Overview

The Aston Spirit is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a 1-inch, gold-evaporated dual-diaphragm capsule and three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8). It provides switchable pads (-20/-10/0 dB) and an 80 Hz high-pass filter, and requires 48 V phantom power [1][2]. Typical US street price is 369 USD [3]. As a JP market reference, recent domestic listing shows 52,800円 (tax-in) [6].

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specs indicate 20 Hz–20 kHz (±3 dB) response, self-noise 14 dB-A, and max SPL 138 dB at 0.5% THD [2]. The official resources include frequency-response plots with a presence-region/upper-treble lift, confirming intentional coloration rather than neutrality [1]. Given this voiced, color-adding design, fidelity to the input is limited for strict transparency use.

Technology Level

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Conventional LDC architecture with transformer-balanced output, multi-pattern switching, and standard pad/high-pass facilities. No evidence of novel transducer/circuitry advancing measured transparency beyond established peers [1][2].

Cost-Performance

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Reference market price for the review target is 369 USD [3]. The cheapest equal-or-better alternative identified is CAD M179: continuously variable patterns, 11 dB-A self-noise, and 143 dB max SPL with pad, with comparable functionality [4]. New-item pricing at 199.99 USD is available from reputable listings [4][5].
Explicit calculation: 199.99 USD ÷ 369 USD = 0.54 → score 0.5.

Reliability & Support

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Aston provides standard warranty via global dealers. Long-term field data are less extensive than legacy brands, but construction and parts suggest typical expectations for a solid-state LDC [1][2].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The product prioritizes an “open, sparkly” voicing over strict neutrality, trading fidelity for character [1][2]. From a measurement-first perspective, this is rational only for users explicitly seeking that coloration.

Advice

Choose Spirit if you specifically want a bright, presence-forward tonality on certain sources. If neutrality and spec-forward performance matter, CAD M179 offers lower noise and broader pattern control for less money [4][5]. As an alternative character mic at a lower street price, AKG P420 provides three patterns and very high SPL handling, though its self-noise spec is slightly higher than Spirit’s [7].

References

[1] Aston Microphones — “Spirit” product page (includes FR resources). https://www.astonmics.com/EN/product/mics/spirit
[2] Aston Microphones — “Owners Handbook (EN)” PDF. https://www.astonmics.com/downloads/AstonManual2017EN.pdf
[3] Sweetwater — “Aston Spirit” product listing (US street price). https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Spirit–aston-microphones-spirit-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone
[4] CAD Audio — “M179” official page/specs; shows “starting at 199.99 USD”. https://www.cadaudio.com/products/equitek/m179
[5] Reverb — CAD M179 (new item listing). https://reverb.com/p/cad-m179-variable-pattern-condenser-microphone
[6] Soundhouse — “ASTON MICROPHONES / SPIRIT” JP domestic listing. https://www.soundhouse.co.jp/en/search/index?i_type=a&search_all=AST-SPIRIT
[7] AKG — “P420” official product page. https://www.akg.com/microphones/condenser-microphones/P420.html

(2025.8.26)