Lauten LA-120 V2 ( Paire )

The Lauten LA-120 V2 (pair) is a set of two small-diaphragm condenser microphones, designed for precise stereo studio recording. Transformerless JFET architecture, 2 interchangeable capsules supplied per microphone (cardioid + omnidirectional), switchable high-pass and low-pass filters on the microphone. Designed and tested by Lauten Audio in Northern California. For drum overheads, piano, strings, acoustic guitar and choirs in stereo.

The essentials in 10 seconds

• Type: pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones
• Architecture: US-made JFET, transformerless
• Capsules: 2 per microphone (cardioid + omni), 17 mm
• Filters: high-pass at 50 Hz or 150 Hz, low-pass at 15 kHz or 10 kHz
• Ideal for: drum overheads, piano, strings, stereo acoustic work

The interchangeable capsules let you switch between cardioid (for directional pickup) and omni (for full room capture) without changing microphones. Each 17 mm capsule is tuned by hand; Lauten describes a transparent sound in which transient response blends with natural compression.

The high-pass can be set to flat, 50 Hz or 150 Hz: the flat position keeps the full low-frequency extension, 50 Hz trims the lows gently, and 150 Hz removes much of the bottom end in favour of clarity. The low-pass offers a flat position with a modern, bright character, a smoother 15 kHz position, and a darker, denser 10 kHz position. According to Lauten, these settings spare you from swapping microphones between sources.

For a recording engineer who needs a precise stereo pair for drums (OH), piano, strings or choirs, the LA-120 V2 pair offers unmatched versatility thanks to its 2 interchangeable capsules. The signal path, populated by hand with low-distortion polypropylene capacitors, aims for an articulate, uncoloured result. For very loud sources, in-line pads are available as an option.

Lauten Audio designs and tests its microphones in Northern California. Specializing in studio microphones, the brand offers the Eden LT-386, Atlantis FC-387 and Clarion FC-357 models, followed by the LA series (LA-120 V2, LA-220 V2 and LA-320 V2). The pair ships with 2 cardioid capsules, 2 omnidirectional capsules, 2 stand mounts and 2 windscreens.

• Pair of two microphones, capsules included
• Transformerless JFET architecture
• Interchangeable capsules, cardioid + omni
• Hand-tuned 17 mm capsules
• Switchable high-pass (50 Hz, 150 Hz)
• Switchable low-pass (15 kHz, 10 kHz)
• Stand mounts and windscreens included
• Designed and tested in Northern California

For drum overheads, the LA-120 V2 competes head-on with the Audio-Technica AT4041. To move up a tier, look at the Neumann KM 184.

• Recording engineer working in rock, pop or acoustic studios
• Home or project studio investing in versatile microphones
• Classical musician (strings, piano, choir) looking for a stereo pair
• Broadcast or post-production engineer who needs a versatile small-diaphragm microphone
• Content creator who films or live-streams music

Interchangeable capsules: what is each one for?

The cardioid capsule focuses pickup on what the microphone is aimed at and reduces how much of the room ends up in the recording. The omnidirectional capsule captures the room and off-axis instruments naturally. The box contains two capsules of each type.

Tube or FET?

FET. The LA-120 V2 is built around a US-made JFET in a transformerless circuit.

Can the pair be used for a choir or an orchestra?

Yes. Lauten states that the cardioid and omnidirectional capsules work very well for choir and orchestra, both live and in the studio.

Do I need to buy the optional in-line pads?

Lauten recommends them for close-miking loud sources, or for overheads above a hard-hitting drummer. In most other uses, they are not needed.

What are the microphone's filters for?

A traditional microphone has a fixed network of resistors and capacitors that shapes its tone. On the LA-120 V2, these choices can be switched in or out to suit each source without replacing the microphone, which also changes how the preamp responds.