The Lauten Audio LA120 is a premium small diaphragm FET condenser microphone with interchangeable pressure-gradient capsules. This feature lets each capsule be properly tweaked instead of making compromises with one capsule.

The LA120's transformerless design helps it accurately capture sound while preserving dynamics. And this makes it viable for use with other instruments, including articulate ones like acoustic guitars.

Switches on the side of the mics enable low and high cut filters for more versatility. Piercing cymbal highs can be filtered out easily with the built in high cut filters which make it a great choice for modern rock recordings that use a lot of bright and fast crash cymbals.

Its small size also enables easier placement especially in more complicated drum setups. The versatility of the capsules plus the available filters makes it ideal for spaced pair, XY, and ORTF stereo mic techniques not just for overheads but for acoustic guitar, ambient mics and more. On the flipside, utilizing the filters will require a bit of practice, which can be an issue when used by novices.

If you want a premium level mic pair without a spending stratospheric amount, the Lauten Audio LA120 is a a great pick. It is also a good all-around mic, which experience technicians can put to good use.

Specifications

• Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni (switchable capsules)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Sensitivity: -34.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (20.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Maximum SPL: 130 dB SPL (@0.5%)
• Dynamic Range: 121 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level: <15dB (A weighted)
• Power Requirements: 48V Phantom Power
• Connection Material: Not specified
• Weight: 2.8oz (80g)
• Extras: Wooden Case, Windscreens

Polar Pattern

Frequency Response

"Huge sound" is usually achieved from giving as much dynamic range as possible to a given element. And that is exactly what the sE8 is for, a small mic with a wide dynamic range that you don't normally see in a small diaphragm "pencil" condenser mic.

This wider dynamic range allows it to better capture sonic details and dynamic nuances, which expands the use of this pair from overheads to being a good multi-instrument mic.

Its low noise design enables it to be used on quieter, more nuanced sound sources while its high headroom with two selectable pads gives you leeway to mic even the most aggressive drummer without compressing or distorting at the circuitry level. Two low cut filters effectively reduce stage noise, or if you want to reduce the capture of the kick drum on the overheads. These features make them work well as room mics, useful for accentuating natural snare reverb in the room, resulting in more authentic sounding drums in the mix. The downside to all these control options is steeper learning curve, but learning how to use them will reward you greatly.

These pairs are individually matched in their factory for best stereo imaging and best phase correlation. This results in accurate and balanced stereo placement between shells and cymbals without losing the upper end sheen due to phase issues. This also makes the pair well suited for ORTF ambient recordings. Two low cut filters effectively reduce stage noise, or if you want to reduce the capture of the kick drum on the overheads.

The sE Electronics sE8 is a well-loved stereo pair that never disappoints. It competes with mic pairs costing higher than itself. sE does a very good job at matching their mics in house so if you're looking for a consistent matched pair for stereo recordings, the sE8 is it.

Specifications

• Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20 to 20000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 25 mV/Pa (-32 dBV)
• Impedance: 110 ohms
• Maximum SPL: 139 / 149 / 159 dBSPL (0/10/20 dB pad) (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
• Dynamic Range: 121 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level: 13dB (A weighted)
• Power Requirements: 48V phantom power
• Connection Material: Gold-plated XLR connector
• Weight: 4.97 oz.
• Extras: Mic clips, windscreens, stereo bar, and metal storage case

Polar Pattern and Frequency Response