Antelope
Aston
While the concept of mic modelling is far from new, Antelope has certainly fully committed to the concept in terms of the range of mics it offers to support it, and the way it has integrated the concept into its Synergy Core hardware/software marriage. The Edge Duo counts as the flagship option for vocals, a dual-diaphragm large condenser that outputs via a 5-pin XLR and splitter, thus requiring two input channels (the Edge Solo offers a single diaphragm option and the Quadro a stereo incarnation). Though at its most useful when paired with Antelope's own interfaces, when the Synergy Core processing engine reduces the latency times to levels that can allow for direct monitoring of the modelling effect during recording rather than just playback options — the Edge offers a highly configurable range of mic tones in all its forms. The Edge Go, a high-quality USB variation on the theme, is also an option for recording on the go or all-in-the-box setups.
A Resolution Awards nominee in 2019, the Aston Stealth is a mic that — while not at a cost that makes it strictly 'consumer' level — can be bought at a price that can raise the eyebrow of a podcaster, streamer in need of a quality spoken-word mic. It offers four preset 'voicings', two of which are dedicated to that task, with one for guitar and another 'dark' setting that mimics the character of a ribbon mic. It also provides the kind of off-axis nulls that you need when you're — for example — clattering away at a keyboard attached to a PC with its fans whirring while addressing your audience. Dynamic in design — but with its own pre-amp, that can be switched in and out for more gain when required — our review of March 2019 concluded that "As a £299 alternative to the SM7B, it would be more than up to the task with just a single voicing. The other three are bonuses." The musician-aimed cardioid condenser Origin model has gained similar praise across the board for punching above its price-point. That mic is itself the descendent of the switchable-pattern Spirit model, another Aston product that has been reviewed favourably on these pages.
www.antelopeaudio.com
www.astonmics.com
Audio-Technica
Audix
For a mic that punches above its price, it’s hard to argue with the AT2020. It’s been doing it, and doing it well, for years now — yeah, it can be considered a bit noisy but I still marvel at the price of a mic that has kick-started quite a few home studios, audio obsessions, and probably been used a lot more than you’d reckon in higher-end facilities too over the years. At under £100, it’s simply impossible to land any blows that can harm it, really. Of course, there are other models in the A-T range that will cost you significantly more, the AT5040 for example, with the unusual quad-diaphragm design of the ‘50’ range — or the ‘5047, which deals with some of the problems created by its predecessors unusually hot output. Only you can decide whether those mics, and their highly engineered custom shockmount system is worth 30-or-more AT2020s to you, and what your return on such an investment could be. However, it serves to show that the sheer range of AudioTechnica’s offering, including the extensive ‘40’ line of mid-range condenser mics and the RE20-alike BP40 broadcaster mic, make it an audio giant that’s covering all the bases.
A regular choice for live sound reinforcement, Audix brings the bombproof design sensibility that makes its drum kit and studio mic packs so popular to its studio mics as well. The new A133 — launched late in 2020 — now leads its large diaphragm condenser options for studio vocals, with a look that fits straight into the Audix family while also leaning a little towards resembling a compact ‘ninja’ variant on Neumann’s TLMs. It shares much with its sibling, the A131, but adds the common -10dB pad and 150Hz bass roll-off switches that extend its usefulness and utility. Talking of which, it does bear pointing out that neither is going to win any awards for its beauty, and perhaps lack the imposing presence that some will look for in a vocal mic, but that doesn’t mean they can’t do a job either on stage or in the studio. Their price points put them at a very competitive place in the market, and against some mics that have more considered cosmetics — so it’s this sturdiness and utilitarian demeanour that may well appeal if you want a mic that can do that as well.
www.audio-technica.com
www.audixusa.com
Edge Duo & Go
AT5040 and BP40
34 / April/May 2021
Stealth and Origin
A133
