Good Grief’s Airtight Session: Jazz Meets Aston Mics

Dive into "Micing The Band | Good Grief” and see the magic unfold as we challenge the talented Seadna McPhail from Airtight Studios, Manchester, to record a whole band using only Aston microphones.

In this video, Richard Powell, from our product development team, discusses the results of the task with Seadna, co-owner and audio engineer at Airtight Studios. Seadna’s experience spans over two decades, working with various genres from bands to voiceovers and vocalists. His expertise is tested as he records the four-piece modern jazz x nu-soul band, Good Grief, using solely Aston mics.

The result? An impressive showcase of our microphones' versatility and Seadna’s engineering prowess. Each instrument, from the drums to the flute, was captured with accuracy, highlighting the mics' capability to handle diverse sounds.

To capture Good Grief's unique sound, Seadna employed a meticulous technique with Aston mics.

For the drums, he opted for a close-mic method to achieve a tight, hip-hop-influenced sound. The Stealth was placed inside the kick drum for that immediate punch, while the Spirit on the resonant head added a balanced tone and depth. Elements were used on the toms whilst he opted for Origin on the hi-hats. He also got the chance to experiment using the Aston Apex with the tambour (a small snare-type drum).

For the guitar cab, Seadna used a combination of the Origin and Stealth mics to create a rich, detailed blend. The bass, on the other hand, was recorded primarily with a Spirit mic, guaranteeing a robust low-end detail that could carry the weight of the jazz ensemble.

When it came to the wind instruments, the Spirit was again Seadna's choice for the saxophone, capturing its full range and subtle intricacies. The flute was mic’d using a traditional setup, securing clarity and precision. This careful selection and placement of microphones allowed every instrument to stand out, resulting in a cohesive and dynamic recording with mono and stereo widening options.

Aston Origin and Spirit Stereo Pair bundles are available now. These bundles feature either two silver Origin microphones or two silver Spirit microphones with a stereo pair bar. Seadna utilised these stereo pairs effectively as overheads on the drums and for capturing intricate percussion elements, proving their exceptional performance in real studio scenarios.

Aston microphones are not just about high-end gear for seasoned pros; we’re about making great sound accessible. Whether you’re a professional or a home studio enthusiast, our mics provide the quality and reliability you need to capture every nuance of your music.

Don’t miss out on this insightful session. Head over to our YouTube channel and learn from Seadna McPhail’s expertise and see why Aston microphones are the go-to choice for many top-tier recording professionals.

Check out the end result here: