Lauten Audio has announced two microphones, the LS-308 off-axis rejection microphone and LS-108, a handheld vocal condenser mic, joining the LS-208 front-address microphone, LS-308 and LS-108 in Lauten’s Synergy Series.
The LS-308 is a large-diaphragm condenser has an extreme level of noise rejection for recording instruments and voice in situations where separation is difficult to achivev. With 270° of side and rear off-axis rejection, ambient noise from other nearby sources is reduced by up to 25dB.
This level of rejection is unusual for a large-diaphragm condenser, and is a result of its a dual, large-diaphragm, pressure-gradient transducer element. Combined with the microphone’s circuitry, the LS-308 handles multi-person, close-proximity vocal dialogue in noisy broadcast environments, rejecting sound from crowd noise and other instruments in live, studio or sound reinforcement environments.
‘The LS-308 is a unique problem solver for recording engineers,’ Lauten Audio founder, Brian Loudenslager, says. ‘Its noise rejection capabilities and tons of dynamic-range make achieving excellent recording results in extremely challenging recording environments possible. The LS-308 works exceptionally well when combinedwith another condenser mic, so you can use most of the noise rejecting LS-308 and add in just what you need from an accompanying microphone, without filling the track with all the other instruments in the room.’
Like the LS-208, the LS-308 features independent, multi-stage, high and low-cut filters to help engineers balance recordings at the source, and reducing the need for additional processing during mixing. The two-stage low-cut (50Hz and 120Hz) filters reduce low-end rumble and proximity effect in voice applications, while the two-stage high-cut (8Hz and 10kHz) filters help tame bright instruments and high frequencies. Both microphones also feature internally shock-mounted condenser elements, to help reduce mechanical shock and vibrations.
The LS-308 requires 48V phantom power for operation and features a JFET transistor circuit with a transformer-based balanced output, with a second-order cardioid polar pattern. The microphone is constructed from high-quality components similar to those found in studio condenser mics, yet is built and packaged to withstand the rigours of broadcast and touring.
The LS-208 and LS-308 share several internal features. Both can handle sound pressure levels of 135dB without the need for internal or external pre-attenuation, and in turn have the ability to capture an ultra-wide dynamic range. Both microphones are capable of capturing the full human audio perception of 120dB of dynamic range, with many microphones limited to 85dB after compensating for self-noise. This ability gives engineers the option to capture highly dynamic instruments in a variety of locations, and is especially useful for recording horns, drums, percussion and guitar amplifiers.
A set of purpose-built accessories are included – a detachable side mounted arm with 135° of movement; a threaded hard mount with an adjustable elbow; an extra-large windscreen that covers the entire head; and a hard storage and transportation case to house and protect the mic and all accessories.
More: www.lautenaudio.com
