Lauten Audio LS-208 Review

Are you looking for a studio microphone that can do it all? Look no further than the Lauten Audio LS-208.

This workhorse microphone offers excellent performance and features, making it a great choice for studio applications, live performances, and instrument recording.

With its cardioid polar pattern, high-pass and low-pass filters, and high SPL, you can be sure of crisp and clean recordings every time.

Don’t take our word for it – try it yourself and experience the quality of the LS-208!

Key Takeaways

  • The LS-208 is a versatile and neutral microphone that expands upon the performance of the Electro-Voice RE-20.
  • It is considered a workhorse microphone for its price and offers a frequency response of 20 Hz-20 kHz.
  • The LS-208 is suitable for various vocal types and styles in studio applications, with its flat response allowing for easy processing.
  • However, it is not recommended for live performances due to its requirements and the SM58 is a better choice for live vocals.

Performance and Features

You’ll find the Lauten Audio LS-208 offers a versatile and neutral performance that expands upon the Electro-Voice RE-20.

The LS-208 is considered a workhorse microphone for its price, offering a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 20 Hz-20 kHz. It also features high-pass and low-pass filters for added flexibility.

The LS-208 has a flat response, making it easy to process and a great option for various vocal types and styles. Its neutrality makes it an ideal choice for capturing vocals accurately.

Comparatively, the LS-208 offers more features than the SM58 and the BP40, and a wider response than the RE20. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for studio recordings and live performances, though its gain-hungry nature may be a disadvantage for live use.

The LS-208 is also suitable for instrument recordings and can capture the true tone of guitars and drums.

Studio Applications

For studio recordings, the LS-208 is a good option due to its flat response and multiple hi-pass and lo-pass filters. It’s a neutral and versatile microphone, perfect for vocal processing and providing flexibility in recording techniques.

The LS-208’s cardioid polar pattern and 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response make it suitable for a variety of vocal types and styles. Its off-axis rejection helps capture loud sound sources accurately.

Additionally, its high-pass and low-pass filters enhance its flexibility, allowing for easy processing of vocal tracks. The LS-208’s neutral sound provides an accurate representation of vocals, making it a great choice for studio recordings.

Live Performance

Although the LS-208 is gain-hungry and heavy, it’s not recommended for live performances. Its performance may not justify the inconvenience of hauling the microphone around, and it’s not as ideal as the Shure SM58 for capturing live vocals.

The LS-208’s high-SPL capabilities may be an advantage, but it’s also more prone to feedback. The SM58 is better suited for live performances, as it’s less susceptible to these risks and provides more versatility.

For those looking for a live microphone, the LS-208 may not be the best choice. However, it could still be useful as a secondary microphone for added depth. Its neutral response and high SPL are still beneficial in capturing loud sound sources.

Ultimately, the LS-208 is better suited for studio recordings rather than live performances.

Instrument Recording

When it comes to instrument recording, the LS-208 is a great choice due to its high SPL and off-axis rejection. It records drums well, with a wide frequency response that captures kicks, toms, and even snare, while surprisingly rejecting hi-hats.

For guitar amps, the LS-208 handles loud sound sources while maintaining its neutral sound. It captures the true tone of the guitar with excellent detail and tone. It can also be used as a secondary microphone for added depth.

For bass cabinets, the LS-208’s high SPL and neutral response are advantageous, although another microphone may be needed for better results. It may not fully capture the nuances of acoustic guitars, so consider other microphone options.

The LS-208 is still a great option for instrument recording.

Build Quality and Comparisons

Second only to its performance, the LS-208’s build quality is impressive; it’s built like a tank and weighs approximately one pound. It has a simple all-black finish and comes with a hard case for protection, making it suitable for professional use.

When compared to other microphones, the LS-208 stands out for its durability. For example, the Electro-Voice RE20 is similar in performance with a flat frequency response and high SPL, but the LS-208 offers a wider response and more features.

The Shure SM7B is more affordable and suitable for broadcasting and vocals, but LS-208 is more versatile and offers more flexibility.

Lastly, the Audio-Technica BP40 has a higher max SPL, but LS-208 provides more versatility and a neutral response.

Conclusion

The Lauten Audio LS-208 is a great option for those who need a reliable, versatile microphone.

Its combination of features, such as its cardioid polar pattern, high-pass and low-pass filters, and high SPL, make it suitable for studio applications, live performances, and instrument recording.

With its impressive performance and build quality, it’s sure to be a dependable workhorse for any sound engineer.

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