Aston Microphones Origin Mic Review / Test (Compared to NT1, SM7b, KSM32)

[@elnhuze]

Origin outshines all of them in the lows and the highs. All the top engineers in England that worked on this mic together most certainly hit a home run with the time and effort/feedback they gave the company. And, what a brilliant and humble idea to employ them for the task of developing it. It shows. It already sounds mix ready and sounds fantastic on your voice by the way!

[@mikeheaphy]

Without a doubt, after seeing dozens of your videos, you are terrific at doing reviews. Now I may pull the trigger on this mic...excellent job and thank you for such detail...and humor

[@343-43]

At first, I wasn't so sure about the Aston, but when compared to all of these different mics, it really put things into perspective! Thanks for the comparison my man.

[@rayontita1912]

I bought my Aston Origin a few weeks ago, and back then I really looked for your review and obviously you hadn't yet posted it. Nonetheless, I watched the review and liked it. I love the Aston Origin; solid build, great sound, unique aesthetic, super versatile. Great work, Bandrew!

[@artysanmobile]

I’m impressed. The present sound is totally ok with me as it sounds like a smooth and wide bump, easy to deal with later. I absolutely LOVE the construction, with the wide open metalwork exposing a fine mesh blast filter that is very effective. It will probably be pretty successful for vocal recording, and maybe even stage use.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Dear what about you are talking about. AO is condenser microphone and hence not meant for live performance. Check if I am right/wrong.

[@artysanmobile]

@@HarvinderSingh-yy8th Where in the world did you come up with the idea condenser mics aren’t used on stage?? In a typical live stage setup, 75% or more are condensers.

[@curtisjudd]

Aston sounds pretty nice on your voice. I think I still prefer the NT1 and KSM32 on your voice. But mostly I like your 90s rock sound on the Origin.

[@dickginkowski6071]

I agree with you!

[@magnusgotanderstreaming8725]

I totaly love the Astons. I already has the Aston Spirit. It goes for almost everything.These microphones have the best of to worlds. Good for voices, acoustic guitar, public enviroment for videos, airy, detailed, softness and a little bit of a harshness as you say with the electric gituar.(Muffled sound is the worst) But what would you have the Isotope RX7 and its music post programs to otherwise :-) The self noise, I dont know, dificult to here through internet, a little bit of "distortion" gives a presens if its soft ...... (love vinyl as well) Magnus G. Sweden

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

Yup. Definitely fappable.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Why don't you try blue baby bottle SL.

[@AchrefRoubhi]

Me too i think the origin is better for instrument ♥️🎸🎵💪

[@mitamitam]

Really really makes your voice sound soothing - Love how it sounds, thanks for the review.

[@FRANANGELICOONA]

Wow Aston sounds amazing

[@exinated]

I had the Aston Origin for a 2-3 years and used it on countless demo recordings and records. As a former owner I would highly recommend this microphone to anyone who is considering to buy an Aston mic. I speak from a user perspective; someone who has been thoroughly impressed by the build and sound quality. It's one of the few microphones i recommend to my audio recording students who are looking to purchase their first mic, slightly pricier than the entry level options (MXL, Audio Technica) but worth every cent. You are right about the top end, it is very detailed but what bothers me most about the microphone was the mid-range. To my ears I had to make it work a little harder in a mix to allow it to shine through a busy mix. This was one of the reasons why I sold it off and got myself a U87 Ai instead. I hated to let it go but it was collecting dust in my mic cabinet and I'd rather pass it on to someone who would utilise the mic much more than I would. My main line of work involves alot of vocal recording/production so I had no reason to keep the mic. Also could I recommend a series on microphone preamps! Alot of home studio owners or budding recording engineers will miss out on the fact that a mic preamp contributes to the sound of a microphone as well. A sterile sounding microphone through your Focusrite will shine through a mic preamp in the chain. I own an Avalon 737, Neve 1073LB and a Focusrite ISA One and each of them sounds different through the same microphone. This allows me to mix and match certain recording applications if necessary. I used the Origin mainly through my Avalon to tame the high ends and it works beautifully. Just a suggestion!

[@yrusboaisocorpebsnd5968]

Do you have any budget friendly suggestions for a mic pre amp since the Avalon runs for over 2k

[@exinated]

@@yrusboaisocorpebsnd5968 The ISA One runs about 400 - 500 new and i'm sure you can find it cheaper used on Reverb or something. One of my favourite preamps to have around the studio.

[@richardwilliams9311]

How does it stand up against the newer models they’ve introduced?

[@exinated]

@@richardwilliams9311 like the Element and Stealth? Honestly you can't really compare it like that as both the Element and Stealth are two different mic designs in its own right. They are inherently dynamic whereas you Origin is more of a transformer-less condenser design similar to the Neumann TLM102 and 103. I believe the Spirit will sound different as I understand there is a transformer at the output stage which adds a bit of body to the sound.

[@danielhfernandez3770]

Hi ! Based on your experience, do you recommend changing my MXL 770x for this Aston Origin to use in my home studio?

[@xilosms]

I picked up the Rode Procaster a couple months ago but I still enjoy watching these reviews.

[@tommycampbell]

Sold! Thanks for the awesome review. Picking one up today.

[@leonardfpurba]

I don't know why im click this notif mic review, even i know i will not have a chance to buy this mic because of its price 🤣. Maybe the main reason is i really like your review on gears, especially with mics. Greetings from Indonesia 🤘

[@ardhifarhan4821]

ayee, who else watch this channel other than this man and me that is from indonesia?

[@MattBrandon]

@@ardhifarhan4821 How about Malaysia?

[@jiehoo4465]

me

[@jjju3]

unrelated to the specific video but thank u so much for ur service to the community. you are like the meme of the soldier infront of the kid with arrows in his back ur such a useful resource and every time i look at a new mic i make sure to check ur review, because you have one for like every mic that exists and its very useful

[@Podcastage]

My pleasure. Really happy to know the videos have been helpful. Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@lippi2171]

Bought one about half a year ago, it's definitely a huge improvement after solely relying on my SM57. Makes acoustic guitar and vocals instantly clearer than anything I could ever achieve.

[@Podcastage]

For those applications, absolutely this would be a huge improvement in the clarity and detail of the recording. And it would sound less artificial as well. Great upgrade and best of luck on the recording.

[@ernestthompson891]

Great review. Completely agree with Curtis Judd, mic really complements your voice. Have owned this mic for a couple of years now. It offers a lot of clarity and detail to my bass voice that other mics cannot begin to touch at this price point. It's overall performance has been excellent. Thanks again for the great review. Always appreciate others professional experiences and shared opinions.

[@JeppPadilla]

I am already enjoying my NEAT King Bee because of you but I'm still here watching all your mic reviews cause your reviews are just the best

[@jamesorrell7462]

That Aston does sound pretty good. I love the KSM32 though. It just sounds brilliant. The Aston sounds really good on the electric and acoustic guitars though. I'd love to use this microphone in a studio.

[@Behnam_Moghaddam]

a few important comparisons missing... ;) thank you for another awesome review

[@josiahblanton8291]

The KSM32 is an industry standard for cymbal overhead mics in a live setting and I’ve started seeing the Origin creep it’s way on to more and more stages for the same purpose. I think it having a very detailed high end/ bright presence makes it a great mic for that application. Awesome review!

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

KSMs are not better than NT2a. Blue baby bottle is best under 400 dollars.

[@josiahblanton8291]

@@HarvinderSingh-yy8th I didn’t say anything about the Rode, or the Blue mic. Plus neither are commonly used on tour.

[@lance134679]

Seems great, with the trebly frequencies boosted in all the right places. Thanks for the demo.

[@Jorpl_]

Wow what a great review. Gave me all the demos and comparisons I wanted!

[@almohmed711]

The best person I've seen describes the details of the equipment, microphone, and its experience in a perfect way. Thank you, Wonderful

[@mattgomez115]

I literally laugh like a toddler every time he throws a box 🤣

[@AS-fu3uv]

*me liking before I watch because I know it'll be an incredible video every time*

[@alessandrofinocchi5608]

OH MY! That is... sharp. It works great with the electric guitar! And pretty well with the acoustic guitar if a softer touch is applied. But, for other things... it's too much top end! At least for me.

[@derekjensen3361]

Thanks so much for the review Bandrew... as always, your attention to detail coupled with your personality and sense of humour make your reviews among my favourites! I really like the Origin and the detail it provides. From the other group of mics I felt the Shure KSM 32 was awesome and a bit smoother/sweeter sounding than the Origin. It is beyond my current financial abilities, so I'll be picking up the Aston Origin. You really helped me in my decision making process. Thanks again and all the best!

[@jeniferk4014]

I JUST purchased the Aston Origin for VO work at Sweetwater. I am super excited for the vocal end as well as for singing. I was curious how it compared to the WA-87. Thank you so much for the detail. It was incredibly helpful. In radio, we used the Neumann U87. Not in the budget for that bad boy yet...but really looking forward to what this is capable of..

[@mmike855]

I own the Aston Origin for VO, and have really loved using it so far, both for male and female VO.

[@marjamshi]

Wow that sounds great. Especially the room sound when you were far back. You can hear the correct size of the room just from that mic. Crazy

[@Dracomies]

Dude! You sound good on the Origin man!

[@dagbow9148]

your reviews are essential to buy a microphone, thank you for doing such amazing reviews

[@Yellowswift3]

Very clean, crisp, and nice sound. Possibly my favourite of the ones you demonstrated. Not sure it would suit my voice, though.

[@dasboss9111]

7:12 I liked the KSM32 the most, sounds extremely smooth

[@shingngaling4357]

wat

[@techslfink9722]

Thanks for a great comparison! I was thinking about buying the Aston - now I'm sure of it. I love the British sound with the detailing!

[@VOByRobbins]

Your voice sounds great on this mic--- a great voice over or narration mic indeed!!!

[@jeremyryannoel]

As you’ve said concerning guitar amps, this one rocks especially when hanging it from an amp’s top handle, similar to how some people treat the Sennheiser e609/e906. I once used it live for a pedal steel amp, and it gave us everything we wanted for the gig. Vocals I’ll sometimes barely cut the high mids/highs, cut in the low/low mids. Running the Origin through some transformers (preamp/compression/etc.) upon tracking tames some of the harshness or at least color it a bit. Mounting direct to stand is a plus especially aesthetically which I’ve spotted it in music videos this way which makes sense. A lot can be said about the Origin, and useable/versatile is top of the list.

[@maxlarsen]

I loooove you`re reviews, I love that you compare to other mics aswell :D so amazing, best reviewer on youtube...

[@thetechcollector9495]

Excellent review as always. Just added the Origin to my collection this weekend. Do not like the shock mount, but actually prefer the Origin to the SM7b in my setup due to the lack of treatment in my space.

[@tanjareen]

Great job with this review! Thank you!

[@AdamAarts]

My son has absolutely no interest in microphone reviews, but it has become our tradition to watch your new videos just for the box throwing. This one did not disappoint

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Adam. That really means a lot. Perhaps you and your son would like to know that I had to pull out a step ladder and get some soap and water and wash off a huge black mark on my wall that transferred from the box to the wall. HAHA!

[@ConstructionKronies]

Awesome mic man🔥🔥🔥Thanks for the review I am going to buy it! I was going to grab the shure sm7b, I have the nt1 but this sound is really 👍

[@astralaudio101]

I honestly hope you allow us to see your Microphone Locker one day? Actually please Film a short Documentary on your love of Microphones 🎙🙏

[@vincentsweeney5007]

Hi great review. I have a six Rode, the Aston Stealth, two Origin and others - all for interviews. I really like the Origin for bringing out the character in guests voices and it sounded good on you as well.

[@po9t]

The Anthony Fantano of microphones ❤️ you’ve helped me discover so many great devices ty!!!

[@avalanwa]

Love this guy! He's so true to himself and his audience! 👏👏👏

[@hanglooserecluse]

And the 90s post punk scene. 90s style pop punk clone vocals haha

[@NewIdeasEngine]

I just bought the Origin to record a singer who is out of this world and for which I want every detail. But as an all-around mic at my price point I liked the NT1 the best. Thanks for your reviews. Objective thorough and to-the-point. I appreciate you.

[@ednewmy]

As a Brit I'd like to support a British company but I don't think this mic is the one. Seems well built and I like the unique look, but I find those super boosted upper frequencies really fatiguing, particularly when compared to the NT1 and KSM32, which are just easy to listen to. I believe the Aston Stealth is less boosted in the upper frequencies so it'll be interesting to see the difference if you get to covering that.

[@kakuro1975]

Really great test I must say. I learned a lot about it that is not obvious. Bought it with the shock mount!

[@jeffsmith2283]

Still liking the King Bee. I'm thinking about hitting the button.

[@akeeba6347]

I appreciate how in depth you go into your reviews and the sheer amount of reviews you create! I must say however, after watching many other channels and testing mics myself, I think with your channel in particular I have a very, very, hard time telling the difference between mics. Your voice sounds 99% the same on all of them! Which is unfortunate because despite your good info, it doesn't give me a good idea on the actual difference between mics that I tend to find on other channels. I wonder why that is? Perhaps because your voice doesn't have much bass or high end?

[@lundsweden]

The perfect in-car mic for my Aston Martin.

[@Vintageologist]

Nice, I was just looking into reviews of this recently and here you are already. (y)

[@givezaid]

I'm still surprised by the fact that at2035 is still affordable and it still has better specs in terms of self noise & signal to noise ratio, better SPL too.... am i right!? Would you say that is a better investment for all uses?

[@mwachner]

Great reivew - I already own the Aston, but good to see this... :-)

[@fyicl]

Nice description Thank you. You are the best

[@abramjones1649]

This is the one; this id the wishlist

[@kaichinn]

Aston Hands down! I own the Aston Spirit and love this mic!

[@squashedout]

haha was not expecting you to throw the box. good stuff, as always man thanks

[@avalanwa]

Yessssssss!!! Thanks for covering this mic!!!!!

[@demantim]

It's definitely a "boosted" sounding mic in my opinion. I got an Austrian Audio OC18 for around €500 and prefer that for it's transparent smoothness. It's quite a bit more expensive though!

[@Tazay]

I am a complete ignorant fool with mics, but that Cardioid pattern looks like it had a seizure. I have no clue what Im looking at with it, but aren't they usually more symmetrical? Can someone ELI5?

[@jsvydhb]

Digging that Aston, I already had in mind to purchase the Spirit cause I liked the sound when I tested it. Will get soon! 🙏👍

[@DevDoesAThing]

Yep I’ve made my decision, this microphone both stylish and functional. The lows sound clean the highs are a little rough on me but other than that I really reaaaaallly love this mic.

[@SirPlutoUnruly]

Ur cool bro, been watching u for a while, I always check with you before I buy a microphone. Got good reviews.

[@dariodiaz7378]

That is a slick mic. I couldn't stop laughing because the shock mount has the most wobble I've ever seen, I love it.

[@flunkspagnargel]

I really like this mic, it has a unique character, great design, cheap and it takes EQ well.

[@johnnychipello919]

Awesome video as always Bandrew. I try to watch each and every one of them, and first..;)...I would love to see a video explaining latency and the artifacts (pops and crackles) that occur when buffer sizes are not where they should be. I experience that a lot when im using my mic live and I would be surprised that other folks don't experience the same thing.

[@levirphillips]

Thanks for the excellent review Bandrew! I wish they did a bundle for the normal version and a black anodised version too - for the Spirit as well. Definitely interested in that one for when the 1992 NT2 I use finally calls it a day...

[@oso4802]

Hello, a query. To use one of them in a ham radio equipment (Kenwood TS990S) which of these two microphones would you suggest: 1) ElectroVoice RE27n; 2) Aston Origin?

[@fridanaga]

HI i purchased this mic! I am looking to conected to my interface but bought the wrong cable and now im confused. Could someone help me decide which way is best to connect my Aston with my Presonus Interface?

[@512banana1]

man i've been eying on this bad boi for months now, i'm getting one! keke thanks mah man!

[@tuongkhanhung]

Thanks for your helpful Info

[@arob8493]

I really liked this mic. Its detail is excellent compared to the others.

[@TheSmokedKarma]

I love my set of Origins, I use them on Toms and they sound huge. I also have a set of the Sprites that I use for OH's, on Vox guitar all the time

[@bryanwolfbird]

@podcastage I have a Aston Origin and I think it suits your voice very well. Throughout the comparisons I think the aston was a top contender. Have you paid any attention to Aston's Element microphone? It claims to be the "people's choice" microphone as they have been running several rounds of peer reviewed tests on their microphone compared to others in the market. Just preordered my "devoloper" mic package for the element, could be a great entry level podcast mic for your viewers, comes with shockmount and pop filter. Thanks for the great reviews Bandrew.

[@Thugdeep2008]

I like how bright the Aston sounds

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

One day I feel that he will throw that box during the intro and cause a domino effect all across his room's gear.

[@DevvDogg68]

These reviews are awesome, while kinda entertaining lol thanks for the help.

[@DevvDogg68]

I take back the "kinda" now that I've finished the video 😂 also love the charcoal frost paint with the red tortoise pick guard 👌🏼 got a standard Strat with the same layout

[@3-dogs]

Seriously good review here. Subbed.

[@JayyReezy]

Is the origin and spirit the same? Just features are the difference?

[@ZackMester]

I like the top end of the Aston Origin which sounds similar to the Rode NT1. It sounds great for a nice presence on vocals or guitar. The KSM32 however has a much softer top end that I can’t wait to try on my drums. I tried two NT1 mics as overheads but they were a bit harsh for my taste.

[@UnicornWaves]

This mic is much easier to use after mid priced Neumanns, I know it’s condenser but feels like it picks less reflections of room and less capricious when you use it hand held or in travel. I think about to keep only it when I be on the road, but need to say that comparing side by side Aston is little less detailed and deep sounding than tlm49, and maybe 103 and 102. But in bad environments they won’t be as consistent as aston and it gives more right sound in mix. Its sound most similar to u87ai, sm7b and 103.

[@Podcastage]

Sounds like you've found a mic that you enjoy the sound of, meets your needs, and you're happy with. Good job picking it out and I wish you many years of happy recording with it.

[@ianlarrimore8]

Thanks for making this video! I liked the Aston Origin's performance in this shootout. I like the detail. I'm interested in transparency---what other mics did you have in mind when you said you preferred a more "neutral" mic? Do you mean transparent or something else when you say "neutral"?

[@shubhshinde4438]

Please make a video on warm audio WA47jr 🙏

[@bigmuneh]

Amazing review

[@cesargonzalezbueno3359]

Its self noise is the only issue. I like its color and sound.

[@ritvikbharti188]

I'm just starting with recording songs. Could you please suggest which one would be the basic and cost effective equipment? I need a good mic, sound card/audio interface and a set of headphones. Please let me know. Home studio^

[@kevinmadi9214]

Im looking to purchase a mic to record clarinet. Do you think this would be a good choice?

[@jackvannistelrooij4959]

Dude, I love your reviews. I currently own a Blue Yeti Pro, but I find it to sound a bit tinny. I've been meaning to get the Aston Origin as I've been hearing such great things about it. Would you recommend or would the difference be barely noticeable? I've been reading so many contradicting opinions. I trust your verdict best tbh.

[@otterguyty]

Came for the mic review, stayed for your shenanigans

[@Crowbar11115]

I used an Origin for a few months but had to ditch it. The upper frequencies are too crunchy and sibilant and the rear-rejection is nonexistent. If you're doing VO professionally this mic is going to give your clients a lot of problems with Post Production. The NT1 is a much better choice. I even have a Client that prefers the NT1 over my Sennheiser MKH416. That same Client rejected all of my files recorded with the Origin.

[@jesuspereiro]

Hi! Good videos! Surely you have been asked several times ... I need an opinion between these two mic Akg P120 vs MXL 770 ... Which one do you recommend? It is for recording strings, some percussion, wind instruments and mbira (African instrument). I really appreciate your opinion !!

[@bradleytrim7280]

Sick mic and I'm loving the extra comparisons. But I'm trying to hold out for my Samson Q9U which has been on pre-order since February. Asked a rep and they said it should be shipping before the end of summer. Darn you, COVID, for the delay.

[@whosonedphone]

Super great video. But why is your sound so grainy? Is that the Focusrite?

[@docfaceful]

I liked the sound of the nt1 better for your voice than this aston origin mic,but you(always)sound so awesome on the ksm32 that i ordered the ksm32

[@adam1thomas120]

What a great video, good job! 👌

[@hands_from_ass]

On the whole, I didn’t like the sound, as some kind of metalic sound was heard. At least that's what I was able to hear on my equipment: roland rubix44 + beyerdynamic 770 pro (250 ohm). In this budget I prefer rode nt1/nt1-a much more

[@robertleeluben]

I hear it too.

[@iReadBooks]

Yup. Heard it too. Something's going on there. Started the video and almost instantly checked the comments if someone else heard something... (listening with the Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro)

[@IamAkoma]

I thought it sounded great... Not sure what your hearing...

[@prasadamrutkar9156]

Can you please do something with ASTON SPIRIT CONDENSER MICROPHONE it will be great to see that

[@GEARHAVEN]

Great video, dude. Well done! =)

[@paulcope834]

I think the Origin looks like a very old and skinny ladies leg, wearing fishnet stockings but on top of surgical stockings. That aside it's a good looking microphone and Origin users I'd like to apologise for attaching that image ever more to your beloved microphone. I think this sounds lovely on your voice and better than the others. Regards from England.