a professional studio for more than 10 years, and got to know the best mics in the business, in all price ranges. When I was hired to produce an independent album for an artist in Portugal as a freelancer, I needed an all purpose mic that I could travel with and carry around, and record the acoustic guitars that would be the foundation of the songs in different environments, as well as vocals for vocal arrangements that would be created on the fly, before we headed to the studio for the lead vocals (that would be recorded in a much more expensive Soyuz O17). Guess what? All the vocals and guitars recorded with the Origin ended up in the final mixes, with amazing results. I would dare to say that, comparing to the Soyuz, and strictly from an artistic point of view, it wasn’t far behind in delivering the right vibe in every way. The low cut switch worked perfectly to suppress street noises such as the low humming of buses nearby. I strongly recommend this mic as a cheap, and versatile condenser option for guitars and vocals. It is very stylish and well constructed as well.
Mauro Naoto Motoki –
The Aston is a microphone that I had on my eye for a bit! It’s a crazy good microphone I imagine how good is the spirit! But damn the Origin is something crazy good!!! I recommend the Aston to everyone
luis enrique sanchez –
I liked this mic when I bought it. Played with it for a few days and then was busy with work. Pulled it out of the box again this weekend to do some recording for a project for my guitar teachers’ band.
Had this awful noise no matter what I did. Was about ready to throw everything out the window when I decided to try swapping my brand new mic for an AT2035.
The noise disappeared. So I did some research online. Lots of people have this problem. If you get your vocals to the right levels, you’ll hear very noticeable noise. It sits at around -41 decibels and I’d constant. Makes recordings unusable, and I’d audible behind vocals so even a gate won’t fix it.
Update: I contacted Aston and they were great to work with. They had me send some audio samples, I compared this with my AT2035 and Rode NT1A. I recorded what was happening and sent it off. They had me try keeping the mic in a box with silica gel (I live in southern Utah, so I was fairly sure humidity was not the problem, but I tried it just in case). Nothing improved, so they sent me a new mic. So far, it’s working great. I really do LOVE the sound of this mic, so I hope it continues working for me.
Mauro Naoto Motoki –
I had a mic that was on the cheaper side (90) that functioned great, however the sharpness was not quite there. After using this mic for a couple of days, I can definitely say I found the clarity to the sound that I was missing from the cheaper mic. The acuity is great and like the headline of the review mentions, the design is extremely sturdy.
Steve –
Micro anglais et assemblé en Angleterre.
Le design est original et la qualité sans faille.
Pas besoin de filtre antipop ni de suspension, le micro réagit bien tout seul.
Le son est précis et apporte une chaleur très appréciable dans cette gamme de prix.
Fait notamment des merveilles sur les voix et Instruments à cordes.
Munit d’un coupe bas et d’un réducteur -10db, ce micro se révèle un indispensable couteau suisse !