Experts recommend Neumann U87 Ai more than Aston Origin
As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Neumann U87 Ai over Aston Origin, but both Microphones have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Neumann U87 Ai received 2 recommendations: from MusicTech (6 Apr 2022) and PianoDreamers (25 Jan 2023). By contrast, Aston Origin received only 1 recommendation from Music Radar (26 Jun 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | Microphone | IGN | PCMag | MusicTech | Music Radar | PianoDreamers | PC Gamer | SoundGuys | CNN Underscored | Tom's Guide | Wirecutter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | +1 | $3595 | Neumann U87 Ai The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that delivers warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space. | - | - | 13 | - | 11 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 54 | N/A | $240 | Aston Origin The Aston Origin microphone is a versatile and reliable option for recording vocals and acoustic instruments in a studio setting, delivering clear and natural sound with built-in pop filter and shock isolation. | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Microphones ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 26 Jun 2024
Music Radar ranked Aston Origin as #9 Rank Microphone Comment ... ... ... #9 out of 22 Aston Origin The best low-priced condenser mic... ... ... Source: www.musicradar.com - On 6 Apr 2022
MusicTech ranked Neumann U87 Ai as #13 Rank Microphone ... ... #13 out of 15 Neumann U87 Ai ... ... Source: www.musictech.net - On 25 Jan 2023
PianoDreamers ranked Neumann U87 Ai as #11 Rank Microphone Comment ... ... ... #11 out of 11 Neumann U87 Ai The King of MicrophonesSource: www.pianodreamers.com
After counting and adding up the 92 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Neumann U87 Ai outranks Aston Origin. This is not to say that Aston Origin is a bad option. Like Neumann U87 Ai, it is recommended by experts, but less.
| Rank | Change | Price | Microphone | IGN | PCMag | MusicTech | Music Radar | PianoDreamers | PC Gamer | SoundGuys | CNN Underscored | Tom's Guide | Wirecutter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $100 | Blue Yeti The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers. | - | - |
11 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | - |
| 2 | - | $99 | Shure SM57 The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings. | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 | - | $120 | Elgato Wave 3 The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac. | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | - | - |
| 4 | +12 | $279 | Shure MV7 Plus | 5 | 7 | - | - | - | 6 | - | - |
3 | - |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [17]
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 16
| Highest score by Music Radar | 90 |
| Average score based on 17 reviews | 90 |
| Lowest score by Music Radar | 90 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [11]
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 8
| Highest score by audiotrove.com.au | 100 |
| Average score based on 11 reviews | 96 |
| Lowest score by Music Critic | 92 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
- Designed and Built in the UK
- Built in Pop filter ; Built in Pop filter using the latest stainless steel mesh knit technology
- End Caps ; Direct to stand microphone mounting
- Chassis 2 millimeter solid stainless steel laser cut and etched body
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- Switchable low frequency roll-off
- The studio microphone classic
- Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
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