Lauten Audio has announced the LT-386 Eden vacuum tube, large-diaphragm condenser studio microphone.
Eden features Lauten’s proprietary Multi-voicing technology; a switch offering unique timbre settings, three different polar patterns and a high-pass filter for recordists seeking ‘a diverse and useful’ modern vacuum tube microphone.
‘In preparation for and during development, I spent time learning to understand what people think is so special about vintage and vintage inspirations like the C12, 47, 251,’ says Lauten Audio founder, Brian Loudenslager. ‘I spent many hours in the studio with industry veterans learning what they hear – not that I haven’t done this in the past, it’s just that this time, rather than think what I could do differently. I was trying to imagine what I could do the same within our own microphone range and then expand upon it. Eden was designed as a result of these experiences. I’ve even surprised myself; the Eden is so smooth, with a sprinkle of that magic ‘pick your adjective’ you often hear described.’
Switches located on each side and back of Eden to be configured. A polar pattern switch selects between Cardioid, Omnidirectional or Figure-8 polar patterns. There is also a high-pass filter and a voicing switch that offers Forward, Neutral, and Gentle timbre options.
As it did on its Atlantis model, Lauten Audio worked with engineer and producer Fab Dupont to help develop the sonic signature: ‘I wanted something that has all the benefits of a true vacuum tube transformer mic without the drawbacks, and Lauten Audio made that happen,’ Dupont says. ‘The high-pass switch in Eden gives you bass drum clean-up and vocal clean-up options.’
‘In reality, Eden is a from-the-ground up design with a more vintage inspired design methodology,’ says Loudenslager. ‘I started with a tube version of Atlantis, but in my opinion, we ended up with something quite different-this is our new flagship microphone.’
Eden features a modified version of Lauten Audio’s 31.25mm dual-diaphragm capsule, a custom wound, US-built output transformer, EF86 or equivalent pentode vacuum tube, Switchcraft connectors throughout, a nickel plated head, a semi-permanent shockmount, and Lauten’s new surface finish. Accessories included with the microphone include Lauten’s custom tube microphone cable with Switchcraft connectors, hard case and mount. Final specifications will be released prior to shipping in Q2 2015, at a list price of US$3,999.
More: www.lautenaudio.com
