LS-308 large diaphragm condenser instrument microphone from Lauten Audio “Synergy Series” is now shipping. The new LS-308 microphone features extreme levels of noise rejection and is expressly designed as a ‘problem solver’ tool for challenging recording conditions when isolation is needed but hard to achieve. The release comes only months after shipping the Synergy Series LS-208 ($599.00 USD) front-address condenser microphone to dealers worldwide. The new LS-308 microphone has an street price of $499.00 USD.
Unique to the LS-308, and any large diaphragm condenser microphone in history, is its 270 degrees of side and rear off-axis rejection, reducing ambient sound from nearby sources by up to 25dB. This rejection is achieved because of Lauten Audio‘s unique dual, large-diaphragm pressure gradient transducer element design, in combination with its specially designed circuit. This makes the LS-308 a very specific tool for recording engineers, perfect for rejection of other instruments, crowds, etc., in a live studio or on-stage recording and sound reinforcement applications, or even multi-person close-proximity vocal dialogue in noisy broadcast environments.
“The LS-308 large diaphragm condenser microphone is a highly unique tool for engineers and that’s not just fluff. Everyone I’ve been in the studio with who has used it is astonished at the rejection and highly focused polar pattern. Imagine capturing the unique tones from each 1/4-inch movement of the mic on the speaker of a guitar amp. This is a microphone that any engineer will find some new and exciting way to capture a sound source-I can guarantee you they haven’t had a mic like this before. I believe every studio or live touring act that’s capturing guitar amps or drums is going to need at least two of these. Just check out the video we released, we’re not faking anything,” says Lauten Audio founder Brian Loudenslager.
The LS-308 can handle sound pressure levels of 135dB without the need for internal or external pre-attenuation. This unique design also allows for an ultra-wide dynamic range. Highly unique for a microphone of this type is its capability to capture the full human audio perception of 120db of dynamic range. Many microphones are limited to 85dB of dynamic range after compensating for self-noise. The high-dynamic range gives engineers the ability to capture brilliant recordings of highly dynamic instruments in many environments and is especially useful for capturing horns, percussion, and guitar amps.
The new mic features Independent, multi-stage, high and low-cut filters to help engineers balance recordings at the microphone and aid in successfully capturing a performance and reducing the need for mixing. The 2-stage low-cut (50 and 120Hz) filters reduce low-end rumble and proximity effect in voice applications. The 2-stage high-cut (8kHz & 10kHz) filters help tame bright instruments and high frequencies. Because of the challenge of rejecting high frequencies, the 8kHz high-cut also helps achieve the greatest amount of rejection.
The LS-308 requires 48V phantom power and features a JFET transistor circuit with a transformer-based balanced output and a second-order cardioid pattern. The new mic is constructed from high-quality components found in high-end studio condenser microphones, yet it is built and packaged to withstand the rigors of broadcast and touring. It features internally shock mounted condenser elements to help reduce mechanical shock and vibrations.
The new microphone comes very nicely equipped with accessories. It includes a detachable side mounted arm with 135 degrees of movement, a threaded hard mount with an adjustable elbow, and an extra-large windscreen that covers the mic’s entire head, all which fit into the included hard case with the LS-308 microphone.
The LS-308 ‘problem solver’ microphone excels in difficult recording environments
• When off-axis rejection is extremely important
• With highly dynamic instruments in noisy environments
• Close micing drums and guitars both in the studio and live on-stage
• Close-quarters in broadcast booths when off-axis rejection is essential
• Podcast and Voice-overs when off-axis rejection is needed
Key features of the new LS-308
• 270 degrees of off-axis sound rejection
• Full 120dB (135dB total) of dynamic range without the need for additional attenuation
• Second-order cardioid pattern
• Independent 2-stage low and high-cut frequency switches
• Internally shock mounted pressure gradient condenser elements
• Swing-arm mount with 135 degrees of movement (removable)
For more information on the new Lauten Audio LS-308 and the rest of the “Synergy Series” microphones visit lautenaudio.com
