In this review, I’ll be testing Aston’s Element, which is an active moving-coil microphone.
Aston Microphones are well-known for their unique and innovative designs and high-quality microphones, so let’s take a closer look to see how this microphone stands up against the company’s reputation.
Final verdict on the Aston Element
While the Aston Element is definitely a viable candidate when it comes to studio microphones, I’m not sure that its performance justifies the cost. The low end is exceedingly muddy and essentially necessitates a high-pass filter at all times to get a usable sound.
In its defense, once a high-pass filter is engaged, the sounds it’s able to capture are more than fine. However, this definitely knocks it down a few points.
What I like
- Decent build quality.
- Nice upper extensions.
- Somewhat affordable.
What I don’t like
- Too low-end-heavy.
- Not necessarily as versatile as I would like.
Why you should trust me
I’ve worked with a wide range of microphones over the 15 years spent in the field of audio production and engineering, both in studio environments and on live productions.
Working with names such as Shure, AKG, Neumann, and Aston Microphones, among many others, has lent me nuanced insights into the practical application of different mics and what value they provide in various recording scenarios.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
Polar pattern and frequency response
The Aston Element has a cardioid polar pattern, and the frequency response is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
It’s got an A-weighted equivalent noise level of 3.8 dBA, which is pretty quiet, and the sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm is about 12mV/Pa.
You can crank the volume up to 132 dB before you start to hear distortion, which is louder than most people will ever need.
The low end is super prominent, and I found myself constantly having to high-pass it to get some usable sounds. It does have some nice articulation and detail in the upper register, without getting too harsh.
For a non-condenser microphone, it can get some pretty airy extensions. However, without a high-pass, you’ll be left with a whole lot of mud to clean up in post-production.
Overall, the response itself is fairly “V-shaped”, which isn’t terrific.
A/Bing it against more standard dynamic microphones such as the Shure SM7B, it makes the latter microphone sound somewhat mid-forward, which it isn’t.
This is a side effect of how scooped the Element’s sound is.
Vocals 3.5
In my experience, the microphone has a nice upper extension and a somewhat breathy quality that isn’t all too common with dynamic or non-condenser mics.
However, without engaging a high-pass filter, the sound becomes excessively cluttered, muddled, congested, which is less than ideal.
I’ve reiterated this point several times before, but if you’re going to use this microphone, you’ll want to use a high-pass filter.
The Aston Element might be used for live vocal performances, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
The cardioid polar pattern may minimize feedback and unwanted noise, which is helpful, although its overall sound doesn’t showcase a lot of mid-range information.
Acoustic guitars 2.0
Recording acoustic guitars with the Aston Element left a lot to be desired. The guitars sounded extremely lifeless and dull to my ears.
This is rather common when it comes to the vast majority of dynamic, non-condenser microphones, but I found it to be extremely jarring in this case.
If it happens to be the sound you’re trying to achieve, by all means, go for it – but it’s not what I would choose.
Guitar amps 3.0
The low frequencies are particularly overbearing, so again, a high-pass filter is pretty important if you want to get a sound that’s even vaguely usable.
Once you cut out the lows, there is some decent detail and articulation in the high end. Not my exact cup of tea but can definitely work in a pinch.
Bass amps 2.5
This wouldn’t be my first choice when it comes to bass, even in spite of its massive low end.
You may think that’s what you want when recording bass – and it usually is – however, the low end on this microphone is a bit too muddy for me to recommend it as a one-fix-all for recording bass.
I encourage you to try and experiment, but my advice would be to at least use it in conjunction with one or two separate microphones with different characteristics.
Drums 3.0
The same general ideas and opinions follow suit here when it comes to drums.
The Aston Element is definitely capable of producing extremely usable sounds and textures, although I would recommend you use it in conjunction with several other microphones.
Not enough mids are present for recording snare, although it may make a solid choice to fill out some “boom” on a kick or floor tom.
Build quality 4.0
The microphone certainly isn’t the best-feeling microphone I’ve tested, although there aren’t many major issues to mention.
The Aston Element has a coated metal body and grille, and weighs in at a little over a half pound.
There are slots on the side to help secure it to its shockmount, and the XLR port is located on the bottom.
Compared to other microphones
Although strictly looking at the price and specs might suggest that this is a decent budget microphone, here are a few alternatives to consider before settling on the Aston Element.
Aston Element vs Shure Super 55
The Element’s frequency response range is wider than the Super 55’s, which is specifically designed for vocals. However, the Shure features a more unique and retro design.
Ultimately, the choice between the two microphones will depend on what you’re going for.
See Shure Super 55’s current price
Aston Element vs Shure Beta 58A
While the Element and Beta 58A are both dynamic microphones, the Element features a moving coil design whereas the Beta 58A uses a dynamic capsule.
The Shure sounds much better to my ears, and the supercardioid pattern offers far more directionality. I suggest going with the Beta 58A.
Read the full Shure Beta 58A review
Who is the Aston Element best suited for?
The Aston Element is a decent candidate for people looking for a solid microphone for recording or podcasting.
It’s a great choice for streamers who want a microphone that delivers moderate sound quality.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazon
