Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $612

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Lauten Audio LA-320: a gateway to professional tube mic quality without the hefty price tag. Ideal for project studios and home recording artists, this large diaphragm condenser microphone offers a harmonious blend of pronounced lows and silky highs. Its sound profile beams with a vintage charm, making it perfect for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with authenticity. The LA-320 comes equipped with switchable filters, empowering you to sculpt your sound by eliminating low-end rumble and smoothing out harsh sibilances. It's not just a microphone; it's a versatile tool that elevates your recordings with its naturally stunning sound.

Key Features:

  • Large diaphragm for a full-bodied sound profile
  • Vintage charm with pronounced low end and silky highs
  • Switchable low and high-frequency filters for sound sculpting
  • Ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments

Product specs

Brand Lauten Audio
Model LA-320 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Tube
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Lauten Audio LA-320 microphone?

The Lauten Audio LA-320 is ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments, thanks to its large-diaphragm tube condenser design, which offers a warm and detailed sound.

What polar pattern does the Lauten Audio LA-320 have, and what does it mean for recording?

The LA-320 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is excellent for isolating the sound source and minimizing background noise, making it perfect for studio recordings.

How does the tube technology in the Lauten Audio LA-320 affect its sound?

The tube electronics in the LA-320 provide a warm, rich tone with natural harmonics, enhancing the overall character and depth of recordings.

Is the Lauten Audio LA-320 suitable for home studio use?

Yes, the LA-320 is well-suited for home studios, offering professional-grade sound quality and versatility for various recording applications.

Does the Lauten Audio LA-320 require any special power supply?

Yes, the LA-320 requires an external power supply unit, which is included with the microphone, to power its tube electronics.

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Lauten Audio LA320 Mic - Demo

Video thumbnail for Lauten Audio LA320 Mic - Demo by Riffs, Beards & Gear

Lauten Audio LA320 Mic - Demo

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Video thumbnail for This Microphone is SPECIAL!! - Lauten Audio LA-320 (Unboxing & Review) by Edward Smith

This Microphone is SPECIAL!! - Lauten Audio LA-320 (Unboxing & Review)

Edward Smith

Edward Smith

Video thumbnail for Best Value Tube Microphone Got Better? Lauten Audio LA-320 Microphone Review/Tube Upgrade by Ju1ce Audio

Best Value Tube Microphone Got Better? Lauten Audio LA-320 Microphone Review/Tube Upgrade

Ju1ce Audio

Ju1ce Audio

Video thumbnail for I Found The Best TUBE MIC Under $1000 - Lauten LA-320 Review by Better Mixes

I Found The Best TUBE MIC Under $1000 - Lauten LA-320 Review

Better Mixes

Better Mixes

Video thumbnail for LA 320 Review by Bryan Boliver

LA 320 Review

Bryan Boliver

Bryan Boliver

Reviews

PROS

  • Performs well beyond its price range

  • Smooth and detailed sound quality

  • Enhances plug-in sounds when used with a good preamp

  • Offers a noticeable improvement over other condensers, providing a "3d" experience

  • Superior sound quality compared to other mics in the same price range

  • Tube warmth adds to vocal recordings, especially after a warm-up period

CONS

  • May require adjustment (rolling off around 5k) for optimal female vocal recordings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lauten Audio LA-320.

Use cases and applications

  • The LA-320 is effectively used for online teaching, positioned out of the camera's view.

    Source
  • The LA-320 is favored by some users for vocal recording due to its balanced sound profile, making it suitable for genres like hip hop and vocals with deep or sibilant characteristics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Achieving a professional studio sound with the LA-320 requires proper mic placement and room treatment due to its sensitivity to room acoustics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The LA-320 can sound "whispy and sibilant" without proper EQ adjustments, particularly if boosting the top end.

    Source
  • The LA-320v2 is praised for its versatility in tracking various instruments, with owners highlighting its impressive performance beyond vocals, such as drum recordings.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report the LA-320 lacks fullness in the low end, potentially due to distance or aggressive high-pass filtering.

    Source
  • Owners find the LA-320 takes EQ adjustments well, allowing for tailored sound customization without the brightness issues faced with the MXL Genesis.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The LA-320 is used with Apollo plugins like Helios 69 (UNISON), C-Vox, P De-Esser, and LA-2A Silver for enhanced sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Lauten Audio LA-320 is described as more neutral compared to the MXL Genesis, which is considered brighter and more hyped in sound.

    Source
  • Some users find the Lauten Audio LA-320v2 significantly outperforms its price point, especially when compared to Warm Audio WA 251, which is noted for a less smooth top end.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In its price range, the LA-320v2 is considered by some to be a better investment than Warm Audio alternatives, offering superior sound quality for the cost.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Lauten Audio: LA320 Tube Condenser Mic | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Lauten Audio LA-320 is a sleeper hit in the world of tube condensers, offering a warm, clear sound in a sleek, unassuming package. Its versatility shines across a variety of recording contexts—from vocals to mandolin to full band sessions—delivering impressive results each time. However, it does require more gain than some might expect, which could be a consideration for those with less powerful preamps. Despite this minor quirk, its overall performance, especially at an attractive price point, makes it a must-have addition to any mic locker. Perfect for musicians seeking quality without breaking the bank.

positive

Lauten Audio LA-320

soundonsound.com

The Lauten Audio LA-320 is a versatile valve microphone that delivers a clean, open sound with a smooth high end, making it suitable for vocals and various instruments. Its unique flat frequency response allows for easy EQ adjustments, providing natural vocal clarity. However, the low-cut switch can overly thin the tone if singers are positioned too far from the mic. Priced attractively, it stands out in a crowded market but requires careful placement to maximize its potential. Overall, it's a solid choice for musicians looking for quality without breaking the bank.

positive

Recording Magazine Reviews: Lauten Audio LA-320 Tube Condenser Microphone

recordingmag.com

The Lauten Audio LA-320 tube condenser microphone is a noteworthy entry in the affordable mic market, boasting high-quality components and a surprisingly rich sound for its $499 price tag. With features like a deep low-cut filter and a high-cut filter, it offers versatility across various recording scenarios, from vocals to instruments. However, its vintage character may not suit every genre, particularly those favoring a brighter, more modern sound. While it excels in warmth and smoothness, some may find it lacks the punch of pricier models. Overall, the LA-320 delivers excellent performance for its price, making it a strong contender for home studios looking to elevate their recordings.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hans Joseph uses Lauten Audio LA-320

Hans Joseph

Bassist

Dragged Under

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Hans can be seen using a Lauten La 320 mic

See how Kid Yugi uses Lauten Audio LA-320

Kid Yugi

Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

In one of Kid Yugi's most viewed videos, "Freestyles at Real Talk Show," all the artists, including Kid Yugi, use the Lauten Audio LA-320 microphone. This choice is evident from the video presented by Real Talk, where the microphone is noted for its bright, mix-ready modern rap voice sound, illustrating its reputation as a workhorse in the music industry.

See how Jupiluxe uses Lauten Audio LA-320

Jupiluxe

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via Twitter

In a post on Twitter, Jupiluxe mentions acquiring a "new microphone," referring to the Lauten Audio LA-320.

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-320, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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