Aston Microphones Stealth Broadcast Microphone Review / Test

[@AstonMicrophones]

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. :)

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for the clarification. I appreciate you taking the time to be part of the discussion.

[@goaway2174]

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.

[@goaway2174]

@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!

[@emoboi311]

go away nobody gives a shit

[@lautaroteglia6324]

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.

[@Podcastage]

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.

[@nickm501]

You are absolutely amazing for adding timestamps, it takes 2 minutes to do but adds huge functionality.

[@epochphilosophy]

This is probably the best sounding dynamic microphone I have ever heard as far as voice goes.

[@weirdskyreallyweird.5519]

@@funkymole1995 it’s not, it’s a dynamic mic based off the shure sm7b

[@chrisw5742]

@@weirdskyreallyweird.5519 different electronic signal paths...

[@Avedis-G]

I just bought this as my first serious studio mic and I’m so glad I did! Thank you for the review!

[@_Trakman]

How is it with plosives, are you using a pop filter?

[@artysanmobile]

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!

[@chrisw5742]

I am sure you must use external phantom power closer to the mic as well?

[@ZohondeKids]

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. :)

[@furan]

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!

[@PresentDayProduction]

Probably the most entertaining mic review we’ve ever seen! And really useful too, nice one! 👍 oh, and LOVE the song haha!

[@PyroGuy]

You can say this mic is Astonishing

[@DMKahn]

I see what you did there

[@MrDifferentTV]

Finally, someone does a good review of this mic thank you. You just help me with picking this mic to keep it up bro.

[@nichisima6414]

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

[@LowKeyon]

BRO THANK U. This is how a mic review should be done. Good examples covering how it sounds on different sources.

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@johnkotches8320]

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.

[@basarat]

Very amusing cardioid pattern 🌹

[@shariarrahman7562]

This mic honestly made you sound better than any other mic I have heard you use. Fantastic. Just my opinion though ..

[@justheathers]

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

[@alinsani8122]

Wait, what logo is that besides your name?

[@xHadesStamps]

@@alinsani8122 Member logo. It's an SM7B.

[@juliom3552]

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.

[@jonathankessler4684]

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!

[@solomonb5990]

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!

[@larrycom]

I use The Spirit, very good mic.

[@danwildersaidso]

You give the BEST mic reviews!

[@ericanderson7059]

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 .

[@DMKahn]

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!

[@Rudigervocals]

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

[@matdemaz]

Damn, this microphone looks really sleek, but those plosives... Still not bad. Good alternative if you need a bit more presence than the SM7B.

[@lolsa123]

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.

[@MrMixknob]

I loved it so much. This is a great mic.

[@chrisw5742]

Just ordered this mic because of this vid. Thanks bro. :-)

[@chrisw5742]

Results= AWESOME MIC. WOOOOOOOOOOOOW I love it.

[@esaedvik]

Love the sound of Aston's gear

[@Podcastage]

They are making some interesting stuff for sure!

[@insanejughead]

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...

[@Podcastage]

Haha. I have footage of that!

[@zaidyusoff126]

Thanks for the review, fantastic mic!

[@damolin77]

Awesome Aston Microphones and review Aston Microphones can only get better as they come out

[@bobby3eb]

I mean it needs a pop filter (that everyone uses) and doesn't do well if the stand is hit... seems pretty easy to deal with considering it's $200 cheaper than a sm7b and cloudlifter (plus tax/shipping). I love mine.

[@TheBackRowShow]

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

[@Podcastage]

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.

[@TheBackRowShow]

Must have been the abuse of all those boxes. Took me straight back to watching bloodsport as a kid...GOT ME AMPED!

[@ramspencer5492]

@@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...... 🤓

[@RDYC]

Formerly, this was a way to tune KZbin recommendations. Nothing to do with the video.

[@Bransfiiiield]

What a sweet singing voice. I DEMAND entire reviews in song format (please)

[@agambhasin]

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!

[@ramspencer5492]

Ever tried recording a guitar? This mic is great for music

[@k_watts]

That's definitely going to be my next mic

[@danielroman4626]

That's how a fucking mic review is done, fucking perfect. you are the man himself. Thank you

[@SnakebiteCortez]

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

[@Podcastage]

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.

[@SnakebiteCortez]

@@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!

[@enriquekikzdelapazbichain1126]

So thank you so much! I just bought a stealth!

[@sapelesteve]

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!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@PDXBeach]

master microphone legend (sounds like new merch coming up?)

[@Capius1272]

I'll continue saving for the Aston Spirit that's a very nice microphone, gosh-darn-heckin'!

[@nicholasgraber994]

that intro was amazing. I loved it.

[@demzynavarro3415]

First time finding you. Great review. Subscribed wholeheartedly.

[@Podcastage]

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.

[@walterwilliams1323]

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.

[@jxxnxn1565]

This motto: "Master Microphone Legend" should be in an excellent t-shirt design in your store.

[@motabetareviews2626]

Thanks for all the work you put into your videos. And you're a great singer too. Awesome dude 👌

[@garvschannel]

didn't even noticed the plastic part and yes its hard to switch modes but we are loving this microphone.

[@jeremiahk364]

Favorite intro from you so far. :D

[@sukhoi01]

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

[@giuseppe.turitto]

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.

[@Nathankaye]

That was very useful. Thanks heaps

[@Crowbar11115]

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.

[@donaldswan1587]

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

[@timrideout]

Fantastic mic, fantastic review

[@bennyflyman8684]

Great review all i need to know about this mic u did it all!!!

[@MagWasTaken]

Nobody: Bandrew: *BREACHING*

[@itmspeakers1294]

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?

[@citizenstrife]

An internal Cloudlifter could potentially save $150-$250 (depending on getting the CL-1 or CL-Z). That's a huge mark in this mic's favor. The issue is I probably won't use it for guitars or singing, which cancels out the usefulness. As I'm always reminded from earlier videos, "It's better to buy a microphone that does one thing really well, versus a microphone that does 3-4 things ok."

[@chrisw5742]

For recording my acoustic guitar the thing is AMAZING. Also good for my baritone singing voice. Best mic I have tried for both.... BY FAR.

[@liamhebden8857]

I liked the g2 setting for your voice... sounded a bit blink 214124... Tottaly to getting it as I do both Music and podcasting

[@DatFunnyPerson]

love your songs. you should do an album

[@nelieroCR]

Could you do a comparison with the re20? :)

[@jeremiahmk3047]

Yes please

[@anahatamelodeon]

Re handling noise and pops: it strikes me that the money you save by not needing a Cloudlifter or very good high gain preamp would buy you a nice shockmount and pop filter.

[@ramspencer5492]

Lol..I had a good external pop filter and an external shockmount was really cheap

[@KevPez-IS]

It appears this mic has been discontinued…try to scoop one up if you can. Excellent mix. I found custom 3D printed mounts. Yes, it’s goofy that you need to do that, but it helps so much. Don’t let that mount keep you from getting a deal.

[@ramspencer5492]

Why are people doing that instead of just using an external shock mount? That's what elegant solution also to avoid vibration

[@ramspencer5492]

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.

[@willsabri4815]

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

[@ramspencer5492]

​​@@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.

[@sonicwingnut]

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).

[@DesoloZantas]

Please review "Audio Technica bphs2" I want to get it but theres not enough video reviews on it

[@Dylan-we5dz]

Legendary intro.

[@caek2]

That intro was amazing xD probably took a while to set up those boxes!

[@whisperintheriot]

Amazing review - good man! Subscribed :)

[@BenjiDWJ]

Awesome review as ever Bandrew 😁 keep up the stellar work!.

[@lowerquality]

YES, KEEP DOING THESE INTROS!

[@juliusthieroff]

I keep replaying the bit where he is singing lol need some pop punk music from you sir!

[@Shadicstick]

Bro that intro was beautiful

[@escalonae]

Bandrew, it may be just me but when you mention gain as time on a clock, I generally get really confused. When you say "8:30 gain" I wonder if you mean like in a clock, which would be -in a zero to ten dial and zero being 6 o'clock- something like 2 to 2.5 gain, which means about 25% gain... or if you mean 8:30 as 85% of the total gain... Once again, it may be just me. Thanks for your videos.

[@kyleayer6762]

"GOSH DARN HECKIN" got me chuckling here at work.

[@EoinOSullivan1]

Thanks. I was hoping you would do this mic since it came out.

[@75Krusty]

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?

[@buffnerdtv]

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.

[@nicovanliempt1179]

Woooow, nice through with those boxes in the doorway

[@Zadow]

MASSIVE LEGEND HERE

[@Podcastage]

Wonder if we could get max to see this. Haha! I'm sure he'd be hurt by my awesome accent.

[@Zadow]

I mean I'm Australian so that totally means I can get in touch with him right?

[@Podcastage]

Zadow exactly. All Australians know each other. Just like all Americans know each other. 😉

[@Mxyzptlk21]

Awesome Intro!

[@artysanmobile]

That entrance should be its own episode, posted January 1, 2020.

[@a42849]

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.

[@AlvaroEchanove]

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

[@virgogreg]

I thought it was better sounding than the SM7B

[@AS-fu3uv]

Oh my god that intro. I turned my volume up thinking I couldn't hear the video and then my heart nearly stopped hahahah

[@chaoticwes462]

That song makes it sound like you are on a Pokémonesque adventure to collect them all to find the very best.

[@DavidHernandezLovesYou]

This mic sounds Warm and Fuzzy!! 😍

[@Tomiprime]

You have to love the intro.

[@DesoloZantas]

Microphone Legend!!!

[@David_Logr]

Awesome intro :D I laughed so much :D

[@enriquekikzdelapazbichain1126]

Aston stealth or Procaster for singing and instruments? Im debating myself between these 2

[@RealShurikenX]

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.

[@TheLTGamer]

Great review and I love the intro. Max fan? Wait forgot to mention that thing is thicc

[@Podcastage]

MaxMoeFoeMicrophones here!

[@Sebzthesmooth]

Microphone legend here

[@muffincomic]

One take stress buster !

[@JDunamis]

This mic seems to compete well with the SMb7 isn't it better for talking?