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.
Eden LT-386 at a glance
- 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
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 step 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.
Rating: 4.8
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