The Aston Microphones Origin is a unique-looking, high-performance large-diaphragm condenser mic with a 1-inch gold-evaporated capsule. The Origin's cardioid polar pattern, 10dB pad, and 80Hz highpass filter make this mic an all-around studio and stage workhorse. The Origin delivers a lovely, open sound with shimmering harmonics. Audio engineers at Sweetwater have found the Origin to be accurate and versatile, excelling in most applications, especially on vocals and acoustic guitars. The build quality is outstanding: Aston has hand-selected the capsule and paired it with high-end transformerless, balanced circuitry, employing top-drawer components. The Origin delivers a true and transparent-sounding rendition of the source, capturing treble detail without a trace of harshness. If you're after quality on a budget, then Aston Microphones' Origin is highly recommended.
The Origin features Aston's signature wave-form mesh head. It not only looks cool, but it also provides rugged protection for the mic's internals. If subjected to a forceful ding, the shock-resistant wave-form grille allows its shape to distort and then return to its normal position without damage. It also offers a measure of off-axis rejection, helping to diminish unwanted ambient sound. Built into the wave-form grille is a mesh-knit pop filter that eliminates plosives in vocal performances. This single-piece mesh cage is made of stainless steel, so it's rustproof — you can even remove and wash it!
Did we mention how striking this mic looks? To achieve its hard-wearing, eye-catching finish, your Origin's chassis has been tumbled individually for up to four hours, with the engraving applied afterward. A custom-molded end cap with integrated XLR input and built-in, interchangeable mic stand thread adapter is another unique aspect of the design. In light of the mic's superior onboard shock absorption, you can mount it directly to a mic stand, which also makes it easy to repair and maintain.