Aston Microphones Stealth Review

I’ve been impressed by the Aston Stealth mic. It’s a solid choice for singers looking to level up their home recording setup.

This mic packs a punch with its four different voice settings. I found myself switching between them to suit different vocal styles, which is an incredible feature for versatility.

The built-in preamp is also a great touch—it means you can plug straight into your interface without needing an external booster, which simplifies the whole setup.

The Stealth’s sound quality is top-notch, capturing vocals clearly and warmly while doing a great job of rejecting off-axis noise. This makes it particularly useful if you’re recording in a less-than-perfect space.

One thing to note is that it’s quite directional, which means staying on-axis is key for the best sound—but this can be an advantage if you’re trying to combat room noise.

Bottom line

The Aston Stealth is a versatile mic that punches above its weight. It’s worth a look if you’re after studio-quality sound for your home recordings.

Aston Stealth Condenser Microphone

4.2

£204.00

The Aston Stealth is a dynamic cardioid microphone featuring four distinct voicings for versatile vocal and instrument recording. Its built-in class-A preamp offers 50 dB gain, eliminating the need for external gear. With excellent off-axis rejection, it's ideal for untreated rooms, making it suitable for home studios and live settings.

Pros:

• Four distinct voicings for different styles
• Saves money on additional gear
• Excellent off-axis rejection
• Competes with much more expensive microphones

Cons:

• Requires precise positioning for best results
• Could be an issue for lightweight stands
• It takes time to master the four voicings

Sound Quality: 9

Ease of Use: 7

Features: 9

Build Quality: 8

Value for Money: 9

Compatibility: 8

Innovation: 9

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Overview

I’ve had the pleasure of using the Stealth mic from Aston for a while now, and it’s a versatile little powerhouse. This dynamic cardioid mic shines in both studio and live settings.

The Stealth boasts four distinct voicings, each with its own signal path, which I found brilliant for adapting to different vocalists or instruments.

One standout feature is its autodetect function that senses 48V phantom power and activates the built-in preamp, giving a hefty 50 dB gain boost without needing external gear.

The mic was voiced with input from top industry pros, and it shows in its sound quality.

Though quite directional, careful placement pays off, and once you’ve dialed it in, the Stealth delivers stellar audio that exceeds expectations for its price.

Key features

Broadcast-quality sound

The Stealth delivers crisp, clear audio that rivals mics costing twice as much.

Its cardioid pattern does an excellent job rejecting off-axis sound, which is brilliant for home studios where room acoustics aren’t perfect.

The frequency response is well-balanced, with a slight boost in the upper mids that adds presence without harshness. The low end is full without getting muddy, making it great for vocals and acoustic instruments alike.

Unique voicing settings

One of my favourite features is the four distinct voicing options:

V1 (Voice Type 1)

• Best For: Male vocals.
• Characteristics: This setting is designed to provide a flat frequency response, making it suitable for capturing the natural tone of male voices without coloration. It works well in various recording scenarios, including spoken word and singing.

V2 (Voice Type 2)

• Best For: Female vocals.
• Characteristics: This setting emphasizes higher mid frequencies, which can enhance clarity and presence in female voices. It’s particularly effective for applications where vocal brightness is desired.

G (Guitar)

• Best For: Recording loud instruments, especially electric guitars.
• Characteristics: Optimized for high-output sources, this setting allows the mic to handle loud sound levels without distortion. It captures the punchy and dynamic qualities of instruments effectively.

D (Dark)

• Best For: Vintage sounds or darker tonal qualities.
• Characteristics: Mimicking the characteristics of ribbon microphones, this setting rolls off some high frequencies while boosting low-end response. It’s ideal for achieving a warm, vintage sound that can be particularly appealing for certain vocal styles or guitar amplifiers.

These settings aren’t just EQ tweaks—each one uses a discrete signal path, making it feel like having four different mics in one. It’s brilliant for experimenting with different sounds.

Built-in class-A preamp

This is a game-changer for home recordists. The Stealth has an active mode with a built-in preamp that kicks in when it detects phantom power. It gives you an extra 50 dB of gain, which is plenty for most sources.

I’ve found this feature especially useful when recording quiet sources or using audio interfaces with weaker preamps. It’s like having a high-end preamp built right into the mic.

Impressive design and durability

Aston hasn’t skimped on build quality. The Stealth feels rock-solid, with a sleek black finish that looks proper professional. It’s heavier than some mics, which gives it a premium feel.

The quick-release stand mount is a nice touch, making it easy to position the mic. And despite its sturdy build, it’s not so heavy that it’ll cause stands to droop.

I’ve taken mine to a few gigs, and it’s held up brilliantly to the rigours of live use. It’s a mic that’s built to last, which is reassuring given the investment.

Performance analysis

I put the Stealth through its paces in my studio, and the sound quality truly impressed me. It’s clear and detailed without being harsh, and the four voice settings really set it apart.

The built-in preamp rivals many external preamps I’ve used. The only drawback is its sensitivity to plosives, so a pop filter is a must. However, the Stealth holds its own against pricier mics, and its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a variety of recording scenarios.

Is the Aston Stealth worth it?

The Aston Stealth is a real gem. I’ve used it in my studio and it’s become a go-to mic for me. Its versatility shines through with the different voicings. The internal preamp is top-notch, rivalling many outboard units.

While it’s not as bright as some condensers, it offers smooth, detailed sound that works brilliantly on vocals and bass. The highly directional nature makes it perfect for untreated rooms, as long as you get the positioning right.

While it’s not as bright as some condensers, it offers smooth, detailed sound. It works brilliantly on bass and vocals. The Stealth’s highly directional nature means it’s great for untreated rooms, but proper placement is key.

For the price, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re recording at home or in a pro studio, this mic delivers broadcast-quality sound. It’s a solid investment for any serious musician or podcaster looking to up their game.

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