Tuesday, October 25, 2016

David Crosby Chooses Lauten Audio ‘Eden’ Microphone for Vocals


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


David Crosby Chooses Lauten Audio ‘Eden’ Microphone for Vocals

Producer/Engineer Fab Dupont discusses recording David Crosby’s new album “Lighthouse” which features the Eden tube mic on lead vocals

David Crosby recording his new 'Lighthouse' album with Lauten Audio's "Eden" mic on vocals, and "Atlantis" mic on acoustic guitar David Crosby Photo Credit: Nikki Birch

San Jose, CA – (October 24, 2016) – Producer and engineer Fab Dupont recorded David Crosby’s new album “Lighthouse” (GroundUP Music/Verve Label Group) at Groove Masters, Jackson Browne’s private studio in Santa Monica, then mixed it at Dupont’s own Flux Studios in New York. The microphone choices were many, but the chosen were very few, with the Lauten Audio “Eden” tube microphone featured on Crosby’s lead vocals. The album was produced by multi-instrumentalist Michael League of Snarky Puppy fame and co-produced, recorded and mixed by Fab Dupont.

Dupont, commenting on the vocal mics used in the ‘Lighthouse’ recording sessions said, “There was the Eden, which is all the lead vocals, and all the lead harmonies were done with the Eden. The Eden is the sound of the vocals.” David Crosby added, “With the Eden mic, Fab Dupont was able to capture the best vocal sound I've ever had in my entire career.”

When asked how the lead vocal mic was chosen out of Groove Masters’ vast vintage mic selection, Dupont elaborated, “Basically what happened is David didn't know me, Michael brought me in, and so on the first day David sees the Eden and is like, ‘What's that?’ He says, ‘I record here all the time. There's microphones here I love. I want to use those,’ and I said, ‘Okay, cool, no problem. I'll put those up, but would you mind trying this one? Because I think you'd like it.’ He said, ‘Okay, sure, because, you know, why not?’ I asked the assistant, I said, ‘What's David's favorite mic here?’ and that's how the [Neumann] U 47came up. Then, I took the 47 that was his favorite 47 from all the vintage 47s in this 47 museum and then put the Eden up and recorded him singing into both, and then he picked the Eden. That's how the Eden became the microphone for the record.”

“David, who has no allegiance to anything, just immediately loved the Eden right away,” Dupont adds, “wanted one for himself immediately, and he has choice, you know? He can do whatever he wants. Yeah, there is something very special about that mic on vocals.”

Describing his sonic ideas as co-producer and engineer on the album, Dupont reveals, “I have a certain idea of how music should sound to make me happy—and Michael League and David Crosby had a very clear idea of what they wanted to do. Since they decided to not put any drums on the record that allowed me to do whatever I wanted. After going back and listening to David's old stuff and more recent stuff, my vision was to do something extremely pure, to focus on the lyrics and the picking on the guitars.” Lauten Audio’s Atlantis FC-387 microphones were also used to record acoustic guitars in combination with vintage microphones.

Dupont continues, “What I wanted to try and achieve is get all the good stuff from the old recordings, which is all those vocal blends and all that kind of warmth, like fuzzy tone, but without the inherent artifacts of older recording, which is this slightly distant sound. I wanted to capture the warmth and capture the blend that they had back in the day by everybody playing together. I wanted to capture something like that, but put it in a shell of super Hi-Fi HD gloss, in your face, ‘no recording’ kind of vibe. It's a difficult balance but I think we did it.”

Check out David Crosby’s new album “Lighthouse” at: http://www.davidcrosby.com
Lauten Audio’s flagship microphone Eden model LT-386 is assembled in the USA and features a modified version of the Company’s 31.25mm dual-diaphragm capsule, a custom wound, U.S. built output transformer, EF806s or equivalent pentode vacuum tube, Switchcraft® connectors through-out, nickel plated head, a semi-permanent shock mount, and Lauten’s new unique surface finish also done in the USA. Accessories included with the microphone include Lauten’s custom tube microphone cable with Switchcraft connectors, hard case and mount.  The LT-386 has a list price of $3,999.00. (USD).

Lauten Audio
www.lautenaudio.com

Fab Dupont
www.fabulousfab.com

Lauten Audio Press contact:
Paul de Benedictis
pdbmusic@pacbell.net (650)-303-2565

David Crosby Photo Credit: Nikki Birch


All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

Lauten Audio Expands 'Series Black' Line with Two New Condenser Microphones

Lauten adds LA-220 Solid-state vocal condenser and LA-120 small diaphragm instrument pair to the “Series Black” microphone line aimed at budding recordists

San Jose, CA – August 2nd, 2016 – Today, Lauten Audio announced two additions to its new line of microphones aimed at budding recordists, dubbed “Series Black.” The LA-220 ($249 est. street), is a professional, solid-state, large diaphragm true-condenser studio vocal microphone, while the LA-120 ($349 est. street), is a pair of professional, solid-state, small diaphragm FET instrument condensers. Inspired by classic designs, both new microphones give users access to great sounding, yet affordable, professional quality products. The 2 new Series Black microphone models will ship starting in August and Internationally in October.

At its core the LA-220 features a U.S. made ultra-low-noise JFET amplifier, a 1-inch pressure gradient, large diaphragm, and a true-condenser capsule with cardioid polar pattern. The new mic features independent 120 Hz low-cut and 12 kHz high-cut filters, a transformer balanced output, and includes a spider-style shock mount.

The LA-120 mic package comes as a pair, and features interchangeable 17mm pressure gradient condenser cardioid and omni-directional capsules, U.S. made ultra-low-noise JFET amplifiers, 50 and 150Hz low-cut filters, 10 and 15kHz high-cut filters, and a transformer balanced output. The dual mic package ships with a wooden box and hard mounts.

Both microphones are designed to give budding recordists an affordable entry into the world of professional sound recording. “We are giving developing recordists two excellent new microphone options that complement each other, as well as the LA-320 vacuum tube condenser mic that is already available, also in the Series Black line,” says Brian Loudenslager, Founder of Lauten Audio. He continues, “Our unique high and low cut filters offered on these mics have already garnered rave reviews from users and professional reviewers. These features take into consideration common problems in home, basement or bedroom recording environments and make achieving great recording results easy for anyone.”  Both microphones feature two independent filters located on the microphone with easy to engage switches. If the room or source is boomy, or if there is low-end rumble from outside noise, recordists can turn on the low-cut filter and eliminate much of the problem. The high-cut filter can be used to roll-off high frequencies helping tame bright sources. 

Both new mic packages feature high quality components often found in much more expensive microphones. “We have again utilized our years of experience to create what we believe to be the best value of any professional microphones on the market today. With the classic inspired designs, ultra-low-noise JFETs, built-in filters, and included accessories, these microphone are sure to quickly become a popular choice for any recordists on any budget.” adds Loudenslager.

The LA-220 has a manufacturer suggested retail price of $499 and an estimated street price of $249 and the LA-120 has a suggested retail price of $599 and an estimated street price of $349. They will be available in U.S. retailers starting in August and worldwide in October. 

About Lauten Audio
Lauten Audio microphones continue to carve out a unique niche for recordists seeking microphones with an original sound. Their product line includes their flagship “Eden” LT-386, the award-winning “Oceanus” LT-381 transformer-less tube condenser microphone, and the FC-387 “Atlantis” solid-state Multi-voicing™ large diaphragm condenser microphone. Lauten Audio microphones have received rave reviews from both experienced recording engineers and leading Pro Audio magazines around the world. Lauten Audio is located in San Jose, California, for more information visit http://www.lautenaudio.com or call 1-877-721-7018.





All trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Description and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Thursday, April 21, 2016

Introducing the “Series Black” LA-320 Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

The LA-320 large diaphragm vacuum tube vocal microphone is the first in Lauten’s new “Series Black” line aimed at budding recordists


San Jose, CA - April 19th, 2016 – Today, Lauten Audio announced the LA-320 professional large diaphragm vacuum tube studio condenser vocal microphone, its first microphone in a new line dubbed “Series Black”. The LA-320 features a 1-inch pressure gradient true-condenser capsule, cardioid polar pattern, dual-triode vacuum tube, transformer balanced output, independent high and low cut filters, custom dedicated power supply, tube microphone cable, spider shock mount and hard case. 

The microphone is designed to give budding recordists an affordable entry into the world of vacuum tube microphone sound. “With the LA-320 we are making available a fantastic professional level vacuum tube microphone that’s easy for developing recordists to use to make great recordings,” says Brian Loudenslager, Founder of Lauten Audio. He continues, “The high and low cut filters make solving common problems in home, basement or bedroom recording environments easy.” The microphone features two independent filters, available with easy to engage switches. “If the room or source is boomy, or there is low-end rumble from outside noise, turn on the low-cut filter and eliminate much of the problem. Or use the high-cut filter to roll-off frequencies above 12k and help tame a bright room with lots of reflections, or a bright source. What makes the LA-320 filter design even more useful is that the engineer can use both filters at the same time, resolving many problems before the recording even hits the hard drive,” adds Loudenslager.

Inside the LA-320 is a 1-inch pressure gradient true-condenser capsule and dual-triode vacuum tube inspired by what was used in classic German microphones. “Don’t be fooled by the affordability, the LA-320 features high quality components often found in much more expensive microphones. We have utilized our years of experience to create what we believe to be the best value of any large diaphragm vacuum tube microphone. I think any budding engineer will be more than pleased with the mic,” states Loudenslager. “With the classic inspired internal components, built-in filters, and included accessories, the LA-320 is sure to quickly become a popular choice for any recordist on any budget.”

The LA-320 has a suggested manufacturer retail price of $799 and an estimated street price of around  $499. The new mic will be available in U.S. retailers starting April 2016, and worldwide later this year. 

Monday, March 07, 2016

Lauten Audio "Atlantis" is the Microphone Behind the Grammy for "Best Jazz Vocal Album"

Engineer Todd Whitelock Captures Grammy Gold with Lauten Audio ‘Atlantis’ Mic
‘Best Jazz Vocal Album’ Grammy® goes to Cecile McLorin Salvant’s "For One to Love"

Todd Whitelock in Avatar's studio A
San Jose, CA – (March 7, 2016) – Engineer Todd Whitelock loves the Lauten Audio ‘Atlantis’ FC-387 microphone for recording vocals, it’s now his “go-to” female vocal mic. At Avatar Studios in New York last year he used the Atlantis to record vocals on the Grammy® Award-winning album "For One to Love" by Cecile McLorin Salvant which garnered the prestigious “Best Jazz Vocal Album” for 2016. The album category awards the Grammy to the Artist, Producer, and Engineer. The album was released on Mack Avenue Records. Whitelock has engineered albums for many of today’s most lauded artists including Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Christian McBride, Brian Blade, Harry Connick Jr., Yo Yo Ma, as well as Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, to name just a select few.

For One To Love was recorded live in the studio with Aaron Diehl (piano), Paul Sikivie (bass), Lawrence Leathers (drums), and Cecile on vocals. “Each of these musicians are masters of their craft, their talents go well beyond their amazing musicality,” notes Whitelock. “Together they are a quartet, not just a trio backing vocals and they play in a rarefied zone of precision, intuition, and conviction that was just awesome to watch and hear—and record!”

“Of all the Grammys that I have been honored with, this one is special. I feel this one is
Cecile at Avatar studios singing into Atlantis microphone
personal and so deserving for the artist and her artistry as it’s Cecile’s first Grammy and producer Al Pryor’s as well. It’s an intimate record, a portrait actually, that puts it all out there for everyone to behold. Cecile is one of the most natural performers and artists that I have ever had the pleasure to record. She performs the music naturally, effortlessly, so I need to make sure it sounds natural and effortless. For One To Love was one of those perfect storms, the right artist singing the right music in front of the right microphone, in the right studio. She made the magic, I didn’t do anything but get out of her way.”


“I have to thank Fabrice Dupont for turning me on to the Lauten Audio ‘Atlantis’ microphone, which I used for both of Cecile's records,” says Whitelock. “We listened to all the famous ‘old tube mics’ on her voice before choosing Atlantis for its clarity, quietness, and dynamic range — it quickly became my go-to favorite for female voice.”

When he first tried the Atlantis mic on Cecile’s voice at Avatar Studios he was pleasantly surprised, “Besides Avatar’s incredible collection of microphones, I had a couple of my other favorites with me too. It was really about blindfold testing, putting all those mics up there and seeing what was most complimentary for her vocal and dynamic range, and to capture her real character, the essence of her performance. We all listened to playback and the Atlantis was a revelation! I chose the Atlantis, Al Pryor and Cécile both chose the Atlantis as their favorite. It was like ‘Oh my god! – Thank god I brought the Atlantis!’”

Whitelock says, “With the Atlantis I found I was not having to push Cecile into the balance, her voice just floated above the track with this really vivid picture of her voice, bigger than anything else that I had tried, she just filled the track, letting the music just wrap around her. That was everything for me. It was staggering.”

Check out a live session at KCRW from Cecile's previous album “Womanchild” which was nominated for a Grammy 2 years ago, Whitelock also recorded her vocals using the Atlantis mic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RsjZFG76Qk

Actually, a lot of amazing singers have been on my Atlantis microphone,” he adds, “from Rene Flemming, to Rhiannon Giddons, Idina Menzel, to Audra McDonald. And in most of these cases I have to put up their favorite mics, but in the same blind/ playback tests the Lauten Audio Atlantis wins every time. And these singers have sung for years and years on what they think is their favorite microphone! The Atlantis makes my job much easier. It’s eliminated the guesswork. You bring in Lauten Audio mics and you know what you’re going to get. If it’s a new client they are going to be amazed, and if it’s an old client, that’s what they’re expecting to hear.”

The Atlantis FC-387 microphone was a collaborative effort between Lauten Audio, and New York engineer and producer Fab Dupont. Its Multi-voicing™ feature gives recordists three distinct timbre’s to choose from with just the flip of a switch. Originally designed for vocals, the Atlantis also shines on acoustic instruments of all types.

Lauten Audio
www.lautenaudio.com

Todd Whitelock
Allmusic.com credits