Aston Microphones Stealth Broadcast Microphone Review / Test
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Today I review the brand new Aston Stealth, a Dynamic Mic with a Class A preamp built into it. On top of that, it has 4 different voicings for Male or Female voices, guitar, or a Dark mode to emulate a ribbon microphone. The microphone does suffer pretty badly from plosives and the built in capsule shock mount is not too effective at rejecting bumps of the microphone stand. All around it is very versatile and would be a great tool to have in a mic locker.
CORRECTION: Correction. At 4:46 I read the incorrect description for the capsule mounting system/internal shock mount. The correct description is: Aston Stealth includes a proprietary internal shock mount design with the capsule suspended in mid-air, completely isolated from the mic chassis, and supported at 3 points by Sorbothane polymer hemispheres.
Buy the Aston Stealth (Amazon Affiliate)
Global: geni.us/stealth
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (2nd Gen) (Amazon Affiliate)
Global: geni.us/2i22nd
00:00 - Intro / Price
00:38 - Testing Parameter Setup
00:55 - What’s in the Box
01:11 - Build Quality
01:44 - Specifications
02:12 - What is Active Mode?
02:31 - Testing All 4 Microphone Voicings (Spoken Word)
03:13 - Polar Pattern Test
03:37 - Plosive Test
03:45 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:08 - Background Noise Test
04:17 - Testing Coloration of the Preamp
04:45 - Testing Bump Rejection
05:07 - Built-in preamp vs. Interface Preamp Noise Comparison
05:45 - Stealth vs Sm7b Comparison
06:29 - Music Test
07:56 - Pros & Cons
09:00 - Overall Thoughts
10:40 - Recommendation
11:28 - Outro
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Thanks for the review Bandrew!
Just a few comments: The plastic head was actually chosen after a rigorous testing process over the cheaper steel option in order to contour the sound and improve the overall sound quality. The plastic is very high grade stuff with flex in them to prevent damage when dropped. Opinions may vary, but in any case it wasn’t the cheap & easy option! One other thing - despite appearances, V2 does not have a gain bump. Believe it or not, It’s an auditory illusion caused by the increased HF response - so the total amount of energy on this setting is almost identical to the other 3 settings. :)
Thank you very much for the clarification. I appreciate you taking the time to be part of the discussion.
Whatever, this is one microphone that I will never consider - there are plenty of metal microphones available that don't seem audibly impacted by the material choice and then we needn't worry about the long term durability (metal lasts, plastic not so much as it loses elasticity over time). The mounting system is absolute nonsense. $400? - You must be joking, this is just another unappealing (both in design and sound) microphone that seems gimmick laden! I'll stay with the SM7B and RE20.
@RightReverend BubbaBullfrog I agree with you that the shock system seems very poorly executed, I have the NT1 and the K2 and really like them both and have not experienced rumble using the provided shock mounts - Rode makes great product for the money!
go away nobody gives a shit
I personally think it is an excellent microphone. I have an Aston Spirit, and I am thinking of purchasing a Stealth for my study. Also, I don't see Shure commenting on reviews of his microphones on the internet. Point for Aston.
You are absolutely amazing for adding timestamps, it takes 2 minutes to do but adds huge functionality.
That intro and other stuff you do/say in videos is exactly what makes the reviews comedic and entertaining, combined with your already informative format makes your channel my favorite for looking at mics. :)
This is probably the best sounding dynamic microphone I have ever heard as far as voice goes.
@@funkymole1995 it’s not, it’s a dynamic mic based off the shure sm7b
@@weirdskyreallyweird.5519 different electronic signal paths...
I just bought this as my first serious studio mic and I’m so glad I did! Thank you for the review!
How is it with plosives, are you using a pop filter?
Thank you for the review. I got an Aston Stealth today and I don't have time to take it for a ride immediately, so this review was very helpful and the criticism is very objective and honest. Can't wait to use mah new miiiiiiiiiiic!
Finally, someone does a good review of this mic thank you. You just help me with picking this mic to keep it up bro.
Probably the most entertaining mic review we’ve ever seen! And really useful too, nice one! 👍 oh, and LOVE the song haha!
BRO THANK U. This is how a mic review should be done. Good examples covering how it sounds on different sources.
Thanks for making informative and entertaining reviews. I’m not a podcaster / voiceover ‘ singer etc. I play jazz woodwinds. Knowing how a mic does with voices is an excellent guide for an instrument.
Like that intro very much!
Agreed. I actually laughed. Like... for real.
You give the BEST mic reviews!
Can I just say that I think the best uses for this microphone that I found from this video, I think the dark setting sounded best on your voice and all the settings worked AMAZINGLY on electric guitar. Id like to hear this on bass too but I can't be too picky, maybe one of these days I'll end up picking one up!
That intro was amazing xD probably took a while to set up those boxes!
Thanks for all the work you put into your videos. And you're a great singer too. Awesome dude 👌
As far as I know, Royer pioneered the use of an internal phantom powered preamp on a dynamic mic with their R122 ribbon. I thought it was a brilliant idea and would like to see it become widespread. Dynamic mics are widely used in broadcasting due to durability and weather resistance, but frequently have to deal with 500’+ cable runs. An onboard preamp is the perfect solution. That circuitry is probably the lowest cost part of a quality mic, after capsule and metalwork, so it could be easily implemented in many models as a reasonable cost option. Good show Aston!
I am sure you must use external phantom power closer to the mic as well?
that intro was amazing. I loved it.
Thanks that was the best complete review I have ever seen on , well anywhere.You just made them millions and I think you should get a piece of that LOL
Favorite intro from you so far. :D
Thanks for the review, fantastic mic!
Awesome review as ever Bandrew 😁 keep up the stellar work!.
i liked this review, and in the end i ended up buying that + a focusrite scarlet solo for my steam.
over all the sound quality of my stream improved, not only due to the mic but since i got a mic i also started playing around with my audio on the stream which in the end made it overall sound better.
Awesome Aston Microphones and review Aston Microphones can only get better as they come out
What a sweet singing voice. I DEMAND entire reviews in song format (please)
Holy heck Bandrew, that was a doozy of an intro.
Great review
all i need to know about this mic
u did it all!!!
The best part of your videos (except for the extreme value of the actual reviews you do) is when you say a joke, you always laugh at yourself. It’s the best!
I've been using this microphone for podcasting during the last year and I am totally in love with it. I've tried other dynamic microphones like the SM57 and I prefer this one. About the plosives, oriented to the corner of my mouth it is not a problem most of the time (in hours of recording maybe I find 1 or two little plosives maximum). A great choice for podcasting in my opinion.
master microphone legend (sounds like new merch coming up?)
Not that I understand all of that jargon but that sounded like a great Mic & that was a terrific review Bandrew! I also really like that the Mic came with a freaking Sticker!!!!!!!!!! :)
I loved it so much. This is a great mic.
Very amusing cardioid pattern 🌹
So thank you so much! I just bought a stealth!
Amazing review - good man! Subscribed :)
On my wish list for my next microphone. I really like the D mode it brings that Old Warm sound of a Radio Host in an old Tube Radio.
You can say this mic is Astonishing
I see what you did there
Thanks. I was hoping you would do this mic since it came out.
Just ordered this mic because of this vid. Thanks bro. :-)
Results= AWESOME MIC. WOOOOOOOOOOOOW I love it.
Awesome intro :D I laughed so much :D
Great review as usual. Aston is putting out some interesting stuff. I might add one to the mic closet in the future. I'm pretty happy with my EV RE320, but it's hard to resist something this unique. And....new guitar?
First time finding you. Great review. Subscribed wholeheartedly.
Wow, thank you so much Demzy, that means a lot. I appreciate the subscription and I hope the channel can help you learn about audio and make more informed decisions about the gear you pick up. Happy recording.
Bro that intro was beautiful
Woooow, nice through with those boxes in the doorway
Awesome Intro!
Fantastic mic, fantastic review
Great review and I love the intro. Max fan? Wait forgot to mention that thing is thicc
MaxMoeFoeMicrophones here!
This mic honestly made you sound better than any other mic I have heard you use. Fantastic. Just my opinion though ..
I'm REALLY glad you review mics the way you do. I've watched about a dozen Stealth reviews and nobody pointed out the plastic part. Hard No on this one for me then.
I own an Origin and love it...no way in hell I'm paying MORE and getting plastic. It sounds oddly resonant at different parts of the video too.
This mic is really disappointing now that I've heard you put it through its paces properly. Thank you for being honest and actually going full force on these mic reviews.
That's definitely going to be my next mic
Epic intro! :D
YES, KEEP DOING THESE INTROS!
Damn, this microphone looks really sleek, but those plosives... Still not bad. Good alternative if you need a bit more presence than the SM7B.
This mic sounds Warm and Fuzzy!! 😍
love your songs. you should do an album
You have to love the intro.
Please review "Audio Technica bphs2" I want to get it but theres not enough video reviews on it
Ok. Epic intro.
...maybe it needs a handle with care sticker...
How about a line of Podcastage review stickers? They could be digital for use in the videos
Wait, what logo is that besides your name?
@@alinsani8122 Member logo. It's an SM7B.
I'll continue saving for the Aston Spirit that's a very nice microphone, gosh-darn-heckin'!
This motto: "Master Microphone Legend" should be in an excellent t-shirt design in your store.
That was very useful. Thanks heaps
Something truly different on the landscape -- very interesting! Have to admit I liked it better when I thought it was a dynamic, but that's my bias showing. Thanks for introducing us to this choice.
Dan Magoo It absolutely IS a dynamic microphone. 100%. It contains a preamp powered by phantom power which can be used or not used.
Hey, I really love your videos and have been a fan for a while. Also, the intro was EPIC!!! haha, Anyway. I think this may be of interest to you. You most likely have seen it floating around on the internet. There is this new audio interface I've been seeing and you should do a review of it. It's called the Komplete Audio 1 or 2 and it'll be an interesting comparison if you compare it with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo or 2nd Gen.
Video Idea anyone... haha
Hey Bandrew i’d love to see a review of the Aston spirit! It is everywhere where I live in the UK, and it would be dope to see the opinion of someone even nerdier than me!
I use The Spirit, very good mic.
Love the sound of Aston's gear
They are making some interesting stuff for sure!
didn't even noticed the plastic part and yes its hard to switch modes but we are loving this microphone.
Brandrew, Thanks for the review would you recommend this over Shure SM7b? Whats your take on Aston Origin? can you compare in your VS series
Does anyone notice that XLR plugs for mic cables don't exactly "lock in" to their aston stealth microphone? I've been experiencing this, but I'm not sure if mine is defective or if it's meant to be like that. I've had mine since launch
I actually got this mic 6 months ago and paired it with the fethead germanium. It sounds stellar and WAY better than the included preamp also got it a 3d printed mount for it just because the other one was pretty bad. I know i paid more for it but i am very happy with stealth and fethead germanium
Hey Bandrew, congratulations on reaching 100k! Although you should have many more subscribers by now. Also, I was wondering if you could do a review on the MXL 006 USB microphone; I know you're not too big of a fan but of USB mics, but it would be much appreciated.
Legendary intro.
I really like the mic, but the mounting clip? What were they thinking! It is the heaviest mic I've ever used, end-address, so requires mounting near horizontally in most cases and mounted at the end with a tiny clip, so maximum strain on the clip. This should have been supported in the middle like the SM7b. Its a massive advantage that the mic doesn't need a Cloudlifter like the Shure, but honestly, if it weren'tt for the fact that I needed the mic urgently, and our store had no Cloudlifters or anything similar in stock, I would have returned it and paid the extra, and now it's later, I wish I had, as I feel uneasy every time I set the mic up. Also, if the mic is to be mounted eg on a small boom in front of a cab, the awkward lack of balance caused by this system, means it is very fiddly to find a position where it isnt pulling the stand out of line, or causing the boom to twist.
UPDATE: My problem with the mounting method for this mic has been resolved by a friendly guy I made contact with, who has a very affordable solution for anyone who dislikes the Aston mount design as I do. I have two, and for me, they greatly improve the mounting and weight-distribution of the mic. Check out ingeniousStuff.etsy.com
I'm like....I know this dude....BANDREW!!??? What the hell is up brother? You're rocking it! I've been watching your videos about to buy a mic for my studio podcasting and have been getting great info from you! Didn't even know it was you but then thought, I know this dude...hahaha Thank you brother. So good to see you again. Crazy cool! Way to inspire! Cheers
Oh damn it's Snakebite! Hope you're doing well! Glad to see you still at it, and happy to know there's been some useful info for ya. Best of luck on the podcast mate.
@@Podcastage I love it! hahaha small world. Super stoked to cross paths. I've been talking with cree lately as well. Thank you kind sir! Continued success to you!
Sept 2022 Just got mine today I concur w this review , gain galore w phantom pwr , voicing dial is a little tricky to turn . A steal at 200 ish dollars .
Correction. At 4:46 I read the incorrect description for the capsule mounting system/internal shock mount. The correct description is:
Aston Stealth includes a proprietary internal shock mount design with the capsule suspended in mid-air, completely isolated from the mic chassis, and supported at 3 points by Sorbothane polymer hemi-spheres.
Sorbothane is a synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer used as a vibration damper and acoustic shield used in computing, hi-fi and many industrial applications.
Been putting this mic through it's paces for singing and just a little guitar so far. I really like it! V1 is great for lead male vocals. With the preamp, it does behave surprisingly similar to a condenser microphone. Even benefiting from a little more distance than you typically would sing into a dynamic microphone. Very pleasing tonal voice.
I found that it you sing a bit off axis on the V2 setting you attenuate the overly bright voice (at least on my voice and male vocals in general probably) and it makes a great setting for background vocals. With the right angle I really like this setting for that application. Additionally, it's definitely is the best dynamic mic I've used for recording acoustic guitar.
Thanks Bandrew. I landed on this mic from watching your reviews. It's a really good addition for music. I will reach for this a lot and I even own a couple of mics that hover in the $1000 range! It's that good to my ears.
I did add an aftermarket external shockmount and a pop filter. I highly recommend this mic for these kinds of applications. Especially if you don't have a well treated space for something like a Rode NT1.
It I only need a dynamic broadcast mic for spoken word, I might lean more towards the sound of the Sure SM7B but for music..... This thing is a beast.
Hey man, I was wondering if you've used the mic to record acoustic guitar and vocals at the same time, I'm looking to buy a mic to do that kinda thing in my room
@@willsabri4815 I probably wouldn't do that with a dynamic Mic personally.... So no.. the distance you are from the capsule makes a much bigger difference on a dynamic mic.
The stealth is a nice microphone indeed, but first up I don’t think most people would need the modes, the dark mode however being a nice addition for freaks like myself, but when compared to the SM7B, i still prefer the 7B to it anyday! Great video as always brother!
Ever tried recording a guitar? This mic is great for music
Hey Bandrew,
First of all, thank you so much for your great videos. They are really helpful and actually very entertaining. I didn't know I'd get hooked on the "mic review" genre!
Second, I wanted to ask you if you knew about, or had tested, the Aston Spirit condenser mic. I want to upgrade to a mic in that price range to record my music, since I had to stop gigging. I'm a flamenco singer/guitarist, so : full-on dynamics, wooden sounds and weeping melismatic voices. I'm hesitating between that and the Rode NT2-A, which seems precise and versatile. I don't want to buy something that won't fit my voice and my style, but obviously there's no way to test these bad boys because of the pandemic.
I know you can't make the decision for me, but what would be your advice ? Have you ever tried the Aston Spirit? Is there a mic you would recommend for nylon-string guitar and flamenco music?
Cheers
That's how a fucking mic review is done, fucking perfect. you are the man himself. Thank you
Always good brother
What was the red soundbox with XLR input you used? And is it possible to use either cables, adaptors ect to plug it into a normal buildin soundcard with mini-jack?
I keep replaying the bit where he is singing lol need some pop punk music from you sir!
Microphone Legend!!!
Move over SM7B there's a new kid in town. Well done Aston the Stealth is impressive especially as you get 3 mics in one for a great price. Perfect for musos, V/O's and singers.
Which is best for home recording studio?
#Focusrite Scarlett Solo or #Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 Hybrid Compact Mixer / USB Interface
I def enjoyed the sound of the mic. Pity about the bumps and plosives but it sounds like it's a versatile mic. :)
mode D sounds good on electric guit
I like this mic. Now I need to get a phantom power capable interface ;)
I've got a problem. So I have this Aston Stealth mic and I have a Focusrite Scarlett Solo (basically, the mini version of the 2i2). Whenever I turn ON the phantom power and put my settings exactly as yours, including within my Adobe Audition program, the mic is VERY sensitive and loud, makes popping noises, and also sounds as shitty as an Xbox headset mic. I only somewhat sound like you when I turn the phantom power OFF and set the dB to about 80%. What gives???
Also, I hear some light "air" in the background when I turn my volume all the way up to listen to my recording. I don't hear that in your video. It's 100% dead silent when you're not speaking.
This vs Lewitt 440 which do you think is better for vocals or voiceover emphasis in your opinion? Listening on multiple sources, comparing like crazy, but its a tough decision.
Now.... what if you add a cloudlifter or a dynamite... I have 2 stealths but I still seem to be getting a good bit of noise
I’ve been thinking about just throwing on something to give it some extra clean dB
I’m aware it’s probably not a good idea, but I’m surprised no one has tried it yet
Right now I’m debating on getting 2 more stealths, or just buying 4 shure sm57’s with a81ws and dynamites
isn't 50db boost a bit much? I mean what if you don't want it THAT loud? but at the same time your preamps can't run it in passive.
Microphone legend here
Hey! can you please review the t bone mb88u. it's a usb dynamic mic and it's also haves a xlr-port and it's almost like audiotechnica atr2100 but way cheaper. I'm glad if you could review it.
Oh my god that intro. I turned my volume up thinking I couldn't hear the video and then my heart nearly stopped hahahah
This mic seems to compete well with the SMb7 isn't it better for talking?
One take stress buster !
Aston stealth or Procaster for singing and instruments? Im debating myself between these 2
Just pulled the trigger on one of these this week after I saw they'd dropped to £230 in the UK. That's like, £90 cheaper than an SM7B! Gonna put it through it's paces in the next few days (maybe do a video review but that feels almost redundant after watching this haha). The only thing I hate off the bat is the cheap feeling proprietary mic clip. I'd have preferred a mounting like the SM7B, although after looking online to see if there was a good budget universal cradle to hang it from instead... turns out the best cheap option was Aston's Swift! I've got an Origin too so might just get the cradle and use it for both (even if the Stealth doesn't really need the shock absorption part).
I need a new shock mount for this mic. The plastic piece of shit that comes with breaks so easily. But now I can’t find an alternative. Please help.
I see that you made a microphone review video...
But I want to see the video of you assembling that tower of boxes in the doorway...
Haha. I have footage of that!
Can one of you thumbs downers just explain why this is a thumbs down video? What more do you people want out of a microphone review? An Accordion? A pan flute test? Kazoo? Another great video BandrewWK
Haha. I appreciate this so much. I would love to hear from the people who dislike the videos as well. Not sure they’d care to explain what I’m doing wrong.
Must have been the abuse of all those boxes. Took me straight back to watching bloodsport as a kid...GOT ME AMPED!
@@Podcastage you're doing awesome! Trolls are gonna troll..... Anywhere to point the unmet rage at will do. It's completely unobjective...... Seeing the world through shit colored glasses...... 🤓
Formerly, this was a way to tune RUclips recommendations. Nothing to do with the video.