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Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8 Polar Patterns, Highpass Filters, and Multi-voicing Technology
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Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
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Fortify Your Mic Locker

Lauten Audio designed the Eden LT-386 large-diaphragm tube condenser mic for the discerning recordist. This microphone's impressive versatility begins with your choice of cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure-8 polar patterns. From there, the 2-stage Kick-shaper and Vocal-shaper highpass filters let you tailor the low-end response for the task at hand. Then there's the onboard Multi-voicing technology that lets you select between Forward, Neutral, and Gentle response curves. Did we mention that the Eden sounds incredible? A unique blend of classic and modern, it delivers smooth, rich low end and midrange as well as upper mids and highs reminiscent of coveted classic vacuum tube microphones. A great choice for vocals, drums, and just about anything else, the Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 makes a superb addition to your mic locker.

Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Tube Condenser Microphone at a Glance:
  • Convenient pattern switching on the microphone
  • Highpass filters for shaping vocals and kick
  • Multi-voicing technology: from vintage to modern
Convenient pattern switching on the microphone

Lauten Audio spec'd the Eden LT-386 with three selectable polar patterns - cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 - so you're covered for any recording scenario. Having the pattern switch conveniently on the mic body (rather than the power supply) lets you quickly and easily make your selection. At Sweetwater, we see a lot of tube mics these days with the pattern selector on the remote power supply, and we have to say that it's nice to see it on the mic - just like many of the sought-after classics.

Highpass filters for shaping vocals and kick

The Eden LT-386 is fitted with a pair of 2-stage highpass filters Lauten Audio calls Kick-shaper and Vocal-shaper. These filters are explicitly tuned to shape the low end of two commonly problematic sources. In the default position, the filters are hard-bypassed. Stage one (the middle position) is the Kick-shaper, specifically designed for bass drums. With its steep low-end cut, it removes excessive boominess that might detract from a enormous-sounding kick. But it can also be very effective on toms, vocals, guitars, and more. Move the switch to stage two (the bottom position), and you engage the Vocal-shaper, which cleans up your vocal tracks for a wonderfully smooth and classic sound. Of course, you'll also find this filter to be useful on multiple sources.

Multi-voicing technology: from vintage to modern

Multi-voicing is a proprietary Lauten Audio technology that uses three separate signal paths to achieve remarkably effective frequency shaping. Specifically designed and tuned for the Eden LT-386, the Forward, Neutral, and Gentle settings let you shape the response curve to the capture task. The Gentle position delivers a warm, vintage vibe and is perfect for maximum control over peaky or bright-sounding sources. Combine this with one of the highpass filters, and you have, effectively, a completely different microphone! The Neutral setting blends classic and modern to give you a smooth, even response with excellent control over sibilance. Finally, Forward opens up the mic for the coveted air of classic microphones.

Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Tube Condenser Microphone Features:
  • Designed for discerning recording engineers
  • Multi-voicing switch for 3 distinct timbres
  • Vocal-shaping highpass filter
  • Kick drum-shaping highpass filter
  • Switchable patterns on the microphone
  • Premium components and build quality:
    • Modern EF806's tube is aged using a proprietary process
    • Custom-wound US-made output transformer for excellent control of transients
    • Proprietary, custom-tuned dual-diaphragm pressure gradient condenser capsule
    • High-quality, high-tolerance resistors and capacitors
    • Switchcraft connectors on the microphone, cable, and power supply
    • Custom Lauten cable between mic and power supply
  • Handcrafted in Lauten Audio's San Jose, California, factory
Expand your sonic palette with the Lauten Audio Eden LT-386!

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
  • Diaphragm Size: 1.23" (31.25mm)
  • Max SPL: 120dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: < 200 ohms
  • Self Noise: < 20dB (A weighted)
  • Low Cut Filter: Kick & Vocal High-pass filters
  • Tube: EF806
  • Power Source: External power supply
  • Connector: 5-pin XLR (mic), 3-pin XLR (power supply)
  • Included Accessories: Hard Case, Shockmount, 5-pin XLR Cable
  • Manufacturer Part Number: LT386002

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Awesome mic sounds greater than it looks

I was torn between this mic and couple other high end popular mics that I'm sure we all heard of. I'm more than happy with this choice. The crispy smooth highs big bottom and aggressive mids .... etc I can go on and on. All I needed and more can't wait to start playing with the different polar pattern and kick or vocal shaper.
Music background: Audio engineer/Music producer for the music and tv industry
Rated 5/5

My New Main Vocal Mic

I have been using an AKG 414-ULS as my main vocal mic for several years and it has always produced good recordings but I thought it was finally time to explore the market for something more high-end, preferably a tube mic. I was looking on the Sweetwater website and came across a Vocal Mic Shootout page with 50 vocal mics where you could hear recordings made by the same singers side by side. So I proceeded to listen to almost every mic when my wife came into the studio and asked what I was doing. She thought it was me singing at first because the male singer's voice had similar characteristics to my own. Because of this coincidence, I thought this mic shootout may have some real value and continued to go back and forth between the mics that stood out to me, until I finally narrowed it down to the Telefunken AK-47 MkII, the Soundelux U99, the Manley Reference, and the Lauten Oceanus.

Because this was the early days of the Covid lockdown, it was pretty impossible to find a place where I could live audition mics, so I did a lot of online research and finally decided on the Lauten Oceanus, partly because Lauten was having a sale at the time. When I went to order the Oceanus, I found it was temporarily out-of-stock, and it was then that I found out about the Lauten Eden, that is actually their flagship model. I was intrigued by the design philosophy and the 3-way switch that changes the character of the mic voicing from Vintage to Neutral, and to a Modern Present sound. So I decided to order the Lauten Eden and have never regretted it for a second. I've coupled it with a Manley Core channel strip and use it mainly for vocals and acoustic guitar. It's been a few months now and I still get excited each time I turn it on and warm those tubes up, knowing that I'm going to capture some sweet emotions.
Music background: Composer, Producer, Engineer
Rated 5/5

America's Microphone

I remember when this microphone was announced, and how excited I was to get my hands on this microphone! I immediately contacted my Sweetwater agent, Ben Porter, and had many conversations with him about the sound and functionality of this microphone. Previously, I had already purchased the Oceana's and the Atlantis, and had them inside of my mic cabinet always ready to go. I would use those two microphones on just about every recording session before I got my hands on the LT-386 Eden! I remember the day this beautiful microphone arrived! It was amazing to see how well put together the packaging was, especially the flight case and included a letter which let me know that I was one of the first 20 people to purchase this microphone. I remember plugging it up and running it through a Rupert Neve Portico channel strip! I was immediately blown away by the microphone, so I scheduled sessions with artists who are ready to give this microphone a run for its money.


What I found was on singers it would add some mojo to the voice that I had never encountered with previous microphones. I have owned the Neumann u87, Manly Reference C, and several other notable microphones, But none of them came with the ability to feel good on just about anything I put in front of them. The Lauten Audio LT-386 quickly became my go-to microphone for any session, with any artist, in any situation. For rappers, I found put it in FORWARD (F) position gave it a lot of air which gave it a modern sound, but at the same time added a rounded bottom to vocals that was hard to get in many other microphone designs. Sometimes utilizing this microphone has made me think that it is the cheat code to those professional vocals I would hear all the time! This microphone changed the way I view tracking, and elevated my ability to track confidently in situations where time is of the essence, in deadlines must be met with some of the most professional-sounding vocals or instruments for me to deliver. I've even utilized this microphone in situations where I would normally utilize a pencil or small diaphragm mic. On guitars, I've been able to tame some of the harshest transients coming out of an amp using the (G) setting.


I remember contacting Brian himself and explaining to him what I had just encountered while recording guitars. It was as if the harder I pushed the microphone, the more gluey and thick the sound became! Therefore we have two of these microphones in my studio right now! These microphones are some of the best microphones that you can pick up and use in your workflow! If you don't have any other microphone of this caliber in your cabinet, I encourage you to pick it up, because it can beat out microphones costing three times as much with ease! Not only that, but the customer service you receive from the company surpasses any that I've dealt with previously! There have been times I've reached out to companies, via social media, via NAMM, and have had none appropriate correspondence! Anytime I hit up this company about this microphone, not only do I learn new things, but I learned that they care for their customers!
Music background: Engineer / Music Producer / Artist
Rated 5/5

We bought a pair

After lots of research and listening tests both in person and online, we decided to invest in a pair of these as our new top shelf mics at Studio Sassafras. We couldn't be happier. We used them as drum overheads, on male and female vocals, guitar amps, acoustic guitar, flute, violin, viola, acoustic bass, and percussion. The three voicings are truly useful. The Edens routinely win our mic shootouts.
Music background: Composer, producer, studio owner
Rated 5/5

Lauten Eden Mic

This Mic is absolutely Incredible!! The microphone Cuts Extremely clean pure vocals. I have no complaints. I use my Manley Core preamp with this amazing mic, and the mic simply shines & Performs at the highest levels. This mic sits in the mix perfectly, the forward position is my favorite on this bad Boy!! The mic is beautiful, it's really stunning the details of the mic. It's very sturdy, please get a heavy duty mic stand the mic is very heavy. Please purchase you will never regret it! This mic will definitely become your bread & butter, it's Ice Cream Cold
Music background: Artist, Producer, Songwriter
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