What type of transducer does the LS-508 use?

The LS-508 uses a large diaphragm FET condenser design, which allows it to capture more detail and faster transients than traditional dynamic microphones.

What is the primary polar pattern of this microphone?

It features a supercardioid polar pattern, which is specifically chosen to provide tight focus on the sound source while rejecting noise from the sides and rear.

Is the LS-508 suitable for live use?

Yes, its sturdy brass construction and supercardioid pattern make it highly suitable for live stages where durability and bleed reduction are essential.

Does the LS-508 require phantom power?

As a FET condenser microphone, the LS-508 requires standard 48V phantom power to operate its internal circuitry and capsule.

What are the onboard sound-shaping controls?

The microphone includes switches that allow the user to adjust the attack, body, and overall tone of the tom sound directly at the source.

How does the microphone handle moisture and dust?

It is equipped with a mildew-resistant dust filter to protect the large diaphragm capsule from the environment and debris during close-miking.

What is the benefit of the dual-bias circuitry?

The dual-bias circuitry helps provide excellent off-axis rejection, which ensures the tom sound remains punchy and free from cymbal bleed.

How is the build quality of the LS-508?

The microphone features a high-quality solid brass construction, making it durable enough for professional studio and touring applications.

Can the LS-508 be used for other instruments?

While specifically tailored for toms, its high SPL handling and focused capture make it versatile for other percussion or high-energy sound sources.

What is the typical price for a Lauten Audio LS-508?

The microphone is typically priced around £339 in the UK market, positioning it as a professional-grade specialized drum microphone.

Does this microphone eliminate the need for EQ?

The onboard controls are designed to reduce the need for extensive EQ work by allowing you to shape the character of the drum on the fly.

How does the LS-508 differ from a standard dynamic tom mic?

It offers the increased sensitivity and frequency range of a condenser while maintaining the high isolation and ruggedness usually associated with dynamics.

Gear article

Lauten Audio LS-508 Tom Mic

The Lauten Audio LS-508 is a large diaphragm FET condenser microphone specifically designed for capturing toms in both live and studio environments. It features a supercardioid polar pattern and dual-bias circuitry to provide high isolation and a punchy, focused sound.

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Overview

The Lauten Audio LS-508 is a specialised studio microphone engineered to address the specific challenges of recording drum toms. Unlike standard multipurpose microphones, the LS-508 utilizes a large diaphragm condenser element housed in a rugged chassis, tailored to withstand the high sound pressure levels and physical demands of drum kit placement. It aims to deliver the clarity of a condenser with the isolation typically associated with dynamic microphones.

Key Features and Design

The microphone is built with a solid brass construction, providing the durability required for touring and frequent studio use. A key design element is the mildew-resistant dust filter, which protects the sensitive internal capsule from moisture and debris common in close-mic drum scenarios. The supercardioid capsule is paired with proprietary dual-bias circuitry, which enhances off-axis rejection to ensure that spill from adjacent cymbals or drums is minimised.

Sound Character and Tone Shaping

The LS-508 is noted for its ability to produce punchy and focused tom sounds without the need for significant outboard processing. It features onboard sound-shaping controls that allow engineers to adjust the attack, body, and tone directly on the microphone. This internal EQ capability is designed to capture a 'mix-ready' sound by highlighting the fundamental resonance and transient snap of the drum head simultaneously.

Applications and Suitability

While primarily marketed as a tom microphone, its versatile positioning and high SPL handling make it suitable for drummers and engineers who require precision in challenging environments. It is equally effective in controlled studio sessions as it is in live sound reinforcement, where cymbal bleed is often a primary concern for front-of-house engineers. It suits users who prefer the detail of a condenser over the more compressed sound of traditional dynamic tom mics.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to studio standards like the Neumann TLM 102 or TLM 103, the LS-508 offers a more focused supercardioid response specifically tuned for percussion rather than vocals. Unlike the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone, which is often used for broad applications, the LS-508 provides the fast transient response of a condenser. For those seeking highly isolated drum sounds, it serves as a more specialized alternative to compact condensers like the Neumann KM 185.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of transducer does the LS-508 use?: The LS-508 uses a large diaphragm FET condenser design, which allows it to capture more detail and faster transients than traditional dynamic microphones.
What is the primary polar pattern of this microphone?: It features a supercardioid polar pattern, which is specifically chosen to provide tight focus on the sound source while rejecting noise from the sides and rear.
Is the LS-508 suitable for live use?: Yes, its sturdy brass construction and supercardioid pattern make it highly suitable for live stages where durability and bleed reduction are essential.
Does the LS-508 require phantom power?: As a FET condenser microphone, the LS-508 requires standard 48V phantom power to operate its internal circuitry and capsule.
What are the onboard sound-shaping controls?: The microphone includes switches that allow the user to adjust the attack, body, and overall tone of the tom sound directly at the source.
How does the microphone handle moisture and dust?: It is equipped with a mildew-resistant dust filter to protect the large diaphragm capsule from the environment and debris during close-miking.
What is the benefit of the dual-bias circuitry?: The dual-bias circuitry helps provide excellent off-axis rejection, which ensures the tom sound remains punchy and free from cymbal bleed.
How is the build quality of the LS-508?: The microphone features a high-quality solid brass construction, making it durable enough for professional studio and touring applications.
Can the LS-508 be used for other instruments?: While specifically tailored for toms, its high SPL handling and focused capture make it versatile for other percussion or high-energy sound sources.
What is the typical price for a Lauten Audio LS-508?: The microphone is typically priced around £339 in the UK market, positioning it as a professional-grade specialized drum microphone.
Does this microphone eliminate the need for EQ?: The onboard controls are designed to reduce the need for extensive EQ work by allowing you to shape the character of the drum on the fly.
How does the LS-508 differ from a standard dynamic tom mic?: It offers the increased sensitivity and frequency range of a condenser while maintaining the high isolation and ruggedness usually associated with dynamics.