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Average Price: $683

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Description

The Ear Trumpet Labs Louise is a distinctive condenser microphone that seamlessly combines vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, making it a standout choice for both studio recording and live performance. This handcrafted microphone is tailored for musicians seeking a unique blend of character and clarity. Its large-diaphragm design ensures a natural, warm audio capture, perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments. Louise's design features an adjustable capsule for optimal sound capture, providing flexibility in a range of recording environments.

With its robust construction, the microphone is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use while maintaining its exceptional sound quality. The internal shock mounting system effectively minimizes handling noise, making it ideal for live settings and dynamic performances. Its cardioid polar pattern isolates the desired sound source, reducing background noise and ensuring a clean, focused recording.

Ear Trumpet Labs has paid meticulous attention to detail, using high-quality components that contribute to Louise's signature sound profile. This microphone is not just a tool but an artistic statement, reflecting the dedication of its creators to superior craftsmanship and audio fidelity.

Key Features:

  • Handcrafted condenser microphone
  • Large-diaphragm for warm, natural audio capture
  • Adjustable capsule design for versatile sound capture
  • Robust construction with vintage-inspired aesthetics
  • Internal shock mounting system to minimize handling noise
  • Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound isolation
  • High-quality components for enhanced sound fidelity

Product specs

Brand Ear Trumpet Labs
Model Louise Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Finish Brass
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Ear Trumpet Labs Louise microphone?

The Ear Trumpet Labs Louise is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone designed primarily for live performance settings, especially for bluegrass and acoustic ensembles, offering excellent gain before feedback.

How does the Ear Trumpet Labs Louise microphone handle feedback in live settings?

The Louise microphone is engineered to provide good gain before feedback, making it ideal for live performances where feedback control is crucial.

What are the sound characteristics of the Ear Trumpet Labs Louise microphone?

The Louise microphone offers a warm and detailed sound, capturing the nuances of acoustic instruments and vocals, which is perfect for intimate live performances.

Is the Ear Trumpet Labs Louise microphone suitable for studio recording?

While the Louise is optimized for live performance, its large diaphragm condenser design also makes it suitable for studio recordings, especially for capturing the natural sound of acoustic instruments.

What is the polar pattern of the Ear Trumpet Labs Louise microphone?

The Louise microphone features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps isolate the sound source and reduces background noise, making it ideal for both live and studio environments.

GaragebandandBeyond

GaragebandandBeyond

Ear Trumpet Labs LOUISE Review and Demo - Upright Bass, Violin, Guitar, Full Band

Video thumbnail for Ear Trumpet Labs LOUISE Review and Demo - Upright Bass, Violin, Guitar, Full Band by GaragebandandBeyond

Ear Trumpet Labs LOUISE Review and Demo - Upright Bass, Violin, Guitar, Full Band

GaragebandandBeyond

GaragebandandBeyond

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures authentic guitar sound with high fidelity

  • Excellent for acoustic performances and picking circles

  • Easy setup process

  • Performs well in stereo recording for vocals and multiple instruments

  • Superior sound balance achieved through simple positioning adjustments

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ear Trumpet Labs Louise.

Features and functionality

  • Despite claims of feedback rejection, Louise is sensitive to crowd noise and PA bleed, indicating careful placement and gain management are crucial.

    Source
  • The Ear Trumpet Louise requires careful placement of vocal monitors to avoid feedback, highlighting its sensitivity in live settings.

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  • The Myrtle includes a "ring & spring" feature, which is reportedly better suited for larger ensembles.

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Comparisons

  • For capturing both guitar and vocals, Louise is more forgiving than using separate dynamic mics like the SM57 or SM58, which require precise placement.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer traditional SM58s over Ear Trumpet Labs mics for performances requiring multiple monitors, due to feedback challenges.

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  • The Louise is noted for its "brighter and crisper" sound, while the Myrtle offers a "mellower" tone, making Myrtle potentially better for strummers and singers.

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  • Audio Technica 4033s are suggested as an alternative, praised for their reliability in similar performance settings, especially for bluegrass.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The Focusrite Scarlett interface supports phantom power, making it compatible with the Ear Trumpet Louise for live or studio use.

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  • Positioning Louise and other mics at least 6-8 feet away from stage edges and FOH speakers helps minimize feedback and PA bleed.

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Use cases and applications

  • Louise excels in larger or quieter venues but might need a dynamic mic boost in noisy or cramped spaces for balanced guitar and vocal pickup.

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  • The Louise is best used in "close mic" situations with loud PAs positioned behind performers, not in front.

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  • Ear Trumpet Labs Louise excels in settings without wedge monitors; feedback issues arise when wedges are used, suggesting in-ear monitors for better results.

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  • The Louise is described as "the quintessential bluegrass mic," ideal for more detailed solo performances, while Myrtle might suit a variety of folk music styles better.

    Source

User experience

  • Bluegrass bands using Louise achieve better results by physically managing their volume levels and avoiding reliance on stage monitors.

    Source
  • Users report that Ear Trumpet Labs mics, including Louise, often run "hot," requiring minimal gain at the mixing desk.

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  • Some users have encountered feedback issues with Ear Trumpet mics indoors, suggesting the need for additional support mics or DI for certain instruments.

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  • Users found it challenging to discern differences between similar Ear Trumpet models like Josephine and Louise unless compared side-by-side.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phoebe Bridgers uses Ear Trumpet Labs Louise

Phoebe Bridgers

Singer, Guitarist

boygenius

...
Verified via YouTube

In this performance of "Savior Complex" on The Tonight Show, Phoebe Bridgers performs using a Louise model microphone from Ear Trumpet Labs.

See how Gregory Alan Isakov uses Ear Trumpet Labs Louise

Gregory Alan Isakov

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video, the microphone is being used for single miking a small acoustic ensemble.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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