Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Large Diaphragm Vacuum Condenser Microphone Overview
A Modern Tube Microphone Like No Other
The Eden LT-386 by Lauten Audio is a Multi-voicing™ vacuum tube, large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Designed for the most discerning recordists who are in search of the ultimate ‘end-game’ vacuum tube microphone, the LT-386 offers a unique blend of classic and modern design theory.
Exhibiting an impeccably rich and smooth across the audio frequency spectrum, the LT-386 produces timbres which are reminiscent of premier, classic vacuum tube microphones. From its attached, semi-permanent suspension mount, to its three different switches housed on the microphone itself, the Eden offers an endless palette of sound.
Eden LT-386 at a glance
- Designed for the most discerning ears in the business
- Multi-voicing switch for three distinct timbres
- Cardioid, Omnidirectional or Figure-8 polar patterns
- Vocal shaping high-pass filter
- Kick-drum shaping high-pass filter
- Switchable patterns on the microphone
- Stunning appearance, built to the hilt, refined character
Vocal And Kick-drum Shaping High-pass Filters
Next up are Lauten’s 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 common trouble areas. In the default position there is no high-pass filtering applied. 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 steep 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 too. Moving the switch to Stage two, 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 Lauten Audio Atlantis. For consistency, Lauten have chosen to keep 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, combined with the modern touch that Lauten Audio is known for.
Premium Components Throughout
The Eden LT-386 uses Lauten’s proprietary 31.25mm dual-diaphragm pressure gradient condenser capsule tuned specifically for this microphone, along with a custom wound US-made output transformer for excellent control of transients.
The vacuum tube is a modern EF806s aged using a proprietary process developed by Lauten Audio. The mic also features high-quality, high-tolerance resistors and capacitors, Switchcraft® connectors, cable and power-supply, and Lauten’s own custom tube microphone cable.
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 switch to cardioid, Vocal-shaper (second stage high-pass) and Gentle, it’s almost an endless palette of options.
Included Accessories
Custom cable
Custom power supply
Custom Hardcase
Suspension mount
- 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
- Connector: 5-pin XLR (PSU to microphone) and 3-pin XLR (PSU to Preamp)
- Power Requirement: Custom power supply (100v to 240v compatible)