Recording - October 2016 - 32

B Y PA U L V N U K J R .

The LA-320 is the latest tube mic from
Lauten Audio. We have been following
the Lauten story since August 2007,
when we reviewed its first offering, the
now sadly discontinued tube-based LT321 Horizon microphone.
With designs by Brian Loudenslager
and Dr. Charles Chen, over the past
decade Lauten has built a reputation for
microphones that are functionally, sonically, and visually distinct. They stand on
their own; there are no me-too models or
clones of vintage greats in the line.
Lauten really hit its stride with the release
of the solid state FC-387 Atlantis (reviewed
January 2013), and again in 2015 with
the Eden LT-386 tube mic (review forthcoming). Both models were designed with input
from producer/engineer Fabrice Dupont
and feature unique multi-voicing controls.

capacitors, a custom output transformer, and a
12AX7 dual-triode vacuum tube. It is a single-pattern
cardioid microphone with a 1" pressure-gradient condenser capsule in a K67-style dual diaphragm/dual
backplate design.
The mic features a matte black aluminum body and
a chrome head basket. It is exceptionally lightweight
and measures 8" long and just shy of 2" in diameter.
It comes in a kit with a shockmount, power supply,
and cables in a robust road case that is large and
spacious, without the packed-to-bursting problems we
see too often in budget mic cases (and some not-sobudget ones as well).
Switching it up
Like most recent Lauten microphones, the LA-320
has a few sonic tricks to aid in its versatility. Like many
mics it has a highpass/lowcut switch, but this one cuts
a little deeper than most, with a corner frequency set
at 120 Hz. This is useful for cleaning up the mud from

Lauten Audio LA-320 Tube Condenser Microphone
The new Series Black makes an impressive debut
Of course, ultra-thick metal bodies,
unique electronic switching, and cuttingedge shockmount systems come at a
cost. At $1500 and $2500 respectively,
neither mic is what one would consider
"entry-level" or "inexpensive".
Series Black
This is where Lauten's newly launched
Series Black comes in. Aimed squarely at
home studios and musicians on a budget, Series Black offers the company's
most affordable microphones to date.
There are currently three Series Black
models available to buyers. The flagship
is the mic reviewed here, the LA-320. It's
a large-diagram tube condenser with a
street price of $499, unheard of for a
Lauten mic. Less than a month ago,
Lauten also announced and released the
LA-220 large-diaphragm FET mic for
$249, and the LA-120 small-diaphragm
condenser that sells for $349 per pair.
LA-320
The LA-320, as mentioned, is a largediaphragm tube condenser mic. At this
price point, it's not hard to guess that it
is of Asian origin. However, it's built to
Lauten's specifications, with high-end
components like polypropylene
32

RECORDING OCTOBER 2016

low-toned instruments, household furnace and fridge hum, and the rumble of passing
planes, trains, and automobiles. The second switch on the mic is less common: it's a
12 kHz lowpass/highcut filter that can help lessen string jangle, cymbal sizzle, vocal
sibilance, and even amp noise.
Specs and sound
A few specs of note: the LA-320 has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a
120 dB minimum dynamic range, impedance under 200Ω, maximum SPL handling
of 130 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz), under 17 dBA of self-noise, and a sensitivity of
14mV/Pa (@ 1 kHz, 74 dB SPL)
Its frequency plot shows that the LA-320 offers a hearty 60 Hz bass boost, a flat
mid section from 200 Hz to 1.5 kHz, followed by a gentle but wide dip from 1.8
kHz to 9 kHz. Then there's a slight 1dB boost at 10 kHz, followed by a gentle slope
to 20 kHz. The LA-320 is an even, smooth, and non-hyped microphone with a
healthy low end in its pre-filtered natural state.
In use
This is a mic designed to be at home on any source. To help prove that point,
Lauten offers a series of videos on the company web page showing the LA-320 on
everything from vocals and guitars to harp, kora (an African string instrument), and
more. I spent time with the LA-320 on acoustic guitars, electric guitar cabinet, kick,
snare, (mono) overhead, room mic, male lead and backing vocals, cajon, shakers,
bass cabinet, voiceover, and tambourine.
In every instance, the LA-320 exhibits a classic tube vibe; if you want a bright,
modern, forward mic, look elsewhere. Having said that, in true Lauten tradition it
has its own sound. It's not at all aiming to be a U47, C12, or ELA M251. Its upper
mids are closest to a 251-style mic-in my tests, a Telefunken AR-51-it lacks the AR51's feathery top end and is more velvety and smooth. In comparison with other vintage-inspired designs, the LA-320 was furthest away from my Pearlman TM-47,
which is obviously a U47-inspired mic. While the TM-47 is thick, mid-forward, and
dusty, the LA-320 is much more neutral by comparison.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - October 2016