Lauten Audio LS-308
Best specialized microphone for challenging acoustic environments.
This side-address condenser microphone is engineered for exceptional isolation, making it ideal for loud sound sources and challenging acoustic environments. Its design offers a sound reminiscent of a ribbon microphone, but with the robustness of a condenser, capable of handling up to 135dB SPL without internal padding. Featuring two analog filters for immediate sound shaping and premium components for a low-distortion signal path, this microphone excels at capturing electric guitars, drums, and other high-SPL sources with remarkable clarity and minimal bleed.
$399.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1556
/ 3374
#1556 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Type
Side-address pressure gradient FET condenser
/ Side-address pressure gradient FET condenser
Who it's for
- Engineers recording in challenging acoustic environments or live settings.
- Producers seeking to capture bright sources without excessive sibilance.
- Musicians and engineers needing a reliable mic for loud or acoustically difficult sources.
Who should skip it
- Users seeking a broad, ambient sound or a traditional "airy" condenser character.
- Budget-conscious home studio owners or beginners exploring their first condenser mic.
- Engineers prioritizing a wide, spacious sound capture over extreme source isolation.
Performance breakdown
Off-axis rejection
Unrivaled isolation makes it perfect for tracking in untreated, noisy rooms.
SPL handling
Easily captures aggressive guitar amps and drums without a hint of distortion.
Timbral character
Delivers the smooth, vintage warmth of a ribbon with modern condenser reliability.
Onboard shaping
Integrated analog filters provide immediate, useful control right at the source.
Build integrity
Rugged construction feels ready for the demands of a busy professional studio.
Self-noise floor
Clean signal path ensures pristine recordings even in quiet, delicate passages.
Key Specs
Type
Side-address pressure gradient FET condenser
Capsule
35mm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20Hz-20KHz
Dynamic Range
135dB
SPL Handling
>135dB
Impedance
>150 ohms
Self-noise level
<15dB-A
Know before you buy
The LS-308 is designed specifically for high-SPL sources and superior isolation. While most condensers are sensitive and prone to picking up room noise, this mic uses a second-order cardioid polar pattern to reject off-axis sound, effectively acting like a ribbon mic that can handle loud volumes without needing an external pad.
Yes, as a FET condenser microphone, the LS-308 requires 48V phantom power from your audio interface or preamp to operate.
Yes, its exceptional off-axis rejection makes it a great choice for less-than-ideal acoustic environments. It will focus on the sound source directly in front of it while minimizing the reflections and background noise typically picked up by standard condensers.
The LS-308 features two analog filters that allow you to shape the frequency response at the source. These are useful for cleaning up low-end rumble or taming harsh high-frequency content before the signal even hits your preamp.
Absolutely. It is specifically engineered to handle high sound pressure levels up to 135dB, making it ideal for capturing loud guitar amps without distortion or the need for internal padding.
A second-order cardioid pattern is more directional than a standard cardioid pattern. This provides a tighter pickup area, which is the secret to its ability to isolate instruments in a busy studio or live setting.
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