Mic Archive

Aston Microphones

Aston Spirit

Large-diaphragm condenser (1 inch, dual diaphragm), omni, cardioid and figure-8, transformer-balanced output, two pads and low cut

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

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / cardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−32.5 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
14 dB(A)
Max SPL
138 dB SPL
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the handbook fr, p. 5. "Réponse en fréquence" (frequency response), one graph with the three patterns as in the legend beside it: figure-8 dashed, cardioid solid, omni dash-dot-dot. Relative dB, 4 dB per gridline. Distance and smoothing not stated.

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. 7. "Courbes de directivité", "Cardioïde": two half-plots, 125 Hz to 1 kHz on the left and 2 to 16 kHz on the right, five dB per ring, rings labelled 0 to -20 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1.5 dB.

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All specs

From the handbook
Capsule1 inch, dual diaphragm, gold-evaporated. "a one inch, dual diaphragm, gold evaporated capsule", "hand-selected".p. 8
Sensitivity−32.5 dBV/Pa (23.7 mV/Pa), 1 kHz into 1 kohm. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 23.7 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.0237) = -32.5.
Self-noise14 dB(A). "Equivalent Noise Level: 14dB A-Weighted".
Max SPL138 dB SPL, 0.5% THD, pad 0 dB. "Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 138dB"; the product page adds "(0 dB pad)". No figure is given with the pads.
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; also −20 dB. "Pad Switches: -20dB/-10dB/0dB".
Weight625 g. "Product weight 625g" (Aston Spirit column).p. 5
Dimensions54 × 175 mm. "Product width 54mm", "Product length 175mm": width × length.
ElectronicsTransformer-balanced output; a custom UK-built toroidal transformer of Aston's own designp. 8
FrontThe Aston badge marks the front in cardioid; in figure-8 the logo marks the positive sidep. 35
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, and main and backing vocalsp. 8

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.com

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