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Aston Microphones Spirit Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8 Polar Patterns, 1" Gold-evaporated Capsule, and Built-in Pop Filter
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Aston Microphones Spirit Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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High-performance, High-value Condenser

The Aston Microphones Spirit is a unique-looking, high-performance large-diaphragm condenser mic with three selectable polar patterns and a 1-inch gold-evaporated capsule. Cardioid, omni, and figure-8 patterns, plus a 10/20dB pad and 80Hz highpass filter make this mic an all-around studio and stage workhorse. The Spirit delivers a lovely, open sound with shimmering harmonics. Sweetwater engineers have found the Spirit to be accurate and versatile; plus, it excels in most applications, especially on vocals and acoustic guitars. The build quality is outstanding: Aston has hand-selected the capsule and paired it with a high-end transformer and balanced circuitry employing top-drawer components. The Spirit delivers a true and transparent-sounding rendition of the source, capturing treble detail without a trace of harshness. If you're after quality on a budget, Aston Microphones' Spirit is highly recommended.

Wave-form mesh head with built-in pop filter

The Spirit features Aston's signature wave-form mesh head which not only looks cool, but provides rugged protection for the mic's internals. If subjected to a forceful ding, the shock-resistant wave-form grille allows the head of the mic to distort, then return to its normal position without damage. It also offers a measure of off-axis rejection, helping to diminish unwanted ambient sound. Built into the wave-form head is a mesh-knit pop filter that eliminates plosives in vocal performances. This single-piece mesh cage is made of stainless steel, so it's rustproof; you can even remove and wash it!

Unique chassis and end cap design

Did we mention how striking this mic looks? To achieve its hard-wearing, eye-catching finish, your Spirit's chassis has been tumbled individually for up to four hours, with the engraving applied afterward. A custom-molded end cap with integrated XLR and built-in, interchangeable mic stand thread adapter is another unique aspect of the design. In light of the mic's superior onboard shock absorption, you can mount it directly to a mic stand - which also makes it easy to repair and maintain.

Aston Microphones Spirit Features:

  • Large-diaphragm pressure-gradient condenser microphone with variable polar patterns
  • Polar pattens switchable between Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8
  • 1-inch 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
  • 48V phantom power required for operation

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Mono/Stereo: Mono
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
  • Diaphragm Size: 1" gold evaporated
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±3dB)
  • Max SPL: 138dB SPL
  • Sensitivity: 23.7mV/Pa
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 80dB (A weighted)
  • Self Noise: 14dB (A weighted)
  • Low Cut Filter: 80Hz
  • Pads: -20dB, -10dB
  • Connector: XLR
  • Color: Silver
  • Power Source: 48V phantom power
  • Dimensions: 6.89" x 2.13"
  • Weight: 1.38 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AST-SPIRIT

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Aston Spirit

The Aston Spirit microphone we recently purchased worked very well as a choir mic for twenty singers. I will be testing it for instruments and other applications soon. Very clear and clean. The three pattern options and the three gain settings allow for many applications. Vocals were crisp and legible.
Rated 5/5

Perfect!

I sing with a 10-member a cappella group. We often perform at outdoor events and struggle with the mic set-up provided by event organizers, so we decided to purchase our own. On the advice of a Sweetwater consultant, we bought this mic and it is everything we could have hoped for. The sound quality is excellent, it picks up every voice, and we've never sounded better.
Rated 5/5

A No-Brainer for the Bedroom Studio

I was aware of Aston Microphones mostly from their distinct visual design, but recently saw a video with Steve Genewick discussing how impressed he and the late Al Schmitt were with their performance. A pretty crazy sale popped up for the Origin, so I considered taking the plunge for a more modern-sounding mic. After watching a review from Podcastage (highly recommend checking out his reviews before you buy any mic), I determined that it would be worth upgrading to the Spirit. Lo and behold, the Spirit was on sale as well. After some internal deliberating, I made the order. I wish I would have bought two. The majority of my recording work consist of demos for my own original country/rock tracks, and this mic delivers the goods. I have a vocal booth (closet) that I often use for tracking, but constantly walking back and forth to make adjustments to hardware and within my DAW can really get tiresome after a while, so I started recording demos with a handheld SM58 at my workstation, but this has led to much sonic compromise, with the Shure's lack of detail relative to a condenser along with the significance of plosives. Out of curiosity, I tried holding the Spirit in my hand to track, and it worked phenomenally. The internal shock mount led to negligible handling noise, while the integrated pop filter neutralized a staggering majority of plosives. All of this convenience aside, the mic sounds fantastic. Vocals are clear but not hyped, and this mic has proved strong for acoustic guitars as well. I would not surprised if I bought a second in the future at full retail price. If you're working in a limited space and need to get the most you can from a microphone, definitely consider the Aston Spirit.
Music background: Singer-Songwriter
Rated 5/5

Just as good if not better than the Shure SM7B!

Bought this mic to help expand on my collection and was blown away on how crisp the recorded audio was without mixing. I love how versatile this mic is with the applications it can be put into! This is a pretty sensitive mic so it will pick up room noises depending on the setting versus the SM7B which is a bit more forgiving. Ive used it to mic up guitars, vocals, and as a room mic which all sounded fantastic pre and post mixing. Worth every penny for the price!
Music background: Music Production Student at Full Sail University
Rated 5/5

Brilliant microphone for modern vocal sound

Before buying the Aston Spirit I tried out the Aston Origin. The Origin has the same look and build as the Spirit, but is cheaper. So why not start with the cheaper option?

So I bought the Origin. I'm sure it's great for some applications. But for vocals? Not in my experience. Way too bright, with little to nobody. Every voice I tried it on sounded super hyped.

After an experience like that, why would I try the Spirit? Well, the one great thing about the Origin was that it was completely void of weird resonances. Every vocal performance I've ever mixed has had issues of resonances that need to be EQed out. Despite the Origin's completely unnatural sound, there were no resonances to speak of! I suspect it has something to do with the fact that the mic doesn't have a traditional basket. More like a steel wool/mesh.

Anyways - I hemmed and hawed about ordering the Spirit. Finally gave in. And have been SO glad I did! The Spirit has a full-bodied sound without sounding like mush. Air and presence in the top end without the harshness. Loud vocals aren't riddled with ugly, excited resonances.

The Spirit can *almost* sound a bit too sibilant/bright. But any decent deesser will even out the Spirit easily. Because this thing takes processing like a champ.

Love it!
Music background: Mix Engineer, YouTuber/Blogger

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Ryan Lehnertz

Over the past decade, I've used many different microphones on acoustic guitars in my home studio. I took a chance on an Aston Microphones Spirit, and tried it on my Washburn acoustic. It impressed me from the moment I started tracking. I expected this affordable mic to be good, but I had no idea how much natural depth it could deliver. Its midrange response is organic, and it captures the brightness of the strings. At the same I get the low-end body I need to complement the mids and highs. The result is a balanced tone I hardly need to touch in my DAW.

Ryan Lehnertz

I needed an condenser microphone to record acoustic guitar on a budget, so I picked up an Aston Spirit. It more than met my expectations. Its smooth high-end response and open sound not only complement my own Washburn, they make it excellent for any acoustic guitar I record. I keep finding more uses for this affordable mic, and it's one I'm always happy to recommend.
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