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.
Power P48 (48 V ±4 V).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Switchable, 3
- Sensitivity
- −32.5 dBV/Pa computed
- Self-noise
- 14 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 59%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 60%
- Max SPL
- 138 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 53%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 49%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 2016
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 34% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 52% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
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
From the handbook fr, p. 7. Approximate
"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.
In practice
All specs
| From the handbook | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 1 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-noise | 14 dB(A)"Equivalent Noise Level: 14dB A-Weighted". | |
| Max SPL | 138 dB SPL0.5% 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 range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz±3 dB. "20Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB)". | |
| Powering | P48 (48 V ±4 V)"48 Volt Phantom power (+/- 4 Volts) is required for operation". | |
| Low cut | off, 80 Hz"Low-Cut Filter: 80Hz". Slope not stated; no curve for it. | |
| Pad | −10 dBalso −20 dB. "Pad Switches: -20dB/-10dB/0dB". | |
| Weight | 625 g"Product weight 625g" (Aston Spirit column). | p. 5 |
| Dimensions | 54 × 175 mm"Product width 54mm", "Product length 175mm": width × length. | |
| Electronics | Transformer-balanced output; a custom UK-built toroidal transformer of Aston's own design | p. 8 |
| Front | The Aston badge marks the front in cardioid; in figure-8 the logo marks the positive side | p. 35 |
| Head | Wave-form stainless steel mesh head with elastic memory, which absorbs shocks to protect the capsule; built-in knitted stainless steel pop filter | p. 5 |
| Mounting | Direct-to-stand mounting option | |
| Chassis | 2 mm solid stainless steel, laser-cut and etched | |
| ApplicationsAston | Most instruments, and main and backing vocals | p. 8 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2016 | |
Documents
- Aston Microphones Owners HandbookOrigin, Spirit, Starlight, Stealth, Element, accessories, Halo
- Aston Microphones, Manuel de l'acquéreurOrigin, Spirit, Starlight, Stealth; French
- SPIRITproduct page
- Aston Microphones Spirit | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.