Lauten Audio Eden Multi Voicing Large Diaphragm Vacuum Tube

The Eden LT-386 is a multi-voicing tube condenser microphone with all the trimmings. Inbuilt high pass filters, three different voices and pattern switching give the Eden multiple unique voices and characteristics.

With so many tricks under the hood, it’s a real workhorse, grab it out of the box, plug in and go. The Forward, Neutral and Gentle voices give distinct changes from vintage sounding mics to more modern. With the choice of omni, cardioid and figure-8 and two different high pass filters the choice of sounds is nearly endless.

The History of Lauten Audio

Early in the 21st Century Brian Loudenslager saw an opportunity. A pedal company that would bring a unique sound to a range of contemporary microphones built with utility and versatility in mind.
He teamed up with Grammy nominated engineer and producer Mike Terry (The Eagles, Foo Fighters and Ash) and theoretical physicist Dr Charles Chen Ph.D.
Their goal was a work horse microphone that brought a unique sound to an already saturated market. The Horizon was born and since then Lauten Audio have gone on to produce a whole range of mics that definitely met the original brief.

Here’s what Lauten Audio say about the Eden LT-386

A modern tube microphone like no other
The Eden LT-386 by Lauten Audio is a Multi-voicing™ vacuum tube large diaphragm condenser microphone. The LT-386 is for discerning recordists in search of the most diverse and useful studio vacuum tube microphone. It offers a unique blend of classic and modern design theory which exhibits a smooth, rich low and mid-range as well as high mid and high timbre reminiscent of premier classic vacuum tube microphones. From its attached, semi-permanent, suspension mount, to its three different switches housed on the microphone itself, Eden offers an endless palette of sound.

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, we were inspired by the most admired classics when we decided to put this feature on the microphone itself.

Vocal and Kick-drum shaping high-pass filters
Next up we have our unique 2-stage, high-pass filters we call “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 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.  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.
Premium components throughout The Eden LT-386 uses our proprietary 31.25mm dual-diaphragm pressure gradient condenser capsule tuned specifically for this mic. It uses 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 on the microphone, cable and power-supply, and our own custom tube microphone cable.

Features

• Designed 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

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
• Connector: 5-pin XLR (PSU to microphone) and 3-pin XLR (PSU to Preamp)
• Power Requirement: Custom power supply (100v to 240v compatible)