Lauten Clarion FC-357 Review: Is This the Neumann-Killer You've Been Waiting For?

[@curtishustace]

Yeah, it's an awesome mic. I recorded a podcast last night just to use it! I'm done buying mics, this is my forever mic!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Very cool! Curtis, I was starting to think I was crazy for thinking the same thing about my Clarion. It really may be my forever mic, too!

[@TheRecordist]

What a review! This is it! Now I'm positive that I need a Clarion. After the Eden, this is my next focus. Great job, Mark! And I really love that you spend time on the switches. And I even think the glorious aesthetics of the Clarion suits your whole vibe. Brilliant!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

It does fit my vibe! I hadn't even thought of that, but gadzooks, I think you're right!

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@TheRecordist maybe you guys could swap the clarion and Atlantis for reviews? Love the work both of you do 🙏

[@TheRecordist]

@@hackinghifi4247great idea! But I think if the stars align, soon enough we’ll each have access to both.

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@TheRecordist sweet!

[@TheDRBC]

It sounds phenomenal - but I’ll have to wait a little while to pick it up, due to your other recommendation of the LS-208 🤣 I don’t think my wife would be thrilled if I come back with another microphone I love your enthusiasm and excitement for the Clarion, it’s infectious and makes me smile! Thanks for your videos, positivity and passion!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review! I get it. There are way too many mics out there to be acquired. LOL. But the good news is that the Clarion is the kind of mic that will definitely be there when and if you are ready to add it to your collection someday. Worst case, you can always buy your wife a designer handbag for the holidays to distract her from your mic purchase.

[@TheDRBC]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff 🤣🤣🤣 I actually wrote and then deleted “I don’t think my wife would be thrilled if I come back with another microphone instead of a designer handbag”. Clearly great minds think alike! Have a great day, Mark! All the best

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@TheDRBC 🤣🤣🤣

[@ProAudioIQ]

The mic sounds fantasitc on your voice. I really love your channel. You cover info that no one else is covering/addressing. If the Clarion falls on a Neumann it will definitely kill it. 😆 The unsolicited following is a micro-deep dive is only for those who would like to know a little more about what affects the "sound" of a mic and why some mics that sound amazing on one person don't sound the same on someone else. Mics are fascinating because no matter what the quality of the build, they are ultimately simply EQ's - becuase they only allow certain frequencies through at certain volume levels. For the majority of mics this response can also be non-linear with various frequencies as you move from on to off-axis. Depending on what's being recorded, this can work for you or against you. I use this as a way to help decide which mic I'm using for which source for which song (as I consider where the instrument/voice/sfx being recorded will need to be eq'd later to sit in the final mix properly). So I use the mics and their placement to capture a sound that pretty much will drop into the general area it's going to sit in the final mix. But this means that a mic that "sounds" a certain way on one voice may "sound" completely different on someone else (and generally will), becuase everyone's voice and instrument frequency/volume presentation is different. Even on the same voice, becuase of how proximity effect is layered on top of this equation, it's simply another tweakable variable in the equation that can be accounted for and used during placement. For example, if someone's voice has less low frequency at lower volume, I can have them get closer to the mic and proximity will "turn up" various frequencies that were naturally softer in their voice, BUT that closer placement may adversely turn up other frequencies in the upper range that are now too loud, so the directional mic can be turned slightly off axis, and like a volume knob can help "turn down" those upper frequencies (because of how frequency/volume sensitivity changes off axis). This all comes down to inverse square law and how cutting your distance in half will boost certain frequencies by 6dB and if you double your distance from a mic you reduce certain frequencies by 6dB. This really becomes noticeable when we are dealiing with such close miking techniques. Literally moving from 2" from the mic to 4" is going to reduce certain frequencies by 6dB. But then, add to that, equal loudness contours (fletcher/munson) and how we perceive different frequencies at different volumes, suddenly, the combination of the actual physics of how sound works, layered with the gate-keeping the mics is doing with the amplitude of each frequency it's sensitive to (based on the capsule mass, circuit design (emphasis, de-emphasis, transient response due to slew rate of the amplifier being used, perception of frequency response also affected by presence or absence of harmonic content (even/odd order) and frequency and phase shift becuase of chassis interaction...... It's a big equation, that ultimately means, same voice is going to sound different on the same mic based on all that I've just described depending on distance, axis, room contribution and the mics ability or inability to "hear" the reflections based on how much the amplitude of the sound source is overwhelming/masking the level of any room reflections (depending on how close the mic is to the source vs reflective surfaces ("critical distance"). SO, mic comparisons are a very tricky thing, because really, the only way to compare one mic to another is same source (as in same content with same volume delivery) , same distance, same room and same preamp (which adds a completely new set of linearity preserving and/or altering variables - due to slew rate, harmonics, saturation, self noise, then add the same list of variables for the analog to digital and digital to analog conversion in the interface. That's why someone can love a mic that someone else really doesn't. The great news though is mics are simply EQ's that can be placed in real-time through this cacophony of variables simply by monitoring what you hear as you move the mic and you change your distance, direction, location to reflective surfaces etc. Finding a mic that has a ton of flexibility to account for these variables is really cool and in those moments when we need specific predictable performance for frequency, spl, on/off axis linearity, chassis durability, moisture resistance, self noise, mounting flexibility etc etc, that's when we spend money on those specific mics that offer that specific capability or feature we need for those special stereo miking techniques, fancy stereo and immersive arrays etc. Otherwise, we use our ears and simply place the mic where it is capturing the frequencies we want and the volume level we want and are hearing (or not) any room reflections. And then we slightly make any final adjustments along the way for any harmonic coloration we want to include or specific frequency shaping eq curves we need to help dial in the final sound we are looking for. Final point, it comes down to what you need to capture from the sound source and choosing the tools that will help you capture that sound most quickly and easily. I appreciate when build quality provides predictable performance, because then regardless of the brand or mic available, I truly have something that I can place as needed to shape and capture the sound I need.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you so much! And thank you for your very well-thought out analysis about mics. You are so right. I should make a Notebook LLM AI podcast episode just on the content of your comment because I think a lot of people would benefit from knowing why exactly two people can sound so different on the same mic. Good stuff! Much appreciated!

[@John-oi8mt]

So, after all that jabber, the lesson to take away is, If possible, find a shop where you can sample several mics to find one suitable for ‘your’ unique voice, BEFORE purchasing!

[@RadicalRumin]

I've heard a bunch of mics on your voice. I'll always have a weak spot for the Soyuz, it's a very flattering mic, but this mic shows a bit more of all of you. It's super versatilem which is great. I'll say tho, if you ever get a chance too, try the Sanken CU41 or CU44 if you want a mic that opens up your voice. It will capture every nuance in your voice for better or worse, it's a very honest mic. I think you'd enjoy it.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Hi Rumin! Thanks! Yeah, I'd love to check out a Sanken for that very reason.

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

This mic sounds fantastic and look gorgeous!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Yup Dan, I truly believe it is the whole package.

[@riadriadovich14]

Great review! Every second is educational. Mr Mic Pro, of all the microphones you've used, which one is best for low and deep voices? thatbassvoice's favorite is the Lauten Clarion. What about you? Thanks in advance!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you! So far, my vote is also for the Clarion. I’ll post some deeper voice stuff with it next week.

[@riadriadovich14]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Thanks you! I am waiting for your next videos.

[@DaveSS-xi4pn]

Had one, sold it, Hated Myself ever since!!!!😢 Best mic I've ever used.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Oh no! 😱 This is sadder than the commercial I just saw to donate for orphaned puppies. Well, if it is to be that the two of you are reunited, and the world made right again, then may the path to happiness find you and the Clarion hand in hand, walking along a beach at sunset. I’m truly sorry for your loss.

[@DaveSS-xi4pn]

🤣😂🤣 Thanks Mark!!!

[@therevival9505]

C’mon, Mark! You’re gonna make me bankrupt here! 😂😂😂😂😂😂.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

My apologies to your wallet.

[@officialdiomer]

I’m stuck between wanting a Clarion and a Beesneez B87i C!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I chased the 87 sound for years with many clones and 87 copies only to realize there is nothing like a real 87 if that's the sound you ultimately want. All the clones ever did was leave me wanting.

[@astralaudio101]

My apologies but I once owned a B87iC & I know I’ll be keeping the Clarion.. It’s unfortunately not close..

[@officialdiomer]

@ how so? I’d mainly be using it for rapping and singing vocals

[@dakotaparkerxx]

i purchased the sphere dlx around the time you were uploading lots of videos about it, and ended up having similar feelings about it as time has passed. the initial excitement eventually wears off, and it really doesn't compare at all to mics like the clarion or atlantis another component i wish i knew earlier is how much better sounding the neumann mt48 is than an apollo twin. i was going to get an analog preamp and compressor to go into the apollo, but even just direct into the mt48 gives almost the exact same sound i was looking for that the apollo couldn't deliver thanks for the informative videos!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

You're very welcome. I really appreciate that you have gone on the same journey as I when it comes to finding the right tone and are willing to explore the cutting edge. I bought into the whole UAD thing hook, line and sinker because so many people had praised it to the skies and I knew people there, but I never quite got it until later that it was all within the context of music, where you can get away with a lot of differing quality. In VO, that UA smear, the Sphere inadequacies stick out like a sore thumb and it just took me a lot longer than it should have to really see all that vintage cosplay as bullshit. Like you said, the sound of the MT-48 on its own is sooooo much better than the Apollo with anything. I'm glad you came out of the experience unscathed.

[@dakotaparkerxx]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff thanks! I actually use mine solely for music/singing vocals, never done VO, but that uad “smear” is still a massive issue that doesn’t seem to be addressed in the music community as much. The “solution” suggested most of the time is an analog preamp/compressor before the interface, turns out a better interface is all it really takes 🤣i am curious how the sphere would sound through the mt48, but having to use the plugin every time is inconvenient. Lauten definitely raises the bar

[@donnelson8524]

Sounds great on your voice. I’d love to hear how the Atlantis compares with its additional voicing options.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Oh yeah, I would love to know what an Atlantis sounds like on my voice and in comparison with the Clarion. That would be so cool.

[@CSVO138]

You want to know what I'm thinking? I'm thinking I really don't want to part with my Neumann TLM49, but you are sure tempting me get a Clarion. There is a sale right now too.. resisting the urge!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

There's really no reason to get the Clarion if you have your "it" mic in your TLM-49, but just to play Devil's Advocate, allow me to make the argument that given how vintage-leaning the TLM-49 is, especially in those smooth highs, the Clarion offers a lot of upper mid and high end detail that would compliment the TLM-49 in your collection.

[@CSVO138]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff I am finding ways to make the TLM 49 work for me. Albeit my eq settings might be a little more drastic than I like, particularly in the "air" frequencies. I really like the sound I am getting running it through the Kazrog 747 plugin though. Gives it some much needed juice to make it sound more "squishy" and less "hard" if that makes sense. So much so that since getting the Kazrog a couple days ago, I now prefer my TLM49 over my 416. Still.. that Clarion is calling me.

[@garyembar4774]

There’s a tonne of Clarion reviews on YT. Do any of them portray the magic of 10 db pad like Mark? …Nope! Do any of them describe the magic of clarion with pattern engagement switch, like Mark?…Not really! Ok, do any of them establish the tonal colouration possibilities while driving mic pre like Mark did?…Nope! …..ok, ok…now finally, do any of those videos make you want to get a Clarion right away, like Mark did???? ….I guess not!! So, am I sold on Clarion?..Absolutely! I’d rather say that If Clarion is the promise of a great microphone, then Mark is the proof to that promise! If you think I’m wrong, Please ask yourself this one question; why would you be so excited to buy a microphone (an expensive one in that)? without trying it?…..Is it the Mic? …Is it Mark? Or is it the Mic by Mark? Perfect intro there; “from the dangerous mind of Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff”!!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Dangerous to your credit card bill, is what it should say. LOL. Thank you, Gary! I find that it really does take some time to explore a mic and suss out the nitty gritty of how it's going to get you what you need, and as I kept exploring the Clarion's features and sound more and more, I just knew this was a really exceptional pro power tool. So, I do appreciate a lot that you recognize the things I did in this review to try and inform and excite people about a mic that I just can't believe is under the radar for VO as much as it is. They are doing some amazing stuff at Lauten and Neumann should be watching over their shoulder because the Clarion is absolutely a contender and I do believe it's going to sound pretty great on everyone and everything given what it does.

[@skinsegan]

Hi Mark, would you recommend this above the Neumann U89? You did think that was your endgame mic. Has that changed now?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I love the u89. It's truly a world-class mic, but the Clarion works better for me on commercials, which makes up the majority of my work, and, in general, is better suited for the needs of modern VO than the u89. Plus, it's a fraction of the price of a u89 and doesn't require as much EQ as a u89 does. I truly wish I had been clued in on the Lauten mics a lot sooner.

[@skinsegan]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff My wallet is now much happier with that comment! I have the MT48 and was going to get the u89 to go with it but I think I'll go with the FC357 instead now. Thank you for replying ☺

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@skinsegan You're very welcome. You're going to love the Clarion. Just make sure you have a boom arm or stand that is sturdy enough to hold all of it's weight.

[@KristianDowling]

Wow was gonna buy an SV33 or TLM 49….now you got me thinking 🤔

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

As a former sv33 owner, I can say that it’s not anywhere near the mic the Clarion is.

[@hackinghifi4247]

This mic sounds incredible and you’ve totally convinced me that this is the dream mic I should save for. That being said - as a fellow microphone addict do we really WANT an end game mic!?😂 I have a feeling you won’t be shutting the channel down and will be testing more mics in the future. 😀

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you! Oh yeah, I would love to find my endgame mic and stop chasing the tone dragon. But I have a feeling there will always be more mics and preamps and stuff coming through the door. I am pretty convinced now that the Clarion would be my number 1 recommendation to anyone, especially in VO.

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff I’d have to say I agree with you! The bang for the buck is there with all the tone variations the value beats the pants off of anything else at around $1000 from the sound samples I’ve heard. I would love to hear the Atlantis on your voice though!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@hackinghifi4247 BuckBang here is huge. Value proposition is very much tilted in favor of the user. And yeah man, I would dig hearing what an Atlantis sounds like.

[@abzee733]

Had one and I didn‘t like it with my BAE 1084 pre. I did like it with my Millennia HV-3C pre, but I sold this first and so I felt like getting rid of it. What pre do you use with it?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Neumann MT-48

[@colintyson844]

Listening to your voice I would put a Violet Design The Globe Vintage mic in front of you. Perfect combination. Saluting you

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I would love to try one of those Violet mics someday.

[@TheGhettoMozart]

Would you recommend this for rap vocals?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Yes. With the versatility of tone, especially with the extra presence of the +10 db boost setting, I have a feeling it would be great for it.

[@PlainFucked]

This is my holy grail mic that I’m saving my pennies for! I just bought an Ethos for $220 that is magic on my voice but the Ckation is the one I still dream of

[@djelvis1]

did you use any compression or De-essing?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Just a very light kiss of both is what I use for work. 1.5:1 comp with high threshhold on the MT-48 going in, to just tame peaks when I get above speaking level and a high threshhold DS pass to help my occasional whistle-s.

[@MikeVincentVO]

I just bought this for VO - and so far, not sure this is “my” mic. Using it with the Avalon 737, and for some reason, I cannot get it dialed in. So far my TLM 103, and Mojave 201FET remain my faves, this one, I am just not sure. May be sending it back to Sweetwater.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Sweetwater has such a great return policy but don’t give up on it before you’ve used it for a good chunk of that return window. Sometimes it’s not easy pivoting to a different sounding mic and you may want to try listening back what you record with it on as many playback devices as you can to gauge what the end consumer may hear as opposed to what you think it should sound like in your cans. But in the end, not every mic works the same on every source so if it’s not a love connection, at least now you know.

[@kerosenefilms]

How do you like the Mojave? The 201 is on my list. I’ve got a Vanguard V13 and V4 now.

[@thegeneral2049]

perfect, that's it.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Right? It's just so in the pocket even with no EQ on it.

[@crown4770]

What kind of shock mount is that?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Rycote Invision USM-VB

[@crown4770]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff I ordered that mic as soon as I heard you on it and subscribe

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@crown4770 Awesome! Please let me know what you think of the Clarion after you've had a chance to use it for a bit. I absolutely love it.

[@crown4770]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff will do!

[@matthewwolf1793]

Would love to know how this compares to the UT Twin

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

If I still had the Twin, I'd let you know.

[@dannylightning-audio-reviews]

I got a weird feeling that this sounds very similar to the BCM 104

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

That's a great idea for a comparison, Danny!

[@dannylightning-audio-reviews]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff That would be a great video, I'm pretty sure i hear a sound similar to the BCM 104, a little different but similar so that would be quite interesting

[@badmiddens]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff yes, comparison please! I used a bcm104 for radio work long before I gave a crap or knew anything about microphones. All I remember thinking was, "well, that's a weird looking thing."

[@OKNOOOOOOO]

Sphere LX or Lauten Clarion? I'm struggling to decide!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

IMHO, the difference between the Clarion and the Sphere is the same difference between a tool and a toy. The Clarion is a world-class mic that will last you a lifetime. The Sphere is a gimmick that you will grow out of within a year or so, plus you're always stuck using the Sphere plug in. And if UA was so committed to the Sphere as a platform, how come they haven't added any new features, new mics or collections in years? If you're serious about what you're recording, you will go further with a serious recording tool.

[@badmiddens]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff dear god and zeuss, thank you for saying what I've always thought about those modeling mics.

[@alwilliams5177]

Sounds awesome....if you can spare 1k.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

So true.

[@rayrestless]

Do you feel that Lauten as a whole , is slowly becoming the Neumann for the common man's wallet.?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

That's really a great way to put it. Yes, I do.

[@badmiddens]

well, i'm still too common for this Lauten price... :)