Lauten Audio Clarion - The Microphone that Left Me Speechless
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- čas přidán 19. 02. 2023
- EDIT: I've accidentally swapped the LA-220 and LS-208 names at 2:35, sorry about that guys.
Check out the Music From the Intro: open.spotify.com/artist/0lStW...
aquieteveningmu...
Check out Ethan's Video:
• How This Song Changed ...
Join the Discord - / discord
Follow me here: / realaudiohaze
This microphone blew me away, and seems to have blown you away too judging by the reaction the audience has had over the last videos. If you're looking for a Neumann TLM 103, look again. The Lauten Clarion is just....well just better.
(Please note these rankings represent my subjective tastes. These lists would change with different applications, so this is a bit of an oversimplification.)
TOP THREE BUDGET CONDENSERS:
🥇Lewitt 440 Pure - amzn.to/3imNwRh
🥈Neat King Bee II - amzn.to/3JOYATU
🥉Rode NT1 - amzn.to/2NUoBJK
TOP THREE BUDGET DYNAMICS:
🥇Shure SM57 - amzn.to/2P1pUXC
🥈Behringer XM8500 - amzn.to/3utvKmp
🥉Shure MV7 - amzn.to/3BfewuF
TOP THREE CONDENSERS
🥇Austrian Audio OC818 - imp.i114863.net/qnGXBO
🥇Lauten Clarion - amzn.to/3EkXpdQ
🥈AKG C414 XLS - amzn.to/3lMAgXq
🥉Soyuz Bomblet - amzn.to/3YLjr1E
Honorable Mention: Roswell Pro Audio Mini k67x - amzn.to/3BeT9Mt
TOP THREE DYNAMICS:
🥇ElectroVoice RE20 - amzn.to/2UFdyaM
🥈Shure SM57 - amzn.to/2P1pUXC
🥉Sennheiser MD 441 - amzn.to/3S6st6b
TOP yOu CaN'T pUT mE iN a bOx MIC:
🏆Lauten LS-208 - amzn.to/40u0guB
MY CAMERA SETUP:
Lumix S5 (w/Kit Lens) - amzn.to/3xKHLVQ
85mm F1.8 for B Roll - amzn.to/3y8GcBF
My (weirdly expensive) ring light - amzn.to/3LIK164
MY STUDIO GEAR:
Audient iD4 - amzn.to/3Svvxst
Audient Evo 4 - amzn.to/3UxLZtL
Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen- amzn.to/2P4SXtl
KRK Rokit 5s G4 - amzn.to/3dIKubA
Elgato Low Profile Boom Arm - amzn.to/3DNyZKS
MY HEADPHONES -
Audio Technica M30x - amzn.to/3feOfE6
Status Audio CB-1s - amzn.to/3IfcOeX
Hifiman Sundara - amzn.to/3JvDkm1 - Hudba
Thanks for featuring my music Ricky! If anyone’s curious this song is called Cygnus and it will be released later this year
Check out his page! - open.spotify.com/artist/0lStW8Q3oWCYejYXrtf46b
Awesome, you have a new follower!
I'm looking forward to it. I love the intro and am eagerly waiting to hear the rest of the melody. In the meantime I am already busy listing to your already released stuff on Spotify. It's really good. Keep it up. 👍
I actually looking for the song on spotify no wonder I couldn't find it :(
Artist/band name?
This was amazing, Ricky. We are so glad you love the Clarion! To your question about the boost/pad switch - that is a pre-JFET circuit, so it actually affects the timbre of the mic itself, as well as your preamp (-10 is a hair warmer/+10 is a bit brighter). The slight imbalance in the shock mount is just shock band tension between the inner and outer ring. A little pulling on the bands themselves should fix that. The classic shock grind? Yeah, it's not you. It's because the ring does not have a bearing system, which has been proven to last forever. Having said that, it could be better so it should be better. We will look at it for sure.
Thanks for all the clarification guys! Keep up the amazing work
@@AudioHaze 😃
i'm thinking about getting of one your mic tbh
"It could be better so it should be better" That's why Lauten is my favorite microphone company, that and everything I put into your mics comes out golden.
@@legacyShredder1 🥰
Here less than 10 minutes after this drop. The cinematic openings are just unparalleled. I don't need a mic, but I watch every single thing this guy puts out.
Thanks dude!! Trying my best to get fancy 🥸
Same!!
this channel deserves way more. all your reviews are amazing
That means so much thanks dude :)
I've never heard your voice sound so smooth and rich. This microphone sounds PHENOMENAL for you. I'd love to hear one in person. Love it. I love the OC18 and I'd love to hear this next to one.
I stopped watching gear videos for a while since I had a few things come up, but holy shit, the production quality of your videos absolutely SKYROCKETED, I’m super impressed with the editing color correction and lighting, good efforts dude
I was looking for a new mic and your review convinced me to go for the Clarion. I also never click on links to buy stuff but I made an exception time. You are so humble that I feel that if I can do at least something to support your channel I will do it. Please keep putting such a good and fun content.
Look forward to seeing the new direction of the channel. I love your mic reviews but I’m much more interested in what to do with the mics we already have.
Happy to hear :)
Really glad i found this, i had been thinking about getting a 103 but this probably sold me against that
Thank you for reviewing this bomb of a mic!
I've been using a Lauten La220 and it is so so good for my bass baritone voice!! Tons of clarity and bass which can be mutually exclusive for microphones in it's price range. I've done comparison between it and a bunch of other mics that supposed to be better for lower voiced singers like the Stellar X2, X3, Senheiser MK4, EV Re-20, and the Cad M179. The Lauten 220 smoked them all to my ears, easily
While I'm sure it can't compare with the Clarion in every way it is a great way to get some of that Lauten magic at a bedroom producer price.
The mic blind test was brutal (for the other 3 mics that is). And honestly, this is the first time I hear a vocal mic test that sounds fantastic. I don't know if it's the mic, your voice, the post-processing, the room or probably a bit of all four, but the final result is amazing.
Side note: I owned a TLM 103, and screwing the mic into the shock mount was indeed horrible too!
Nice review, especially the blind test of the four mics! :)) I liked the 3rd one (Lewitt 640 TS) best in this blind audition and thought it was the clarion. And for the A/B-listening-sample of your friend singing and playing the guitar, I think the recording even sounded better unprocessed! :D But nice job anyway.
Great review! I am sooo close to picking up an LS-208 for my home studio streaming setup and it's nice to learn more about Lauten.
Lauten is absolutely killin it for sure
This is one of my all time favorite mics. I was an early adopter of this one, and I had always thought it would blow up in popularity. However, even up to this very day this mic rarely gets mentioned online.
It’s weird right?? Not sure why that is, seems to fly under the radar
Probably because it's a $1000 mic, so while it's not the most expensive, it probably stretches the wallet of most home studios a bit thin.
@@in.der.welt.sein. It's more expensive brother is in boat loads of home studios and it's $1,800. Also it's not uncommon to see C414's and U87's in home studios, and both are more expensive than the Clarion.
@@legacyShredder1 true, but the c414 and u87 are legendary mics that have a reputation as being some of the best mics you can get, mainly because they've been used by random celebrities on best-selling albums. So, they're seen as the key to getting pro level recordings or something along those lines. (Unfortunately my c414 doesn't make me sound like Dr. Dre or the Beatles).
@@in.der.welt.sein. So are the FC-357 and FC-387. They're all over rap, pop, and rock records these days.
Edit: They have many, many country platinum hits on their record too.
Great video can't wait to see the documentary.
I really like your channel, I think your doing a great job reviewing all those microphones,🎤nobody else is doing this
man, there is just so much room in the blind recordings that it's not that great a test. I bet this thing would sound even better in a better treated space.
So much reverb.
Nice review other than that and even with the room tone, the Lauten is the winner. I've loved Lauten for a while now. The Atlantis and the 208 are marvelous.
It sounds like an awesome microphone. Too bad I can't afford it. Doesn't take away from the fact that it's nice to know about it and that I'm glad I stumbled across your channel. I have yet to see uninteresting stuff on your channel and I am looking forward to your new adventures in developing it.
I actually got the Atlantis and I've been telling people that I like it more than a U87. I've worked on a lot of mics and Lauten Audio's mics are really damn good. And the prices are crazy. I think the prices will go up as their popularity grows. Hopefully not too much but they really are so good!
Do you think it’s better foreal?
Great ! thanks a lot for this video! It is an awesome mic... I like the 818 a little bit more but it is in the same leauge
1) great review 2) really liking the tonality and value prop of this mic 3) Ethan has PIPES
Thanks, thanks, and thanks! I’ll let Ethan know :)
You killed me with the uncomfortable grind. Lolololo
I have the same issue with my Warm Audio WA47
I am so happy that in the Mic-Test I loved the Austrian Audio best (hey, it is the one I use in my booth). But, damn... the Lauten is a damn close second place. Thank you for the test, I will have to look it up.
100% agree. The Austrian Audio was best, Lauten right behind it, very close second.
Loved the EA87 remark! Felt the exact same way when I had it. Especially since it was fine with the TLM49 shockmount and also the EA1. I even went over the threads with a pencil so the graphite kind of lubes them, which helped a bit. - Wanted to let you know that you are not alone :D
Immaculate. The fact they sent you that thing just tells me they're unironically interested in getting people the best results they can. And it sounds AMAZING. Also that three way gain stage gets me ready for a three way 🥵
Good work ricky, you've built your channel to the point that amazing brands are sending you this quality to keep? Craaaazy.
With all this said, i ain't buying a tlm103 OR this thing. I ain't got that kind of money! Super badass anyway. Especially that it comes with a solid shockmount. Now just mic up your cat purring with it like a real audio engineer should be doing with a $1,100 microphone 😋 ALSO START JOINING DISCORD AGAIN
I KNOW I'M SORRYYY, the schedule is insanely hectic :( but yes this microphone is like if a rainbow with a pot of gold in it was a microphone
It’s $1500 here in Australia. It sits in a pretty tough price point. There are a lot of choices in that price range but wow, it does sound stunning!
Also, put a little white lithium grease on that thread to make it smoother and every mic I own sits crooked in the mount and it does my ADHD brain in!
What mics have you compared it with?
Hey there! Great review!! I have a question - actually coming from owning an Atlantis - the -10 pad brings in a lot of noise (hiss) for me when i drive the preamp with it engaged. (Im using a Great River pre). I’m curious if you had that experience?
Great review!! I really wonder how it compares to its bigger brother the Atlantis, could you make a comparison between the two? I've searched online and there is nothing, I bet a lot of people would like to watch that video, maybe you can even ask Lauten to send it to you.
Hey just came across your channel and I am a new subscriber ..! I am an avid TELEFUNKEN fan and was a TF39 user for about 3 years !! I recently got a 640ts from Lewitt because I love what they are doing as a company.. I would like to know do you believe the Lewitt can be an ALL GENRE kind of mic? How would you rate it
definitely a great mic to consider
OH GDI I know the album you're making a documentary on and while I DID subscribe thanks to this vid I'm not sure I'm quite ready to re-live THAT lmao
HAHA luckily for you it’s only part of the video, but yes it is terrifying lol
Bought this mic after this review and loving it. Using it as both a vocal mic which surprised me how well it handles harsh/screams as well as a stream mic. Lauren has me sold, this mic got me to finally step away from the SM7B
Thanks for this, Ricky! It's wild how accessible great gear is getting for us bedroom musicians. I've watched your vid on the OC818 and I'm not sure if you've had a chance to test the Lauten Atlantis. I know the Atlantis is pricier but if you could pick between one as a do-it-all condenser, do you lean towards one more than the other? Thanks again for the exceedingly helpful reviews!
I haven't had the chance unfortunately! The OC818 vs the Lauten though is a tough one! I really think they just about tie for one of my favorite mics, kind dependent on whether you want a creamier midrange tone (Lauten) or a more balanced tone like the OC818 :)
@@AudioHaze Thanks, dude!
So like basically what is the conclusion to ALL of your videos in this channel (if any)
What is the best microphone to use for recording in an untreated room? Can we please get a video on top mics for untreated rooms to home record vocals, etc ?
Bummed about this being the last mic review. But I get it. I’ll take the journey.
Not the last! Just last for a few weeks
started with the 103, now I use the Tlm67 but I definitely want a Lauten audio Atlantis. More than want actually, I lust after one lol
Sontronic in the UK are a specialist manufacturer of superb mics at good prices. Industry awards/nominations achieved for design, top components good manufacture / lifetime support. Lauten also right up there along with Royer. Great times for buying a few excellent studio mics - new classics are emerging. As for mic support, I ignore cradles and only use the complete Enhance Audio (Ireland) stand/arm/mount. Expensive but stunning effect on all mics - almost no EQ now - get the physics/acoustics right and everything else follows :)
I have the Atlantis and am seriously considering the Clarion. Thanks for the review! By the way, I also own a U87 which I’ve had for around 20 years. Easily compares!
Lauten Audio's mics are simply awesome. I have 2-Atlantis, an Eden and 4-LS-208s (I affectionately call my '57 killers). All so versatile and beautiful sounding, each in their own way. You can't go wrong with any of them!
I love mine! With a really old Reslo Rv ribbon, the combination of both is amazing!
If you add a little silicone lubricant to the bottom of your microphone where it screws into the mount it will be easier and you won't get that noise.
Hey Austrian Audio, if you're reading this, Mr. Haze really should have the OC16 as a staple part of his mic comparison lineup. I know he reviewed the OC818, but many viewers are probably looking in the USD $300-500 range, and I suspect that the OC16 would be super well received here.
They gave me one! The video will be out in the coming months :) gonna explore some other topics though in the coming future
@@AudioHaze, oh, sweet! Well if you could put all of your projects on hold and completely rearrange your life to make a video on it for next week, that'd be great. Thanks, bro ;-)
@@xyzct hahahaha
@@xyzct 😂😂
I think you sound the best with this microphone. It has the broadcast quality. You sound better on this than the RE20, if only Lauten Audio decide to make like a uber high end broadcast mic. Perhaps with their 38mm capsule but with the clarion sound signature.
In fact this mic was the one I was going to go for but I ended up going with the Vanguard v13 as it was slightly smoother, you should check that mic out too, lush mids, I still want a clarion though for sure. It’s pretty and big!
Vanguard is a tube microphone I think that’s why it’s smoother but congrats man, that’s a really good mic
The congestion adds an interesting quality to your voice through the microphone.
Screw in the bottom. Start rotating it in the loose direction until the screw grooves set into place, then begin tightening. This can prevent cross threading.
My next mic will be the Lauten Atlantis, but I’m hearing great things about the Clarion!
I have noticed this more and more with lewitt, something great for a lot of instruments but not so great for voice. Lewitts always seem so precise and clean that on voice they feel almost cold (excluding their tube mics)
Really like the mic though I do prefer the OC818 out of the given options
Nah mate, every time I screw in and unscrew my TLM-103 from the shock mount it's like nails on the chalk board. I have a little nightmare that I'm gonna strip the threads and be left with a disfigured mic. :(
What are your thoughts on Clarion vs Atlantis? Atlantis seems a lot more versatile for not a whole lot more money.
hey, i just need some recommendations for streaming, mainly gaming and also here and there to scream (heavy metal) into the microphone/ clean vocals. Something all around my budget is $800. i have a Scarlet Solo gen 3 has phantom power, i love it works great. im not doing anything professional or crazy. i use beyer dynamics monitoring headphones. Looking for the mic to be able to take those screams without any distortion or anything. If anyone can recommend and help, i appreciate it. thank you!
Audient pres ade actualy transparent, but can saturate realy well with character instead of competitors if u use the send returns. The point Is yes they are clear but the character Is bright
What audio interface are you using though? Can you please let me known!! Thank you
I was considering the OC18 but after this comparison - daymn, I need to save up a bit more.
You might try powdered graphite as a thread lubricant for the screw. It’s messy (if you aren’t careful) but one application might last years.
Good to know thanks!
chaper version : pass a paper pencil (hb to 2b) on the threads, easy and cheap way to get graphite in there
Add a touch of dry lube.They sell it at home depot in a spray can it last quite a while . It has a saw blade on the can. It's made by PB blaster I believe.. Just don't spray it with the microphone close . Bring The shock mount outside, spray it but it lasts quite a while and it will screw on nice and smooth. That's exactly what it's for a situation where you don't want liquid running. I use it on all my saws and saw blades, I'm a carpenter but I didn't get a good enough Look at that box to be able to tell what type of wood it is looks like a really straight ,plain grain. I'd have to have it in my hands to really be able to tell . Thanks for the info. I love that mic. You try the Mojave's yet. I have a Mojave MA-300 large diaphragm tube condenser. It's killer. All of them are great and really affordable. Made by David Royer. That mic might be a little to forward and transparent but I'm listening on a sound bar at the moment so not the best reference.
this is the one chief
tru
If, by proposing your thesis in this manner, Neumann ends up making more aggressive offerings that undercut their own existing products (as may sometimes happen in the audio space), then hell yeah that'd be grand for the end consumer. Never heard of Lauten Audio before, but love that they're really appealing to a passionate niche in the market. If I ever have the means to upgrade to something in this price class then the Clarion is on the shortlist!
That would be pretty sick, I would be very surprised though 😅
@@AudioHaze true, established companies tend to have lots of inertia. Only now learned, or re-learned cuz I'd forgotten, that Neumann was now a Sennheiser property! Dang. The market wouldn't be hurt by a bit more competition IMO, so hope Lauren thrives.
Why should they (Neumann)?
When I started in the 1980ies there was only Neumann and AKG if you needed to have a studio quality LDC. And still today despite all the other competing younger brands with excellent products they are still top of the league.
Would you expect the same from Apple and their iPhones because of all the other great smartphones on the market today?😉
Let's be happy that there is such great choice today and we are able to create great-soundingng results even on low budget.😇
Oh baybe let's goooo
LESS GOOOOO
I feel the same way about Neumann as Gibson...sounds great when you're listening with your eyes.
EXCEPT" The RE20 is $500.....The Clarion is TWICE that! Great video bro!
How does it compare to the Oc818 in your opinion? Especially for vocals and horns?
Much different sort of tone :) the 818 is a bit more balance, with slightly more of a halo around the high end, where the Clarion is more midrange forward with a smoother, less pronounced high end. For horns I'd probably reach for the Lauten personally, for vocals it really depends on the singer!
What about a high voice? Would it work for it? Like Angelic voices? And what about Tibetan bowls and gongs?
Not trying to be contrarian, but I have never cared for the TLM103 (and I’ve owned 2). I’ve found it to be usable on certain sources, but never very complimentary or impressive. I bought a Clarion 3 years ago and it blew me away! I also have a Block U195 and they’re very similar with just enough difference to justify keeping both. If I had to pick only one, it would probably be the Clarion due to the alternate polar patterns.
Outta curiosity although it seems like possibly no. Was this done in non treated rooms👀👀
Personally I like how your voice sounds on the Clarion and the OC818 the best
Totally, me too :)
@@AudioHaze I notice I have a similar voice to yours, so your channel actually helps get a better reference in for my own use as well. So thank you for that!
I do wonder how the sE Electronics mics would sound on you. I don't see that many people talk about them that much.
Capsule made in which country?
How does it compare to the Roswell 87?
From 1-10, Tlm 102 vs Lauten Clarion FC-357?
The Tlm 103 anniversary edition has the shock mount.
😢
i was thinking about saving for a TLM 103, but i might get this one instead! what stand/boom arm did you use for that mic?
That Soyuz is magnificent.
LIke this and many of your videos👍I also like small independent companies. But I don't think you can compare Neumann/Sennheiser to AKG/AA/Lewitt. I guess Neumann took benefits from being integrated into Sennheiser, while AKG's acknowledged name fades. Neumann is now able to offer a much bigger portfolio than 20 years ago. They still have a wide range of mics and additionally offer speakers (after integrating the former speaker brand Klein+Hummel). They have always been innovators, for example by developing digital condenser mics (Solution D). BTW I recommend to take a closer look to Microtech Gefell and their story 😉
For sure! I don’t think the comparison between the Samsung buy out and sennheiser are exactly the same. That said, I have heard from smaller companies that the reason for their founding was BECAUSE of the lack of any desire to try new things. I think that’s one of the bigger benefits to smaller brands, they almost HAVE to offer something that’s just a little different to be seen
The U87 makes the same sound when its being set up in the shock mount.
Yep! Its that same EA87 shock mount
Austrian audio won again on the blind test for me - Very controlled and clean. The lauten makes it sound like you are lisping your S’s.
When put side to side with the other mics, I'm shocked by how much I dislike the soyuz. The Clarion sounds great!
Pl. review GTZ U 87 clones (4 clones).
For my taste Austrian audio is awesome!
Where can I get the large, black, furry microphone on the right at 0:14?
good sound ? great
I use to have this mic, Build quality is top notch, But i end up getting a Neumann Tlm103 fits more for what im doing, Still considering Fc-387 i think thats the real goat.
Well glad you found something that works for you :)
@@AudioHaze Great content like always. Cheers 🥂
That opening has strong soft core vibes.
GOOD!
with the three polar patterns it has U87 characteristics.
I've never been this early to a video
Welcome :)))
Oc818 or Lauten for female vocals?
As someone who can't stand a picture that isn't hung just about perfectly (OCD much?), that few degrees the Clarion sits off plumb in the shockmount would drive me nuts.
Yeah its a bit aggravating lol
HEY! This is going to make some uncomfortable but: Lock oil or WD40. Two very small drops on opposite sides, (For WD use a QTip or napkin and clean any access.). This will stop that completely. @5:55 and saves it from any rust i guess lol
... I thnk he's in love 😍
😍😍😍😍
@@AudioHaze haha i hear you ;) Love the channel by the way as you see all (from the comments) of us do watching your channel !! thanks for all the amazing work my man!
I hate that grind too 😂
They are in Silicon Valley, Silicone Valley is a nickname for L.A. due to the popularity of Breast implants there. Silicon is a crystal like Diamond and is the substrate used to fabricate Computer chips, whereas Silicone is an OIl, Grease, Rubber material make with some Silicon powder and other ingredients. There is a pretty big difference between computer chips and the caulk around your bathtub.
what about the sphere as well about this price range?
Would have to try it out! Haven’t had the chance
@@AudioHaze looking forward to your verdict!
i wish theyd make a mic that was better than the m 149.
Okay, now I just need 1100 bucks.
That is definitely the issue lol
*heavy breathing*
... give!
love your content.. I blind tested this mic up against the OC818. I didn’t like the clarion. Disclaimer: I don’t care for U47 sounding mics. And in the UK it’s 1500 pounds to get one.. or in Dubai it’s 1200 dollars + shipping & customs.. so for us intentional folks this one is not worth it imo. There’s greater mics at that price.
Lauten Audio Eden though.. that’s an amazing mic. Way better than the OC818 (as you would expect it to be).. I wish I could blind test Eden vs. Manley Ref C vs Sony C800 vs. U87 vs. C12. That would be my ultimate mic test. These are all mics I enjoyed just never tested them against each other.
Yea the Clapton definitely bodies the other mics in the blind shootout.
You getting it?
@@jer7255 whoops I meant Clarion**. Looks like I will be considering it in the near future if nothing else comes out in this price range.
12:38 Oh! Where's the full video of that?
Full video in the description :)
@@AudioHaze I mean for the Caretaker review, was just a bit you did for this video, or is there a full review of "Everywhere at the end of time"?
don't put pressure on the mic, lift it just a little bit so it doesn't grind.
That’s what I do lol, you can see in the video
"If someone knows how to do it and not feel really uncomfortable when they do it, leave it in the comments." That's what she said.
Pricewise it is challenging the TLM 103. But it is an FET Mic, so I would love to see a comparision between this and the U47FET :)