Aston Stealth
Using your Aston Stealth
Stealth is a front-address dynamic mic with a cardioid polar pattern. Its side rejection is extremely good, meaning is will still sound good in less-than-ideal acoustic environments where other mics might struggle. However, as with any mic, the better the room, the better the sound.
Stealth is extremely versatile, so can be used for most applications. To see this demonstrated in a real-world setting, watch the Stealth Challenge video:
Aston Stealth // Challenge Accepted!
Stealth can be used in passive mode (without phantom power) or in active mode, where the purple LED lights will glow to indicate the presences of phantom power. In active mode Stealth’s built-in Cass A pre amp is automatically engaged, giving 50dB of boost to the signal (so you’ll need to turn the input down on your interface!).
Stealth’s four voices
In both passive and active modes, Stealth offers the choice of four voices. These are independent signal paths, so it’s really four mics in one! The labels – V1 (Vocal 1), V2 (Vocal 2), G (Guitar) and D (Dark; reminiscent of a vintage ribbon mic) – are so named because they were voted the best for those applications by the Aston 33, who helped develop the mic. However, this is just a guide and we recommend trying all the voices to see which sits best for the sound source you’re recording.
Twist Switch Ring
When changing between Stealth’s 4 voices, grip the twist switch ring evenly around the inside of your thumb and forefinger. Please do not try and rotate the switch with your fingertips. Stealth is designed this way to avoid accidental changing of settings during performance or transit.
Watch the demo video
Aston Stealth Guide: Twist Ring
Steath Stand Mount
Stealth is supplied with a custom stand mount. Attach this to your mic stand, clip-on the mic (you should feel a solid click when it’s properly attached) and tighten firmly to hold Stealth in the required position.
Stealth Mode
In active mode, the purple lights can be switched off via a switch on the base of the mic. This may be useful in film/video situations where the mic needs to stay invisible.
Why buy an Aston Stealth?
Stealth is unlike any other mic on the market, one of the reasons it won the coveted NAMM TEC Award for ‘Best Microphone’ in 2020.
In terms of professional-level mics, it’s the most versatile beast on the market. It’s a cardioid pattern moving coil mic which can be used passively, as a dynamic mic or in active mode, courtesy of a built-in Class A preamp which boosts the signal by a hefty 50dB. In active mode it behaves more like a studio condenser.
Then there are four voices to choose from, V1, V2, G and D (Vocal 1, Vocal 2, Guitar and Dark, the latter reminiscent of a vintage ribbon mic). These are not ‘modelled’ or even based on different EQ presets, but distinct signal paths, meaning Stealth is really four world-class mics in one.
Like all Aston mics, Stealth was developed in conjunction with the Aston 33 who, through a unique series of blind listening tests, ensured Stealth’s four voices were more than a match for pretty much any other mic on the market, regardless of price.
What do the switches do?
Stealth features a unique twist-ring switch tp select its four voices. It’s designed so it can’t be accidentally changed mid-take.
Also, on the underside of the mic is a button which disables the glowing LEDs for when the mic is to be heard but not seen (we call this ‘Stealth mode’!)