What type of microphone is the Lauten Audio LS-408?

The LS-408 is a FET condenser microphone specifically designed for snare drum applications. It combines the detail of a condenser with the durability needed for percussion.

How does the LS-408 handle bleed from other drums?

It features exceptionally high off-axis rejection of up to 28dB. This helps isolate the snare drum by significantly reducing the pickup of hi-hats and other nearby cymbals.

Is the LS-408 suitable for live use?

Yes, its durable brass construction and vibration-resistant capsule make it suitable for both studio recording and live stage environments. Its compact size also helps it fit into tight stage setups.

Does the LS-408 have built-in filters?

Yes, it includes built-in high-cut and low-cut filters. these allow you to shape the tone and remove unwanted frequencies directly at the microphone source.

What is the typical price for the Lauten Audio LS-408?

The microphone is typically priced at approximately £333. This places it in the mid-range professional category for specialized drum microphones.

Can the LS-408 be mounted on a drum rim?

Yes, the microphone is designed to maintain stability on both traditional microphone stands and standard drum rim mounts. Its small size makes it ideal for these mounting solutions.

What material is the body of the LS-408 made from?

The microphone is constructed from durable brass. This ensures it can withstand the 'rough' environments of touring and busy recording studios.

Why use a condenser like the LS-408 instead of a dynamic mic like an SM57?

The LS-408 FET condenser typically offers better transient response and more detail in the high frequencies. It is specifically voiced to deliver a 'mix-ready' snare sound with less external EQ required.

How does the LS-408 deal with mechanical vibrations?

It features a vibration-resistant capsule design. This reduces the amount of low-frequency noise and thumps that can travel from the drum stand or rim through the microphone body.

Is this microphone intended for only one type of snare?

No, it is designed to capture the 'true impact' of any snare drum. The integrated filters allow it to be adjusted for various drum sizes, materials, and tuning ranges.

What makes the LS-408 different from the Neumann TLM 102 for drums?

While both are FET condensers, the LS-408 is specifically built for the drum kit with 28dB of off-axis rejection and a compact, rugged brass body. The TLM 102 is a more general-purpose studio mic.

Does the LS-408 require phantom power?

As a FET condenser microphone, the LS-408 requires 48V phantom power from a preamp or mixing console to operate. This is standard for microphones in this category.

Gear article

Lauten Audio LS-408 Snare Mic

The Lauten Audio LS-408 is a professional FET condenser microphone specifically engineered for capturing snare drums in studio and live sound environments. It features a vibration-resistant capsule and high off-axis rejection to provide a clean, mix-ready signal with minimal spill from surrounding instruments.

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Overview

The Lauten Audio LS-408 Snare Mic is a specialised FET condenser designed to meet the rigorous demands of drum recording. Unlike general-purpose microphones, the LS-408 is voiced to enhance the fundamental characteristics of a snare drum, providing the impact and tone required for professional mixes without the need for excessive external processing.

The microphone is housed in a durable brass chassis, balancing a compact form factor with robust build quality. Its design allows it to be positioned easily within crowded drum kits, fitting into tight gaps between cymbals and hardware while remaining stable on standard stands or rim mounts.

Key Features and Technical Design

A primary technical advantage of the LS-408 is its high off-axis rejection, rated at up to 28dB. This characteristic is critical for drum recording, as it significantly reduces 'bleed' or leakage from the kick drum, hi-hats, and cymbals, allowing for greater isolation of the snare signal.

The microphone also incorporates integrated signal shaping tools: * High-cut filters: Help manage high-frequency harshness or cymbal bleed. * Low-cut filters: Allow the user to remove unnecessary low-end rumble or proximity effect build-up. * Vibration-resistant capsule: Minimises mechanical noise and physical vibrations transmitted through the drum hardware.

Sound Character

The LS-408 is described as delivering a 'mix-ready' sound directly from the source. Because it is a condenser microphone, it typically offers more transient detail and high-end clarity than the dynamic microphones often found on snare drums. The FET circuitry ensures a fast response to the stick hit, while the internal filtering options allow engineers to tailor the frequency response to suit different drum shells and tuning styles.

Comparison to Alternatives

In the studio environment, the LS-408 occupies a unique space compared to industry standards. While the Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone often used for vocals and loud instruments, the LS-408 provides the sensitivity of a condenser with a focus on instrument isolation. Compared to high-end small diaphragm condensers like the Neumann KM 185, the LS-408 is more specifically ruggedised for the high-SPL (Sound Pressure Level) and physical risks associated with close-miking drums. It provides a more specialised alternative to general-purpose large-diaphragm condensers like the Neumann TLM 102 or TLM 103, which may lack the specific rejection and mounting convenience required for a busy drum kit.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of microphone is the Lauten Audio LS-408?: The LS-408 is a FET condenser microphone specifically designed for snare drum applications. It combines the detail of a condenser with the durability needed for percussion.
How does the LS-408 handle bleed from other drums?: It features exceptionally high off-axis rejection of up to 28dB. This helps isolate the snare drum by significantly reducing the pickup of hi-hats and other nearby cymbals.
Is the LS-408 suitable for live use?: Yes, its durable brass construction and vibration-resistant capsule make it suitable for both studio recording and live stage environments. Its compact size also helps it fit into tight stage setups.
Does the LS-408 have built-in filters?: Yes, it includes built-in high-cut and low-cut filters. these allow you to shape the tone and remove unwanted frequencies directly at the microphone source.
What is the typical price for the Lauten Audio LS-408?: The microphone is typically priced at approximately £333. This places it in the mid-range professional category for specialized drum microphones.
Can the LS-408 be mounted on a drum rim?: Yes, the microphone is designed to maintain stability on both traditional microphone stands and standard drum rim mounts. Its small size makes it ideal for these mounting solutions.
What material is the body of the LS-408 made from?: The microphone is constructed from durable brass. This ensures it can withstand the 'rough' environments of touring and busy recording studios.
Why use a condenser like the LS-408 instead of a dynamic mic like an SM57?: The LS-408 FET condenser typically offers better transient response and more detail in the high frequencies. It is specifically voiced to deliver a 'mix-ready' snare sound with less external EQ required.
How does the LS-408 deal with mechanical vibrations?: It features a vibration-resistant capsule design. This reduces the amount of low-frequency noise and thumps that can travel from the drum stand or rim through the microphone body.
Is this microphone intended for only one type of snare?: No, it is designed to capture the 'true impact' of any snare drum. The integrated filters allow it to be adjusted for various drum sizes, materials, and tuning ranges.
What makes the LS-408 different from the Neumann TLM 102 for drums?: While both are FET condensers, the LS-408 is specifically built for the drum kit with 28dB of off-axis rejection and a compact, rugged brass body. The TLM 102 is a more general-purpose studio mic.
Does the LS-408 require phantom power?: As a FET condenser microphone, the LS-408 requires 48V phantom power from a preamp or mixing console to operate. This is standard for microphones in this category.