Okay, so the end of August isn’t exactly known as prime bargain-hunting season for music gear. But sometimes, the universe throws us a curveball, and today, it’s a seriously good one. I’ve just stumbled across a microphone offer that genuinely rivals the best Black Friday music deals.
Right now, Guitar Center is slashing up to 25% off a bunch of studio equipment, but the real headline here is the jaw-dropping $170 discount on the Aston Origin condenser microphone. That brings the price down to a tiny $79!
I’m a big fan of the Origin even at its usual wallet-friendly price, but at $79, it’s honestly a no-brainer. I’d even be tempted to grab two and run them as a stereo pair.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about upgrading your mic locker, or just want a killer new sound for your studio, this is one of those rare times when hesitation could mean missing out.
For me, the Aston Origin isn’t just another entry-level condenser mic. This large-diaphragm, cardioid-pattern mic has earned a reputation for punching well above its price class. In our glowing in-depth review, we said, “Close up, the proximity effect doesn't get boomy and misbalanced; the low-end characteristic is pleasing, rendering the source with little tonal alteration beyond the basic physics of proximity. Vocals are a clear winner here, with plenty of scope for playing the mic from close-up intimacy to a more roomy distance without losing or altering the voice.”
The custom-finished, wave-form mesh head gives the microphone a boutique look, but it’s designed to handle knocks and bumps that would leave other mics bruised, or worse. Plus, Aston’s unique mesh acts as a built-in pop filter, so you can often skip the extra gear for controlling plosives.
MusicRadar’s resident recording expert Matt McCracken put the Origin to the test in a recent session, and here’s how he described the results: “I used the Aston Origin recently to record a Tweed Fender Blues Junior, on the edge-of-breakup with a healthy dollop of spring reverb. The Origin perfectly captured the lush, complex overtones of the metallic reverb wash,” says Matt.
“Paired with a dynamic mic, it nicely complemented the more direct tone with detailed room ambience, blending beautifully for an organic-sounding guitar tone that sat in the mix perfectly,” he continues.
The only issue Matt had with the microphone was the bulky shock mount, giving us this handy tip: “You have to do a lot of manoeuvring if you’re using it in close quarters with another mic. It’s fine on a single source like vocals, but a bit awkward when dual-micing a guitar cab.”
At $79, the Aston Origin is a steal, whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a bedroom producer looking to level up. Deals like this don’t come around often, so if you’ve been waiting for a sign to expand your mic collection, this is it.
