Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $316

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What is the primary use for the Lauten Audio LA-220 microphone?

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.

What polar pattern does the Lauten Audio LA-220 use, and what is its significance?

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.

Is the Lauten Audio LA-220 suitable for home studio use?

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.

Does the Lauten Audio LA-220 require phantom power?

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.

How would you describe the sound characteristics of the Lauten Audio LA-220?

The LA-220 delivers a warm and detailed sound, making it suitable for a wide range of recording applications, from vocals to acoustic instruments.

Podcastage

Podcastage

Lauten Audio LA-220 Condenser Mic Review / Test (Compared to Rode NT1, AT2020, NW7000)

Video thumbnail for Lauten Audio LA-220 Condenser Mic Review / Test (Compared to Rode NT1, AT2020, NW7000) by Podcastage

Lauten Audio LA-220 Condenser Mic Review / Test (Compared to Rode NT1, AT2020, NW7000)

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Lauten Audio LA 220 vs Neumann TLM 102 comparison by getsound store

Lauten Audio LA 220 vs Neumann TLM 102 comparison

getsound store

getsound store

Video thumbnail for Recording Vocals with a LA-220 Microphone // Lauten Audio LA 220 Unboxing and Review by Sky Jordxn

Recording Vocals with a LA-220 Microphone // Lauten Audio LA 220 Unboxing and Review

Sky Jordxn

Sky Jordxn

Video thumbnail for BEST VOCAL MICROPHONES | Lauten Audio LA320 and LA220 by Archie Beatz

BEST VOCAL MICROPHONES | Lauten Audio LA320 and LA220

Archie Beatz

Archie Beatz

Video thumbnail for LA 220 vs TLM 103 Condenser Microphone Shoot Out! BUDGET VS PRO by United Destiny Entertainment

LA 220 vs TLM 103 Condenser Microphone Shoot Out! BUDGET VS PRO

United Destiny Entertainment

United Destiny Entertainment

Video thumbnail for Lauten Audio LA-220 Sound Demo by Producing Bonedo

Lauten Audio LA-220 Sound Demo

Producing Bonedo

Producing Bonedo

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior vocal detail and warmth for under $300

  • Versatile, handles a wide range of applications well

  • Independent low/high pass filters enhance home studio utility

  • Clear sound without excessive brightness

  • Slightly darker tone not overly distracting

  • Excels with acoustic instruments and vocals

CONS

  • Susceptible to body noise; sensitive to mic stand bumps

  • 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

  • The LA-220 is frequently compared to the Roswell Mini K47, Lewitt models, and Audio Technica options, with mixed reviews favoring different tonal preferences.

    Source
  • In direct comparisons, the LA-220 was considered superior to most peers except the Sennheiser MK4, which only marginally outperformed it.

    Source
  • The RØDE NT1 is noted for its flatter, more neutral response compared to the NT1-A, which is described as brighter and potentially harsher.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the LA-220's low-end bump beneficial for enhancing certain vocal characteristics, like adding warmth to a child's voice.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The LA-220 often matches its promotional price on reverb.com, suggesting frequent discount opportunities.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Neumann U87 is highlighted as a superior choice for achieving a professional sound, suggesting its high-quality performance in studio settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Shure SM7B is recommended for untreated rooms due to its dynamic nature, offering low-end response comparable to condenser mics.

    Source

Other

  • Austrian Audio OC18 is praised for high-quality production and is suggested as a superior alternative to some AKG models, being the work of former AKG employees.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Lauten Audio LA-220 review - All Things Gear

allthingsgear.com

The Lauten Audio LA-220 stands out with its sleek design and remarkable versatility, featuring dual frequency switches that enhance its adaptability across various recording scenarios. With a solid build and impressive audio quality, it shines particularly on acoustic instruments and vocals, delivering a warm, vintage tone. However, it falls short as a cardioid-only mic, limiting its use for certain applications like snare or kick drums. While it’s not without its constraints, the LA-220 offers excellent value, making it a worthy candidate for those seeking a reliable workhorse in the studio.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bkrogh

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.

fingerstylist

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

fingerstylist

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.

Klark Teknik EQP-KT
Klark Teknik EQP-KT Effects Processors
1
Neumann TLM 103
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphones
1
AKG C214
AKG C214 Condenser Microphones
1
Sony C-80 Condenser Microphone
Sony C-80 Condenser Microphone Condenser Microphones
1
Warm Audio WA76
Warm Audio WA76 Effects Processors
1
Warm Audio WA-2A
Warm Audio WA-2A Effects Processors
1
ART Pro VLA II
ART Pro VLA II Effects Processors
1
Akai MPC One
Akai MPC One Production & Groove
1

Community setups

Show yours
G

ghost_ryder

Gear IQ 52

1 alternative for Lauten Audio LA-220, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Lauten Audio Condenser Microphones

Artist usage

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    bkrogh
    bkrogh

    Gear IQ 1058