Drummers and recording engineers, prepare to be seriously impressed. Lauten Audio is shaking things up in the world of microphone technology with the introduction of the Tom Mic, the world’s first large diaphragm condenser microphone designed specifically for toms.
In this review, we’ll explore Tom Mic’s features, exploring how it’s specifically designed to capture the thunderous boom and nuanced articulation of rack and floor toms.
Lauten Audio Tom Mic Review: Tom-Tailored Technology for Unmatched Sonic Fidelity
The Lauten Audio Tom Mic (LS-508) boasts a sleek design with a robust brass headframe for on-stage and studio durability and a mildew-resistant dust filter for worry-free use in any environment.
At $398 (USD), it falls within the mid-range for professional drum microphones and is on par with industry-standard mics, such as the MD-421.
What truly sets the Tom Mic apart is its innovative custom-designed Supercardioid capsule. This cutting-edge technology promises to capture the full spectrum of tom sounds, from the attack’s transient snap to the body’s warmth and the tone’s rich detail, with exceptional fidelity.
Lauten Audio claims this tailored frequency response allows for minimal EQing in post-production, saving you valuable studio time.
Minimizing Bleed, Maximizing Isolation
One of the biggest hurdles drummers face when recording is cymbal bleed. Unwanted cymbal splash can easily overpower the delicate balance of a well-tuned tom.
The Tom Mic tackles this issue head-on with a two-pronged approach: Lauten Audio’s proprietary bleed-blocking head design and dual-bias circuitry. This powerful combination promises up to 28dB of off-axis rejection, resulting in pristine, isolated tom tracks with minimal cymbal interference.
The Tom Mic’s Supercardioid capsule is meticulously hand-tuned and vibration-resistant. This ensures a powerful balance of transient response, body, and tone while minimizing unwanted overtones and inconsistencies that can plague recordings.
Unparalleled Versatility for Every Drummer’s Needs
The Tom Mic isn’t a single-use tool. Its unique design allows for a wide range of placement options, from close proximity for a tight, focused sound to a more distant position for a more natural and ambient tone. This flexibility empowers you to experiment and find the perfect sonic fingerprint for each tom in your kit.
Lauten takes versatility a step further by including onboard analog filters. These convenient switches allow you to fine-tune the microphone’s response to perfectly suit your sonic preferences and recording environment.
Here’s a breakdown of the available filter settings:
- High-Cut Filters:
-
-
- Flat: Captures the full high-frequency spectrum.
- 12kHz: Reduces brightness for a rounder, more balanced tone.
- 5kHz: Ideal for minimizing bleed in harsh environments.
-
- Low-Cut Filters:
-
- Flat: Captures the full low-frequency response.
- 80Hz: Gently reduces low-frequency build-up for improved clarity.
- 140Hz: Significantly reduces low-end rumble for a tighter, punchier sound.
With these filters, you can effectively sculpt the sound of your toms to seamlessly integrate into the overall mix.
The Verdict: Your Go-To Tom Mic for Drum Recording
The Lauten Audio Tom Mic presents a compelling case for itself as a staple in the world of drum miking. Its innovative design, focus on tom-specific sonic capture, and onboard filtering options offer a wealth of possibilities for drummers and recording professionals alike.
The Tom Mic’s unique features address some of the most common challenges faced when capturing toms in the studio. Its ability to minimize bleed, capture nuanced details, and offer versatile placement options make it a highly anticipated addition to the microphone market.
