Mic Archive

Aston Microphones

Aston Origin

Large-diaphragm condenser, cardioid, transformerless; side-address

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−32.8 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
Max SPL
127 dB SPL
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the handbook fr, p. 3. "Réponse en fréquence" / "Frequency Response": no distance or measuring conditions stated. The frequency axis is irregular (see note).

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the handbook fr, p. 3. "Courbe de directivité" / "Polar Pattern": two half-plots, 125 Hz to 1 kHz on the left and 2 kHz to 16 kHz on the right, rings labelled 0 to -20 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1.5 dB.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the handbook
Capsule1 inch, gold-evaporated Mylar diaphragm. "a one inch capsule with a gold evaporated Mylar diaphragm", "hand-selected".p. 6
Sensitivity−32.8 dBV/Pa (23 mV/Pa), 1 kHz into 1 kohm. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 23 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.023) = -32.8. The product page says 23.7 mV/Pa, the Spirit's figure.
Self-noise18 dB(A). "Equivalent Noise Level: 18dB A-Weighted".
Max SPL127 dB SPL, 0.5% THD. "Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 127dB"; the pad position isn't stated.
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB. "20Hz - 20kHz (+/- 3dB)".
PoweringP48 (48 V ±4 V). "48 Volt Phantom power (+/- 4 Volts) is required for operation".
Low cutoff, 80 Hz. "Low-Cut Filter: 80Hz". Slope not stated; no curve for it.
Pad−10 dB. "Pad Switch: -10dB/0 dB".
Weight450 g. "Product weight 450g".p. 5
Dimensions54 × 125 mm. "Product width 54mm", "Product length 125mm": width × length.
ElectronicsTransformerless ("high-end transformer-less circuitry")p. 6
HeadWave-form stainless steel mesh head with elastic memory, which absorbs shocks to protect the capsule; built-in knitted stainless steel pop filterp. 5
MountingDirect-to-stand mounting option
Chassis2 mm solid stainless steel, laser-cut and etched
Applications (Aston)Most instruments; "excelling on both acoustic guitar and vocals"p. 6

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Aston Microphones, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on astonmics.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics