Lauten Audio LS-208 Broadcast Condenser Microphone Review / Test

[@LautenAudio]

Thanks for the thorough review! 🙏✌

[@Podcastage]

Thanks for making a really cool mic 🎙

[@GeorgeKhouriofc]

Just purchased. This microphone is a beast! Shines in an untreated room. I am going to use it for all of my mobile recordings while I’m on the go!

[@LautenAudio]

@@GeorgeKhouriofc YES!!!!

[@GHOSTPIRATESMUSIC]

Test the LA 320

[@Slipsch]

I bought this mic and was utterly disappointed with it, I'm not sure if it was marketed as for spoken words, but for spoken words, I can't use any settings without the 10k filter on (even that it doesn't sound too good as compared to SM7B, RE20, BCM104/705, Procaster, Ethos). And the mic is small, too small that made it look more like a handheld mic rather than a broadcast mic (I know we shouldn't buy a mic for its aesthetics but it matters if it's on camera), it made it look cheap to the uninitiated. And this mic is a plosive magnet, MAGNET and I have a pretty decent mic technique and the mic is pointing at my mouth but my mouth is pointing at the camera. Should have a built in pop filter inside, don't need anything spectacular, just a thin one that is use on the Neumann BCM 104 will do. The design of the mic is... weird? Not sure if it's intentional, but during my work video calls, all my colleagues are calling it the "penis" mic. And anyone planning to get this mic for podcast/broadcast, just think of it as a more of a detailed and flexible version of the SM57 instead of the SM7B or RE20. It's a very flexible mic and not a specialty mic. So if you want to get it solely for spoken words like myself, go for the SM7B, RE20, Procaster, BCM104/705, Ethos or even the KMS105. Lastly, the off axis rejection is nothing to rave about, I find it very similar to the Ethos. All things considered, I think this mic should be priced around $400 to $500 max considering what all the other alternative in the market. I find the Clarion and the Gentle mode of the Alantis more pleasing for spoken words especially for long form content but that's different style of mic. All that being said, I'm still keeping this mic, because it's a great mic for other applications, just that for spoken words, if you want the best out of the best, get something else. I hereby challenge Lauten to create the best mic solely focused on spoken words, I'm only giving my feedback because I know Lauten is the kind of company who actually cares about feedback and continue to improve on their products. If not I would bother writing all of these. We give our feedback because we want change and we want something different, so don't take any offence.

[@condensercl]

So many artist use the Shure ksm9 for live vocals. I'm surprised there's not many reviews online. You should do it!! :D Great review of the Lauten!

[@ewesley1]

I was SUPER excited to hear the mic with the foam windscreen! Noticed the plosives were unbearable until the foam was put over the capsule. Great job as always Bandrew!

[@oscarmorales-cn3hz]

I really like this mic, not for everyone, but for the price and extras, it's a winner in the studio. Plosives are never a problem if you know how to use it, but I don't see it as a broadcasting mic, in that area I would not see it shining at all. Thanks for the review!!!.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

Really? I mean, the price is hefty compared to the Rode Broadcaster which is one of the more popular broadcast condenser mics with front address. But the Lauten cuts much greater through loud mixes than the Broadcaster does. Also due to its smaller formfactor, it's great to read script and not be in the way of the face so much since lots of stations offer a live view in the studio as well.

[@Rey7430]

the tone of this mic is just too good.. and as always..great video Bandrew..love from india..

[@nikolasnavarro4161]

Wow, man, this sounds incredible for guitar! It picks up the staturation in an incredibly unique way...

[@arande3]

I’m getting hyper modern metal vibes

[@VGScreens]

Another stellar electric solo, holy heck yeah!! I forgot it was even a mic test while rocking out to this one.

[@DerJoshbert]

Man, I love you. Great humor, review and video!

[@EvanVincent.]

Seems like a great mic. Not sure how it compares to other mics in it's price range. But I guess it depends on what it's being used for. Nice versatility.

[@k_watts]

Good mic selection, Bandrew. I've been wondering how this one sounds as well.

[@candinmuniz3225]

The mic sounds great, but the plosives on this thing are super evident. The 50hz highpass helped out quite a bit, but the neutral setting was very boomy. Loved the sound overall though! Oh, and the vid was nice too!

[@TomMcGovern]

dude this is an IMMEDIATE SUB

[@insanejughead]

Mmm, this mic sounds like something Booth Junkie would love! Except for the filters... He doesn't use those much.

[@adamspeaking373]

First of all, CONGRATS I joined your KZbin membership because I love your reviews. Here's why 1) They're succinct, and don't waste my time. 2) They focus on what matters most (and you show screen shots of important information). 3) You actually share your opinion, and compare mics. 4) Your stupid jokes actually somewhat endearing. Haha. I think your formate is about perfect to be honest. I don't like LONG reviews that share WAY too much, and I don't like it when people ramble. So thank you, you've earned some money for that. Now, about this mic. This is such a good sounding mic, and reminds me of the Rode Broadcaster for obvious reasons. I tend to like these broadcast condensers more than the broadcast dynamics (SM7B, RE20). It would have been nice if you mentioned exactly which windscreen you used as there are different materials these windscreens are made of. Thanks!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Adam, that means a lot. Happy to know hte videos help out. The windscreen I use in this is the one that comes with the microphone. The pop filter I'm using (if I used it in this video, I can't remember) would have likely been the Stedman Proscreen 101.

[@adamspeaking373]

Podcastage - I noticed it looked like a Stedman. Same one I use. 👍🏼

[@EposVox]

SAD W KEYS OMG

[@Podcastage]

😉

[@TheBackRowShow]

I rather enjoyed this mic. Shame it's so expensive

[@WillJukedTheBox]

it's not expensive compared to an re20 or sm7b with cloudlifter.

[@TheBackRowShow]

@@WillJukedTheBox it's 600 bucks.....

[@annekedebruyn7797]

@@TheBackRowShow Which is the same as the RE20 with a cloudlifter in most countries and that is without the addition 200 bucks you have to spend on the popfilter and shockmount if you want to go the EV route.

[@endi3386]

Would love you to review the DAP Vm-60. There’s not a single video or review about it on the internet but I bought one and it’s very interesting. Great sound for live performances but it’s very big and heavy!

[@lionheartroar3104]

Beautiful sound

[@gabrielmichael3701]

What interface would you recommend? I have to put my gain at 5 o’clock for audiobooks. That’s too high in my opinion? I have the Lauten btw

[@masterstacker2833]

Great video. I want one!

[@WheezyTech]

Oooh this is very nice, shame I'm too poor to afford it :(

[@NicktaculaPlays]

This microphone is amazing but quite expensive haha. Podcaststage, any chance you could do a Rode NT1 vs Procaster video? Wondering if the added price of the NT1 is worth it over the Procaster. My user case is live broadcast

[@kesamek8537]

Every time I hear this microphone I think wow that sounds great ... then I check the price and go hmmm ... but I still dig it and must live long enough to own one.

[@GeorgeKhouriofc]

It is expensive compared to other mics in its category...but I must say, it is worth the price! Made all the difference in my recordings.

[@reggiep75]

Pretty hefty price but pretty good array of use cases for the mic.. If I had a spare $600 or whatever it is in £'s I'd be inclined to buy on account of having pretty sensible filters long before post processing. Nice!

[@Slipsch]

Can you do this with the DBX 286s? I think it's quite common for people to have the 286s.

[@Podcastage]

Do what? Test this specific microphone with the DBX286s, or test every microphone with the 286s?

[@Slipsch]

@@Podcastage This mic, and every other mic afterwards. thank you.

[@CryptoFreaks]

Since you reviewed the Icon Pro and this one, how would you rate these two in comparison. Both being broadcast condensers.

[@Slipsch]

Hey Bandrew, do you think you can do a re-review of this mic against all the other mics like your current review style? And also test just this mic with outboard preamps? Thank you so much.

[@Podcastage]

Maybe eventually, but I don't typically do re-reviews of videos I made 3 years ago. It's usually the videos from 6 years ago that are terrible that I want to redo. It seems like there has been a flood of people reviewing it and labeling it the SM7b killer. Very interesting stuff. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Slipsch]

@@Podcastage It's been getting alot of traction lately. Perhaps because it was used by Drake and Central Cee for their on the radar freestyle performance. It's been getting more and more traction since then. Would love to hear it with the clown nose on as suggested by Lauten

[@AdamAarts]

What other condenser mics would you compare this to as far as background noise cancellation? Preferably with a similar or even lower price point

[@annekedebruyn7797]

You are probably going to look at the Rode Broadcaster at that point. It's the only other front address mic with similar cancellation at nearly have the price. They are used a ton in commercial radio in Europe. Even more now than SM7b's.

[@BrianMackey2010]

What are your favorite headphones? And TY for all the great videos I have learned so much :)

[@Podcastage]

BRIAN MACKEY the headphones I use when I’m not recording are the HD650s at home. And currently when I’m listening on my phone I use the Shure SE425.

[@Bcwilderness]

it dosent work with that pre, try a 1073 for smoothing it out i suggest :)

[@gabbalima3068]

Incrideble !

[@jamescook5931]

I love the sound of this mic. Could you recommend an interface for me? I was told this mic needs 65 dB of gain. Please don't recommend the vocaster.

[@mastermachetier5594]

You think this would be a good mic if had one mic for vocals in an untreated room?

[@joost3783]

dude i just discovered your channel great mic reviews! Any chance you did a review on the Rode NT2-A? I didn't find it with the search function - im getting great results with the nt2a would be interested what you have to say. keep it going great stuff really enjoying it :)

[@Podcastage]

I have not done a review yet but it is coming soon.

[@juanalsina1684]

Hola cómo estás? Quisiera saber que te parece este míc para un home studio casero donde no se encuentre tratamiento acustico o mejor dicho aislamiento acustico como se comportaría este Mic ante ruidos de la calle,perros y esas cosas? Saludos desde argentina

[@PanosOikonomopoulos]

New Steinberg UR22C review and maybe a comparison between that and the Focusrite and Presonus USB-C options plz?

[@Podcastage]

Oh I have the interface in my preorder cart already.

[@maldonadocorrea]

¿Según tu experiencia cuál es para vos el mejor micrófono para voice over. Locuciones documentales etc ? Saludos de Uruguay

[@enriquekahn9405]

Neumann TLM 103 o U87AI si tienes miles de dolares Rode NT1 si tienes cientos de dolares

[@juanmar910]

Only for record pop trap vocals u take it against the shure sm7b? ty

[@Podcastage]

I don’t listen to much Trap so I’m not sure what the desired sound is. This mic could give you a lot more clarity and detail compared to the SM7b. So if you wanted that really clear and detailed sound, this would be the better option. If you wanted the darker and smoother sound, the SM7b would be the option of the two you listed. Hope that helps.

[@edclevel402]

NO STICKER?!? 😨

[@caloss2]

Nice mic, shame you don't have a drum kit set up I'm thinking it was also be great for overheads.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do those kind of tests. But for the time being...we’re stuck with my relatively limited testing. Also. I don’t know how to play drums.

[@CoalitionGaming]

@@Podcastage not knowing how to play drums would just make that section of the review funner :)

[@Podcastage]

“Dear drummers. Trigger warning ⚠️”

[@TigroGumi]

Some people are rating this to be better than the SM-7B, what are your thoughts with that?

[@Podcastage]

If you prefer the sound of this over the SM7b then it is better than the SM7b. If you like the sound of the SM7b over this, then this is not better than the SM7b. The leg up the LS-208 has is it has a higher sensitivity so it's louder, and a bit more options with the EQ switches. It all comes down to the sound though and you have to decide if you think it is the sound you want instead of the Sm7b.

[@Mellysia]

Greetings earthling. :D

[@nicholasmullins3693]

What? No sticker? Psshhh... Anyway, my jaw dropped on that electric guitar sound!

[@VicHightaian]

how do you like this vs the sm7B? to me it sounds like it has more top end

[@GeorgeKhouriofc]

Exactly. I own both, this has more top end. Also, I feel it does a better job of eliminating room noise.

[@computerfreakz8338]

the neumann is already a ripoff in my wallet, so i don't need this one either... great vid Bandrew ;) ps did you have a sticker by this mic?? a friend of mine, had the other mic of Lauten Audio, and has a sticker with it :D

[@Podcastage]

I hope I didn’t lose it. I’ve had it and been using it for about 6 months, if not more, so I may have lost it. If I did, I have failed you all and I apologize.

[@MrRobbyF]

How about reviewing the boya microphones? Those are super super cheap

[@maribmadniofficial6411]

Bro pls review Lauten Audio LA 220..

[@7758916]

Did you buy LA 220?

[@kanlayaneedansiri6235]

Awesome

[@billysilverio9336]

I thought it requires less gain.

[@audiobysam]

I don't think high-pass and low-pass filters actually can tailor a mic to someone's voice. All that action happens in the mid-range. But still useful features.

[@Podcastage]

I somewhat agree. The mids will change the character of the voice. The high pass will be very helpful for people with deep voices to avoid muddiness. And the low pass is helpful in taming some nasty frequencies on higher pitched voices like mine. When I used it in my show I opted to use the 10khz low pass. So when I say that, it’s less about altering tone, and ensuring that the recording will remain intelligible regardless of the voice.

[@audiobysam]

Podcastage good thoughts! Love the channel, my man.

[@rfccradioaudio1543]

Haven't seen an interface in a while...have any new ones been made?

[@Podcastage]

I have quite a few interfaces I need to review.

[@santulama6937]

Motu m2 is new

[@ERICDIZZYASMR]

You made me buy this mic… thanks. My wife is going to strangle me

[@colinmorrison5119]

"...you can really hear those air frequencies rolled off..." Me, unable to hear anything upwards of 8kHz... 😖

[@PD_CĪPHĒR]

Sounds pretty good, probably why its 600 bucks

[@libertyDude1775]

OK since this is in the "never read" 70th comment section, I will ask a question & give a suggestion. In your recent reviews, I loved the audio fade carryovers you are doing from electric to acoustic guitar. Question: Is there a set time you carry it over for, or is it random based on were you think it sounds best? Suggestion: If you come across another heavy, high quality box, you do not want to throw, try lowering the box out of screen, (cut camera shot) have hand come back in view & throw something light & unsuspected (pizza box, beach ball, handful of crushed stickers, confetti @ camera, etc).

[@Podcastage]

That’s a great idea! And correct, there’s no set time, it’s about what sounds best and how long the acoustic sample lasts for. It’s meant to make the transition a little less jarring without overpowering the acoustic sample. So it’s just random depending on the sample.

[@amankesarwani8013]

Sir what is decibal (db) ?

[@insanejughead]

A decibel is a unit of measurement for the strength of sound waves. For human ears, the higher the decibel, the louder a sound is perceived to be. For an electronic audio signal, the lower the decibel means a stronger signal.

[@raunak.tiwariji]

can you do a giveaway of this thing

[@bobbob123ful]

Huh. I'm not too well versed in mics, but I don't think I've ever seen an end address condenser. Edit: yes I have, I'm just stupid and tired

[@insanejughead]

All shotgun mics, most pencil condensers, and some drum mics.

[@bobbob123ful]

Insanejughead Oh, I'm just an idiot. Thanks for the correction there

[@insanejughead]

@@bobbob123ful We all have those moments, dude. Hahaha!

[@pondopondo1497]

Dude, do a vid about post :o

[@libertyDude1775]

Dude! Come on dude, please dude! Hey dude, maybe a whole new dude channel called "dude doing post dude"

[@libertyDude1775]

😍

[@SatanicJamnic]

I SLAP LIKE

[@Alex_3311DesignCo]

I really do love these reviews he’s thorough and really shows off the mics well. But anyone else feel his voice just makes a lot of the mics sound horrible. I mean he by no means sounds like he should be doing a radio show or any type of broadcast.

[@Podcastage]

I agree that I don't have a radio voice. I actually think that not having an "amazing" radio broadcasting voice is beneficial. The reasoning being, most people do not have a radio broadcasting voice. You can put someone with an amazing voice in front of almost any mic and it will sound good. Cool. You now know that that person has a really good voice...for the rest of us (the majority), don't really get much out of that other than listening to someone with a nice voice talk because it's not indicative of the performance we'll get out of that mic. So I'm perfectly fine having a voice that makes "a lot of the mics sound horrible". You can think of it like stress testing the microphones. If you do just want to hear someone with an amazing voice talking into them, check out booth junkie. He has an incredible voice. Also...Thank you for saying I "do not sound like I should be doing a radio show or any type of broadcast". Very kind of you. Perhaps you'd be interested in listening to my podcast? Let me know and I'll send you a link. ;-)

[@Alex_3311DesignCo]

Podcastage really didn’t meant to sound like a dick if I came off that way. I understand what you mean when you say you believe your voice is much more indicative of the majority of people. Booth junkie is a great voice but I also take his reviews with the same grain of salt. I’ll check out the podcast. I’m sure people hate my voice as well on the mics I use for my podcast. Again no hate here, I can only imagine the amount of garbage you have to deal with from KZbin comments and I feel horrible that I may have added to that.

[@Podcastage]

I wasn't offended by that. I just laughed and thought I'd be snarky back (it's one of the small things in life that brings me joy). 10 years ago I would have been bothered by it, but I've long since come to terms with my voice, and I don't mind it at all. However, I do understand that I have a nasally, and gritty voice which is not a voice someone would pick if they could pick between one like mine and one like James Earl Jones. Ha! Don't sweat it Alex, we're good, and thanks for clarifying.

[@greekcartoonsofficial]

Good job you do execellent videos you have a good life and all, sad that i failed 4 years on youtube on my other channels as well, im trash at youtube fucking trash, you guys are goodd tho i belive in that, i get no support from family and i am only self motivated, i dont knoew what to do or how to be but my life right now is a bit hard at least to say so...

[@Podcastage]

I have been on KZbin since 2005. This is the first channel that had any success. Also, most people told me this was stupid. If you want to make videos, make videos, have fun, and work to improve the videos with every single release.

[@greekcartoonsofficial]

thanks for replying, you know i loved doing videos from 2015 but now... my motivation is and passion is barely moving, i think of dropping youtube because you know, i wanna make some Money maybe use that as motivation as the passion in me is running out but i cant make Money cause youtube made it soo hard for me now... i cried today and yesterday, im nowhere in my life, idk what to do, how to be or what to commit to, sorry for wasting your time to reply to my comment, also if you dont want dont reply its fine, have a good day sir.

[@5PortStudios]

Good Lord, $600 bones. Sounds good though.

[@KleskReaver]

end address condenser? Cool! .. $600!?!? urrghhhhh

[@idontwantachannelimjustcom7745]

Your song should be about buying poor beanie head merch. Its poor and lonely and wants someone to take it home. It would look good on you. Notice how linus teck tips slip in "lttstore.com" really quickly in every video? Maybe you need a link you can say quickly.

[@Podcastage]

I need to get some more merch before I start actively promoting it.

[@Podcastage]

Perhaps a please bring pizza pronto shirt.

[@idontwantachannelimjustcom7745]

@@Podcastage print on demand. Less margin, but better for if it moves slow. I'm trying to find a supplier that can print on polyester or better yet a 92% poly 8% spandex like the nike pro shirts.

[@Podcastage]

I don't want a channel I'm just commenting I do have a tee spring linked in the description which has some shirts but they’re all really simple logo designs.

[@idontwantachannelimjustcom7745]

@@Podcastage from a brand perspective I'd push geeksrising.com/merch or something. Then forward the person to teespring. This way at a later date it will be easier to bring your storefront to the website when/if you get multiple vendors. Your customers will also be less likely to be tempted to buy other teespring merch instead of yours, if you bring the storefront in house. The down side to teespring is their poly/cotton blend shirts say that.... just poly/cotton blend. Different percentages feel different. Hell different weaves feel different. I'm a fabric snob. I dont really care what the shirt looks like as long as the fabric is comfy. Like the nike pro shirts who sponsor suboptimally intelligent people whom I disagree with greatly.

[@gutpunchnews4000]

Some good thing, some bad.

[@Podcastforthewin]

Sad w keys.

[@skakdosmer]

Funny. i thought it sounded great, except on the electric guitar.

[@skakdosmer]

I hate it when you slap and punch us! Okay it doesn't hurt physically, but it really sucks.

[@NOOBandBRO]

Dislike (not really tho) for no topless mic reviews

[@premiumproductions9041]

Too bright

[@libertyDude1775]

69th!