Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $316
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Introducing the Lauten Audio LA-220, a large diaphragm condenser microphone that marries affordability with professional-grade quality. Crafted for the modern project studio and discerning home recordist, this microphone stands out with its transformer-coupled JFET electronics, ensuring pristine sound capture. Ideal for both intimate vocal recordings and versatile enough to manage a spectrum of sound sources, the LA-220 brings a new level of clarity and depth to your audio projects without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Large diaphragm condenser microphone, optimized for studio recording.
- Features transformer-coupled JFET electronics for superior sound quality.
- Offers a modern sound with a significant bass response, perfect for vocal recordings.
- Includes switchable filters to manage harsh high-end and eliminate low-end rumble.
- Versatile design suitable for a wide range of recording applications, from vocals to instruments.
Product specs
| Brand | Lauten Audio |
| Model | LA-220 FET Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Microphones |
| Electronics | Analog, Solid State |
| Microphone Type | Large-Diaphragm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
FAQs
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What is the primary use for the Lauten Audio LA-220 microphone?
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The Lauten Audio LA-220 is designed for studio recording, providing high-quality sound capture for vocals and instruments with its large-diaphragm condenser design.
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What polar pattern does the Lauten Audio LA-220 use, and what is its significance?
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The LA-220 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source in front of the microphone while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear.
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Is the Lauten Audio LA-220 suitable for home studio use?
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Yes, the LA-220 is well-suited for home studios, offering professional-grade sound capture for vocals and instruments in a compact and affordable package.
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Does the Lauten Audio LA-220 require phantom power?
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Yes, the LA-220 requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for most condenser microphones and can be supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers.
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How would you describe the sound characteristics of the Lauten Audio LA-220?
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The LA-220 delivers a warm and detailed sound, making it suitable for a wide range of recording applications, from vocals to acoustic instruments.
Videos
Podcastage
Lauten Audio LA-220 Condenser Mic Review / Test (Compared to Rode NT1, AT2020, NW7000)
Reviews
PROS
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Superior vocal detail and warmth for under $300
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Versatile, handles a wide range of applications well
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Independent low/high pass filters enhance home studio utility
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Clear sound without excessive brightness
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Slightly darker tone not overly distracting
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Excels with acoustic instruments and vocals
CONS
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Susceptible to body noise; sensitive to mic stand bumps
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Included shock mount is average, not exceptional
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lauten Audio LA-220.
Comparisons
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The LA-220 is frequently compared to the Roswell Mini K47, Lewitt models, and Audio Technica options, with mixed reviews favoring different tonal preferences.
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In direct comparisons, the LA-220 was considered superior to most peers except the Sennheiser MK4, which only marginally outperformed it.
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The RØDE NT1 is noted for its flatter, more neutral response compared to the NT1-A, which is described as brighter and potentially harsher.
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User experience
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Some owners find the LA-220's low-end bump beneficial for enhancing certain vocal characteristics, like adding warmth to a child's voice.
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Value and pricing
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The LA-220 often matches its promotional price on reverb.com, suggesting frequent discount opportunities.
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Features and functionality
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The Neumann U87 is highlighted as a superior choice for achieving a professional sound, suggesting its high-quality performance in studio settings.
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Use cases and applications
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The Shure SM7B is recommended for untreated rooms due to its dynamic nature, offering low-end response comparable to condenser mics.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 3 Ratings
1058
Killer on vocals, acoustic instruments
The Lauten LA-220 is a super versatile workhorse microphone that can handle a wide variety of applications. It's not a totally magical, unique sounding mic, but it consistently sounds good. The low/high pass filters can be used independently or simultaneously which is super useful for the home studio (where I used mine).
PROS: It's clear without being overly bright. It doesn't sound as pop-centric as say, a Rode NT-1, which is part of the reason I like it. It has a slightly darker characteristic but it's not distractingly so. I've tracked vocals on this with both filters engaged and the result was much better than I anticipated. I think it's best suited to acoustic instruments and really shines on vocals. Not sure it would be my first choice on electric guitar, but might work based on your setup.
CONS: The mic does have a bit of an issue with body noise, so bumping the mic stand will result in some frequencies being picked up. The included shock mount is fine, nothing amazing.
Overall, for the price this mic is a serious contender and gets a 5 star rating from me. It's also telling that it's impossible to find a used one to buy. People get them... and keep them. Maybe you should, too.
1168
pretty good made in the USA
darker than a lewitt 440 pure, for fingerstyle i didnt use the roll offs. its alright, but i have others so i sold it
1168
pretty good made in the USA
darker than a lewitt 440 pure, for fingerstyle i didnt use the roll offs. its alright, but i have others so i sold it
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Lauten Audio LA-220, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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