Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Tube Microphone

The Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Tube Microphone is a modern microphone design, filling a big need throughout microphone. It is an incredibly attractive microphone to both the ear as well as they eye, the build quality is smart and impressive, and it sounds quite beautiful.

The Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 is a large diaphragm tube microphone based around the EF86 valve that uses a different Multi-Voice proprietary technology than by which the Lauten Atlantis gained popularity. Thanks to a switch located on the body of the mic, the Eden allows for choosing between cardioid, omnidirectional and Figure-8 polar patterns. A switchable high-pass filter is also on-board. Design consultant, producer/engineer Fab Dupont, requested a three-way switch that changes the overall response-color (Forward, Neutral and Gentle).

Though the Eden LT-386 is "vintage inspired" the basic character is specified for modern digital recording. Vintage microphones were voiced with the sonic degradation of the traditionally lengthy and lossy signal paths and recording mediums in mind. Basically, the sound changed quite a bit between the microphone and tape, and back to the console again! In digital recording, this is typically not the case as the signal paths are much shorter, and the recoding media imposes a minimum of changes upon the original sound - for better or worse. But we love the sound of the old records, right? Therefore, Lauten Audio recognized this need and provided the Edens voicing which is both smooth and clear; rich with character, but inoffensive to the honest sound of the performer or instrument.

Another of Fab Dupont's ideas is a semi-permanent shockmount which allows the microphone to be stored in it's case attached to the mount. Most pro studios utilize some sort of a "quick change" microphone mount/stand adapter system. This new mount design allows you to increase your setup and tear-down speed. Time is money! And the Eden will help you get fantastic, incredibly finished and usable sounds quickly.

Pattern switching on the microphone
The polar pattern switch gives recordists the option of choosing between Cardioid, Omnidirectional or Figure-8 polar patterns. Having the pattern switch on the microphone, rather than the power supply, allows you or the artist to quickly and easily make your selection. Although not as common today, Lauten was inspired by the most admired classics when they decided to put this feature on the microphone itself.

Vocal and Kick-drum shaping high-pass filters
Next up we have the unique 2-stage, high-pass filters called “Kick-shaper” and “Vocal-shaper”. These filters are uniquely tuned to shape the low-end for two of the most commons trouble areas. In its default position there is no high-pass. Stage one, or the middle position, is the “Kick-shaper”; as you can probably guess, this was specifically designed for kick-drums. With its very step cut of the low-end, it removes excess boominess that might actually take away from a big sounding kick. But feel free to try it on toms, vocals, guitars etc. Moving the switch to stage 2, or the bottom position, is the “Vocal-shaper” which is designed to clean up your vocal tracks for an amazingly smooth and classic sound. Of course, it will be useful for many more sources as well.

Proprietary Multi-voicing technology
Multi-voicing is a process that can only be achieved in the microphone itself. This is Lauten Audio's proprietary technology that uses three separate signal paths for unique frequency shaping. The multi-voicing functions in Eden are specifically designed and tuned for this microphone and are not the same as the Atlantis. But for consistency we kept the same names; Forward, Neutral and Gentle. The Gentle position provides maximum control of bright or peaky sources or to achieve a very warm, vintage vibe. Select one of the high-pass filters and you'll think you have a completely different microphone. Neutral offers a nice even response with good control over S's, and starts moving more toward a modern microphone but still wrapped in a vintage vibe. Lastly Forward opens up the microphone for that familiar “air” of classic microphones from the past with our own modern touch that Lauten Audio is known for.

In Summary
The polar-pattern, high-pass filter, and Multi-voicing functions make for a vacuum tube microphone like never before. Put it in figure-8, use the kick-shaper (first stage high-pass) and forward mode, or cardioid, vocal-shaper (second stage high-pass), and gentle, it's almost an endless palette of options.

Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Tube Microphone Features

• Designed by and for the most discerning ears in the business
• Multi-voicing switch for three distinct timbres
• Vocal shaping high-pass filter
• Kick-drum shaping high-pass filter
• Switchable patterns on the microphone
• Stunning appearance, built to the hilt, refined character

Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Tube Microphone Specifications

• Type: 31.25mm dual large diaphragm pressure gradient transducer microphone.
• Polar Patterns: Omnidirectional, Cardioid and Figure-8 selectable.
• Circuit: Vacuum tube, transformer balanced
• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20KHz
• Dynamic Range: 120dB minimum
• Impedance: < 200 ohms
• Max. SPL: 0.5%THD@1000Hz: 120dB
• Self-noise Level: < 20dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 16mV/Pa OR -36±2dB 0dB=1V/Pa 1000Hz
• Special Features:
  • Kick-shaper & Vocal-shaper, High-pass filters
  • 3-stage Multi-voicing switch
  • Polar pattern switch on the mic; not the power supply
• Connector: 5-pin XLR (PSU to microphone) and 3-pin XLR (PSU to Preamp)
• Power Requirement: Custom worldwide power supply (100v to 240v compatible)

Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Tube Microphone Includes

• Eden LT-386 Tube Microphone
• Custom cable
• Custom power supply
• Custom hard-case
• Suspension mount