Michael Ashby & Lauten Audio - Sonic Secrets Behind Hip-Hop Sensation Cardi B’s ‘Bodak Yellow’

Engineer Michael Ashby chooses Lauten Audio’s “Eden” LT-386 Multi-voicing™ vacuum tube microphone for the smash #1 Billboard Hot 100 ‘Bodak Yellow’ by Cardi B

Michael Ashby with his Eden LT-386 microphone

San Jose, CA — September 25, 2017 — Engineer Michael Ashby recorded vocals for Hip Hop sensation Cardi B’s hit single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” at Krematorium Studio in New York. The song, featuring beats by J-White DID IT (Anthony G. White), was released the summer of 2017 and is the highest charting single by a female rapper in nearly 20 years. Engineer Ashby chose his ‘go-to female vocal mic’ — the Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 — to record vocals for the song. Shortly after the release of ‘Bodak Yellow’ the song became a multi-week #1 R&B/Hip-Hop charting song and today hit #1 on the Hot 100 Billboard chart. The song is nominated for 3 BET Hip Hop Awards: Biggest Single of the Year, Best Impact Track, and Best Hip Hop Video — the Youtube video has over 170-Million views: https://youtu.be/PEGccV-NOm8

When it came to choosing a mic for the Cardi B session, Ashby recalls, “We wanted a microphone that would sit on top of the mix, not just the high-frequencies, but the low-end too. We found during the mixing process we wanted more dominance from her in the low-end. She doesn’t want to sound like Niki Minaj. So, when she came into the studio that day I asked if they wanted to switch to the 251 or just leave the Eden up. We decided to leave the Eden up, knowing I could just carve away what I didn’t want. That’s what I love about the Eden, everything’s there if you need it. In terms of comparing the best of the best, the Eden definitely takes it.”

Ashby first purchased his Eden in early 2016 and it has become a staple in the Krematorium Studio vocal booth. In an unsolicited review on Sweetwater’s website, Ashby wrote, “I call it my secret Sony C-800G killer because it delivers almost the same vibe as a C-800G recording, but so much smoother, from the mids all the way up!!! Paired with my Chandler Little Devil Pre with the ‘bright’ switch on, and you have a simply AMAZING MONSTER!!!” Having spent nearly 2 years with the mic, now Ashby says, “When tracking vocals all I have to do on the Neve 551 EQ is take 220hz and attenuate that down a bit, like 0.5 to 1dB, and the top-end and mid-range sits hella clean for my vocal applications. The Eden has this robust and crispy top-end, very modern, but still a smooth type of sound. It’s literally been the only mic that’s been up for months in a row.”

A post shared by ASHBY THE MIX ENGINEER (@ashbymix) on Dec 25, 2016 at 7:37am PST

Adding further details about Cardi’s “Money Moves” session, Ashby says, “It was about a 2-to-3 hour session and I could tell they were on a mission that day. Immediately, she started rehearsing the song, and then went into the vocal booth and said ‘I’m gonna work the Money Moves.’ According to Asbhy, the signal chain for Cardi B’s vocals were an Eden, using the ‘Forward’ Multi-voicing™ setting, Chandler Little Devil preamp, a touch of 80Hz roll-off on a Neve 551EQ, and an API 527 for compression. 

Michael Ashby is a drummer who fell in love with audio recording after graduating high school. He is the owner of Krematorium Studio in Elmont, NY. He’s a graduate of the SAE Institute in NYC, and today is a respected next generation audio engineer who's engineered for multiple Grammy® nominated artists and producers. In addition to Cardi B, his credits include Melissa B, B Howard, BK Brasco, Josh X, Latoya Jackson, Anthony Xi, Fetty Wap, Exit 21 and many other top artists. For more about Michael Ashby visit: https://www.ashbymix.com and https://www.thekrematorium.com 

About Lauten Audio 

Lauten Audio microphones continue to carve out a unique niche for recordists seeking microphones with an original sound. In addition to the Series Black, 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.

Lauten Audio

www.lautenaudio.com

Lauten Audio Press contact:

Paul J. de Benedictis

pauljdb@gmail.com (650)-303-2565

All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

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

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.

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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LAUTEN AUDIO PARTNERS WITH INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING & MARKETING GmbH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAUTEN AUDIO PARTNERS WITH INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING & MARKETING GmbH

Germany-based ICM will distribute Lauten Audio microphones in Germany and beyond

San Jose, CA, April 1^st, 2013 – Lauten Audio, a high-end microphone maker, has announced a new distribution agreement with Germany-based International Consulting & Marketing GmbH (ICM). ICM will serve as the sole distributor in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and 10 other European countries, for the California-based company’s professional microphone line, including their newly released Atlantis FC-387 multi-voicing condenser studio microphone. The entire Lauten Audio microphone line will be on display at the 2013 Prolight + Sound Musikmesse convention in Frankfurt, Germany in the ICM booth Hall-A 5.1 E47.

“We had read about Lauten Audio microphones at various times in the past and after a business friend contacted us to recommend and suggest that I consider distribution of Lauten Audio, we connected with Brian,” says Siegfried Acker, Managing Director at ICM. “We then talked and I was quite pleased and impressed by Brian’s profound knowledge of the international professional audio market.  Brian and I were immediately in sync about our ideas and strategies to distribute Lauten Audio microphones in Europe.”

“We are very excited that ICM will be distributing for Lauten Audio in Germany as well as other European countries,” says Brian Loudenslager, founder of Lauten Audio. “Siegfried and the team at ICM are a well-established and mature company and have a ton of experience in the markets they serve. Our vision and expectations are very much in-line and we look forward to a new awakening for Lauten Audio in Germany and beyond.”

The Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound convention is held April 10-13, 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany, visit:

http://musik.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en

About Lauten Audio:

First hitting the street in 2006, Lauten Audio microphones have carved a niche for recordists seeking professional microphones with an original and modern sound. Developed in conjunction with Grammy-nominated Producer and Engineer, Fab Dupont, the company recently released the Atlantis FC-387 multi-voicing studio microphone. The Atlantis is arguably the most talked about and unique new vocal microphone in years. Their “Oceanus” and “Torch” microphones made the “Best of” list of upper-class microphones by the Germany-based ‘Professional Audio Musik & Equipment’ magazine. All of Lauten Audio’s microphones have garnered exceptional reviews from both end-users and magazines around the world. Lauten Audio is located in San Jose, CA. For more information on Lauten Audio and its products please visit www.lautenaudio.com

About International Consulting & Marketing GmbH:

ICM specializes in a wide spectrum of tailor-made services for manufacturers in the audio post production, broadcast, music-recording, mastering & remastering, acoustical treatment, live sound and musical instruments including handling of complete export sales activities, selection of potential distribution partners, acquisition of new customers and distribution partners, and market analysis. From their central European warehouse, ICM provides full warehousing and shipping services. ICM operates from facilities located in Albstadt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany – in the heart of the Swabian Alb. For more information visit www.icm-consult.com 

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Press relations contact:

Paul de Benedictis

650-303-2565

pdbmusic@pacbell.net