Lauten Audio is renowned for its innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship, creating microphones with unique tonal qualities at a reasonable price. The LA-320 V2 continues this tradition, offering the option of a Vintage or Modern tube mic sound at the flip of a switch. This Lauten Audio LA-320 V2 review will explore the features and performance of this versatile tube microphone, highlighting its unique features & functionality within various recording scenarios.
Lauten Audio LA-320 V2 Overview
The Lauten Audio LA-320 V2 offers the choice between the vintage warmth of classic tube microphones and the clarity of modern tube mics with a simple flip of the switch.
Choosing between different tonal characteristics allows the flexibility to adapt the mic to different recording applications & environments.
LA-320 V2 Key Features:
- Hand-tuned 32mm capsule
- Premium hand-selected JJ ECC83 dual triode vacuum tube
- Dual high-pass and low-pass filter switches for versatile sound options.
- Hand-assembled with high-resolution, low-distortion polypropylene capacitors & resistors
- Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 130 dB and a dynamic range over 120 dB.
- Ships with a wire-frame spider shock mount, 5-pin XLR cable, dedicated power supply
One thing that makes the LA-320 V2 really stand out is its ability to capture sound with a musical color and gentle compression typically associated with classic signal chains. This allows for seamless integration with modern audio interfaces right out of the box.
It also comes with a settings print-out card, which shows you how to quickly configure the high pass and low pass filters for different recording applications. This is a helpful leg-up for users who are not professional audio engineers, making it easier to achieve optimal sound quality.
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Vintage or Modern Tube Mic Sound at the Flip of a Switch
Perhaps one of the LA-320 V2’s most significant features is its ability to alternate between vintage and modern tube mic sounds at the flip of a switch. This versatility allows users to adapt the microphone’s tone to suit different recording needs, from warm and smooth to bright and detailed.
The separately switchable high-pass and low-pass filters play a crucial role in this tonal flexibility.
When the high-pass filter is off, the microphone captures a full, rich, low-end sound. This can be ideal for sources that require a powerful bass response. Activating the high-pass filter allows users to level off the low end, providing a more lean, controlled, refined sound.
The low-pass filter is equally important for shaping the high frequencies. With the low-pass filter turned off, the microphone produces a clear, bright sound, perfect for modern, sparkling tones. Activating the low-pass filter results in a darker, smoother, more mellow high end, which works great for softening overly bright sounds.
Lauten Audio LA-320 V2 Review: Standout Features
The Lauten Audio LA-320 V2 is distinguished by several key features that highlight its design and performance excellence.
Precision-Crafted Capsule for Superior Sound Quality
At the heart of the LA-320 V2 is a hand-tuned 32mm capsule. This capsule is engineered to deliver a smooth, vibrant sound that captures the nuances of any performance. It also allows you to dial in tricky sources and recording conditions quickly and easily.
The precision crafting ensures consistency and reliability, offering high-fidelity audio that is both clear and natural. This attention to detail in the capsule design results in a microphone that excels in capturing the intricate details of vocals and instruments.
Premium Components for Enhanced Performance
The LA-320 V2 utilizes carefully assembled high-end components to ensure top-tier audio performance.
One crucial element is the hand-selected JJ ECC83 dual-triode vacuum tube, known for its high-quality audio output. This tube contributes to the microphone’s warm, rich tones, which are characteristic of classic tube microphones.
High-quality, low-distortion polypropylene capacitors are also used, enhancing the microphone’s overall performance by reducing noise and ensuring a clean signal path.
The LA-320 V2 is hand-assembled, featuring hand-soldered through-hole circuitry.
This method of assembly ensures a high level of precision and reliability when it comes to shaping your sound.
The LA-320 V2 In Action: How Does It Sound?
In the studio, the LA-320 V2 demonstrates impressive versatility across various recording scenarios. Its ability to capture clear, detailed sound makes it a reliable choice for diverse applications, from vocals to acoustic instruments and drum overheads.
Vocal Recording
The LA-320 V2 excels in vocal recording, offering a smooth yet thick, warm sound that enhances vocal presence. This microphone captures the nuances of the human voice with clarity and detail, making it suitable for both lead and background vocals.
The high-pass filter can reduce unwanted low-frequency rumble, ensuring that vocals sound more focused and clean. This feature is useful in reducing the proximity effect and handling noise, resulting in professional-quality vocal tracks.
Acoustic Instruments
With its balanced frequency response and low self-noise, the LA-320 V2 is ideal for recording acoustic instruments. It captures the natural sound of guitars, pianos, and strings with high fidelity, preserving the instrument’s character and nuances.
The low-pass filter can tame harsh high frequencies, providing a smoother, more polished sound for bright acoustic sources. This flexibility allows for capturing both the warmth and sparkle of acoustic instruments, making them sound natural and engaging.
Drum Overheads
The LA-320 V2 is effective as a drum overhead mic, offering a clear and detailed capture of the entire drum kit. It handles high sound pressure levels well, ensuring that loud transients are captured without distortion.
The microphone’s dual-tone filters allow for flexible sound shaping, ensuring that cymbals and drum transients are well-balanced and natural.
This makes the LA-320 V2 a great choice for recording dynamic drum performances. It can capture both the power and subtlety of the drums.
How Does It Stack Up Against Similar Mics?
The Lauten Audio LA-320 V2 competes with several well-regarded microphones in the market. It’s particularly competitive when compared to mics known for their versatility and sound quality. At $699 (USD), the LA-320 V2 offers an extremely compelling price-to-performance ratio compared to its more expensive counterparts.
Telefunken 251 and Warm Audio WA-251
The LA-320 V2 is often compared to the Telefunken 251, a microphone renowned for its smooth, airy sound and high-end detail, priced around $12,000. The Warm Audio WA-251, an affordable replica at $849, aims to capture similar characteristics.
Overall, the LA-320 V2’s flat response provides a smoother, less harsh tone than the Telefunken 251. The high-pass and low-pass filters allow users to further shape the tone more precisely, offering significant value at a lower price point.
Sony C800 and Warm Audio WA-8000
The Sony C800 is known for its bright, forward sound and is frequently used in pop and hip-hop, priced around $10,700. The Warm Audio WA-8000, priced at $1,199, seeks to emulate this sound.
While the LA-320 V2 may not be as inherently bright as the C800, it offers a balanced sound that can be adjusted using its filters. This makes it more versatile across various genres, providing excellent value compared to the more specialized and expensive C800.
Neumann U67 and Warm Audio WA-67
The Neumann U67, priced at $7,895, and its more affordable counterpart, the Warm Audio WA-67, at $899, are known for their rich, mid-focused sound and versatility.
The LA-320 V2 delivers a similarly rich and smooth sound, with the added benefit of high-pass and low-pass filters for more tailored sound shaping. We’ve found that this imparts the LA-320 V2 with a more balanced overall sound than the U67.
That being said, engaging the high-frequency roll-off allows you to dial a tone that is pretty close to what you would get from a U67 mic. The ability to alternate between these tonal properties is a big part of what makes the LA-320 V2 so great.
Ultimately, this versatility and affordability make the LA-320 V2 a strong competitor at a fraction of the U67’s cost.
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Closing Thoughts
The LA-320 V2 is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home studio with a professional-quality microphone. It’s the kind of investment that serves well both as a reliable staple for home studios & professional recording environments.
For those seeking their first high-end microphone, the LA-320 V2 offers exceptional value. It delivers a polished, professional sound directly into your audio interface, minimizing the need for extensive EQ adjustments.
This ease of use, combined with its superior build quality and versatile performance, ensures that it will remain a valuable part of your setup for years to come.
The LA-320 V2 excels in various recording scenarios, from vocals to acoustic instruments and drum overheads, providing consistently excellent results. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option, offering significant value without compromising on quality or performance.
The LA-320 V2 is a wise investment for those seeking a dependable, high-performing tube microphone. Its versatility and ease of use make it a standout choice in today’s market.
