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San Jose, CA, August, 6th, 2009 – Lauten Audio has announced a new value-added distribution agreement with Nevada-based Summit Audio Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Summit Audio Inc will serve as the exclusive value-added distributor in the United States.
For the past three years, Summit Audio has served as the exclusive U.S. sales representative for Lauten Audio, and the move to a full value-added distributorship solidifies the successful partnership. “Working closely with Summit these past three years has been a very rewarding experience. Summit has provided a wealth of knowledge and experience as we brought our microphones to market,” says Brian Loudenslager, Founder of Lauten Audio. “Expanding the partnership will help Lauten focus on research, engineering and new product development, such as our new pressure gradient capsules,” adds Mr. Loudenslager.
Switzerland-based company will distribute full-line of Lauten Audio microphones
San Jose, CA, July, 16th, 2009 – Lauten Audio has announced a new distribution agreement with Switzerland-based Sound and Music, GmbH. Under the terms of the agreement, Sound and Music, GmbH will serve as the sole distributor in Switzerland and Lichtenstein for the San Jose, California-based company’s entire microphone line.
Founded by veteran musician Alfred Kamaun in 1995, Sound and Music, GmbH is a distributor and reseller of professional audio gear in Switzerland, Austria and Lichtenstein. “We’ve been seeking to distribute Lauten Audio for almost one year now,” says Mr. Kamaun. “We were very pleased to finalize our agreement at this year’s Musikmesse show in Frankfurt. The Lauten microphones are a perfect fit in our portfolio of high-end professional audio products and have absolutely accurate pricing.”
Lauten Audio added to its award-winning Horizon tube microphone when it began shipping three new studio microphones in October of 2008. The company continues to carve out a niche for recordists seeking an original sound; all their microphones have garnered exceptional reviews from both end-users and magazines around the world.
“This new partnership is another step in our strategic approach to grow carefully and successfully as a high-end microphone brand,” says Brian Loudenslager, Founder of Lauten Audio. “Adding Sound and Music, GmbH as our distributor in this region helps strengthen our brand image and message. Mr. Kamaun shows great enthusiasm and understands our brand essence. We’re very excited to begin this partnership.”
Mr. Kamaun has been both a live and studio musician in the region for 29 years. “Switzerland needs brands like Lauten Audio that offer amazing sound and high-quality boutique production standards at exceptional prices,” adds Mr. Kamaun.
Sound and Music GmbH is located in Staad, Switzerland. For more information visit http://www.SoundandMusic.ch
Lauten Audio is located in San Jose, CA. For more information on Lauten Audio please visit www.LautenAudio.com
Industry veteran Andy Waterman chose Clarions after months of research and product demos
Los Angeles, CA (May 28, 2009) – Industry veteran Andy Waterman recently acquired a pair of Lauten Audio Clarion microphones for Umbrella Media Inc studios. After an extensive search for the right pair of microphones to meet his niche requirements within the Production and Recording studio industry, Waterman chose the Clarions for their unique characteristics.
“I have been a working music producer, mixer, recording engineer and musician for over 30 years. I feel like I’ve used literally every microphone ever made at some time or another in studios all over the world,” says Waterman, owner of Umbrella Media Inc. Waterman spent several months auditioning and demoing various microphones in search of the perfect addition to his multi-room facility. “Of course, I have immense respect for the masters of microphone technology of earlier eras, but Lauten Audio’s products are perfecting this legacy and refining the art form in significant ways.”
Lauten Audio began shipping the Clarions in October of 2008. “When we first started the sound design on the Clarion I felt it was our biggest challenge. We wanted to create a unique sounding microphone that went against the current trend of FET large diaphragm condenser microphones,” says Brian Loudenslager, founder of Lauten Audio. “The Clarion features unique characteristics like a +10dB gain switch in addition to a -10dB Pad, a uniquely tuned frequency response and even its own custom-designed windscreen that can be used in place of a pop-filter.”
“We specialize in music production and scoring including acoustic music, jazz, orchestral recording and vocal ensembles,” says Waterman. Waterman described how he recently used the mics on a very quiet ethnic music scoring session where the Clarion’s unique +10 gain option really brought a collection of Southeast Asian wooden percussion instruments to life.
“There is nothing out there that sounds like a Clarion, and it’s really rewarding to hear feedback from professionals like Andy Waterman who truly understand what we are doing,” says Loudenslager. “Andy and Umbrella Media have carved a niche within the industry, and Lauten Audio is doing the same. We are both offering something unique that no one else can touch.”
“The Clarion is clear and spectrally balanced with nice hi-end sheen and has spectacular low self noise. One additional attribute I really appreciate is the mic does not add sibilance to women singers which is really important in my work. Lauten is a brand that will win many converts in the future,” adds Waterman.
Japan-based Media Integration, Inc will distribute full line of Lauten Audio microphones
Santa Clara, CA, May, 5th, 2009 – Lauten Audio, a high-end microphone maker, has announced a new distribution agreement with Japan-based Media Integration, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Media Integration, Inc will serve as the sole distributor in Japan for the Santa Clara, California-based company’s entire microphone line.
Media Integration began distributing products to musicians and composers in 1995 and has achieved significant growth ever since. “We are thrilled to start distributing Lauten Audio products in Japan,” says Shion Tamura, Director at Media Integration, Inc. “Lauten Audio microphones are a perfect fit into our expanding portfolio of professional audio solutions. In this age of digital recording we find our customers want to record material using microphones that offer unique character and clarity that they can then add their own flavor and processing to.”
Lauten Audio began shipping its full-line of studio microphones in October of 2008 and continues to carve out a niche for recordists seeking an original sound. Their first product - the Horizon microphone - has garnered exceptional reviews from both end-users and editorials and recently received an award from a top UK magazine. The company’s three new microphones are quickly receiving much acclaim from trade publications as well as industry professionals.
“Since starting Lauten Audio we have always taken a strategic approach to grow carefully and successfully as a high-end microphone brand,” Says Brian Loudenslager, Founder of Lauten Audio. “One of our goals for 2009 was to add distribution in Asia with Japan being our first step. Mr. Tamura and Media Integration Inc. understand Lauten Audio’s brand essence and have a proven track record as a successful distributor in Japan. We’re very excited to begin this partnership.”
“We focus on establishing a brand name for our products and not just selling,” adds Mr. Tamura. “We are really excited about the potential that Lauten mics have in Japan. With Lauten Audio microphones, you can have material as fresh as Japanese Sashimi (raw seafood)!”
Media Integration, Inc. is located in Tokyo, Japan. Visit them at www.Minet.jp
Lauten Audio is based out of Santa Clara, CA. Visit them at www.lautenaudio.com
Hollywood, CA (February 23, 2009) –Veteran drummer and studio owner Mark Zonder is loading up on Lauten Audio microphones.
Zonder is an industry veteran with album credits dating back to the early 1980s L.A. metal scene. He is the owner of the famous “Bill’s Place” recording and rehearsal studio in North Hollywood, which remains the launching place of many top artists and bands. He first earned a name for himself in the band Warlord, which some metal veterans refer to as legendary and far ahead of its time. He later joined Fates Warning, considered one of the most influential contributors to the progressive metal genre. Zonder spent almost 15 years with Fates Warning before departing to start his own band Slavior in 2006. He contributed to numerous side projects including Kevin Moore, Chroma Key, Jim Matheos solo project Away with Words, solo album of Joacim Cans from Hammerfall, and a reunion with Warlord, among others. In 2007 Zonder released a new full length album on the Inside Out Music label for his band Slavior.
“I was first introduced to Lauten microphones by the guys over at Summit Audio. Having loved their gear for many years I asked if they could recommend a few microphones, unaware they were representing Lauten microphones. So, they sent down a couple Horizons. They sounded amazing on my drums as overheads and room mics.” Since then Zonder has added two sets of Torches and an Oceanus as a vocal mic. “I really dig the small diaphragm Torches, and the ability to use tube mics on my drums is amazing,” Zonder added. “After a couple positioning tips from Lauten, my toms sound huge! For a large portion of my drum sound, I have officially switched from some really big names to the ‘Lauten sound;’ this company is really making some special mics.”
In recent months Zonder has been holding a large number of drum clinics throughout California at musical instrument dealers as well as at the Musicians Institute. “I am really lucky to have been able to stay in the industry all this time,” Zonder says of his 30-plus-year career behind a drum kit. “Getting the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and skills to a new generation is really an honor.”
Something unusual is the fact Zonder has been taking his Lauten microphones on the road with him for these clinics. “I called Lauten and spoke to Brian Loudenslager about the mics’ ability to handle the road; he said it’s not the first time he’s heard of someone taking them out. He said as long as I can deal with the power supplies the Torches and Horizons should do fine but recommended keeping the Oceanus in my studio.” You can check the news section of Zonder’s website at www.markzonder.com for upcoming clinic dates in Los Angeles and San Diego where you can see him and the Lauten microphones in action.
>The Lauten Audio Oceanus can be heard on all lead vocals in new song “Paralysis”
Los Angeles, CA (September 23, 2008) - Producer Douglas Grean recently completed sessions at Lavish Studios for artist Scott Weiland’s upcoming solo album, on which he used the new Oceanus LT-381 and Clarion FC-357 microphones from Lauten Audio.
“The Oceanus now occupies a top spot on my short list of favorite vocal mics,” says Grean. “In an otherwise crowded field of clones, this mic is a new voice: big, open, and beautiful.” The upcoming album, entitled Happy in Galoshes, is scheduled for release in November. “As soon as I tried the Oceanus I had to have it,” Grean added. The new song “Paralysis,” which is on the internet, is one of the songs where Grean used the Oceanus mic on all the lead vocals.
Grean’s first introduction to Lauten Audio microphones was a pair of Clarion FC-357s loaned from Damon Gramont of Summit Audio Inc., which is Lauten Audio’s U.S. sale representative. “I first tried the FC-357s as stereo room mics on the drum kit to great effect and then on electric guitar. I couldn’t find a situation where these mics didn’t sound brilliant. They are very open and life-like without sounding brittle or harsh. I called Damon and said I was using them on the album and had to purchase the pair. They are now my electric guitar mics of choice and serve double duty on acoustic instruments. There is not a session that goes by these days where I don’t use my Lauten mics.”
Prior to finishing the album, Grean and Weiland had written and produced songs on Happy in Galoshes for nine years. “I’m glad I got introduced to the Lauten mics when I did,” says Grean. “They are a big part of the sound on those last six songs we recorded; wish I’d had them earlier!”
Grean is Weiland’s business partner and co-owner of Lavish Studios. He is also guitarist, keyboardist and musical director for Wieland’s live solo band.
SANTA CLARA, CA, September 16, 2008 – Lauten Audio, a professional microphone maker, has begun shipping three new studio microphones: the Oceanus LT-381, the Clarion FC-357 and the Torch ST-221. Each new model compliments each other as well as the company’s first product, the Horizon tube microphone, and enriches its professional studio microphone line.
“We are very excited to begin shipping and filling our pre-orders,” says Brian Loudenslager, Founder of Lauten Audio. “I am really proud of everyone involved that made these new mics come to life.”
The highly anticipated Oceanus LT-381 features a newly designed large dual-diaphragm capsule, NOS military grade pentode input, transformer-less triode output, and variable omni, cardioid and figure-8 polar patterns. Visually stunning, the Oceanus is a fantastic vocal mic. It is an original high-performance tube condenser microphone that produces full and detailed recordings.
The Torch ST-221 is a small diaphragm tube microphone that is packaged in pairs. These microphones feature interchangeable cardioid and omnidirectional capsules, NOS military grade vacuum tubes and premium high-resolution electronics. The Torch combines the characteristics of the small diaphragm and the tube, making it an ideal choice for recording instruments. The package includes 21 components and accessories.
The Clarion FC-357 is a solid-state multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone. The microphone is a blend of classic and modern FET sound. It has class-A electronics and a dual-diaphragm capsule capable of omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 polar patterns. It also features a unique three-position attenuation and gain switch, which offers powerful recording options.
“Each of these models offers a unique sound to recordists, and all of the Lauten Audio studio microphones are designed to compliment each other,” says Mr. Loudenslager. “The feedback we received from our pre-release evaluations beat our expectations and really validated what we wanted to accomplish. I am very confident we have raised the bar for original sound and innovation as a boutique brand.”
“We are proud to offer a truly different microphone brand in the US,” says Erik Papp of Summit Audio Inc., which is Lauten Audio’s sale representative in the US. “From the beginning of working with Lauten Audio I have been excited about being involved with a microphone manufacturer that is creating unique products. I have a lot of respect for their ability to successfully create original designs. After years in development with the new products, we have really great products to offer.”
Mr. Loudenslager adds, “We have taken steps to differentiate ourselves in a crowded microphone market. Whether it is unique circuits, new capsule designs, or including more relevant accessories, we make products that empower recordists at all levels.”
The new Lauten Audio microphones are available at dealers around the world. Visit the company’s website at www.lautenaudio.com for more information.
About Lauten Audio:
Lauten Audio is a high-end microphone manufacturer formed by professionals with diverse backgrounds ranging from microphone design, physics, recording engineering, and manufacturing. The company’s philosophy is to create original, high-quality microphones that empower recordists at all levels.
Lauten Audio is located in Santa Clara, CA, the phone is 1-877-721-7018 and the web address is: www.lautenaudio.com
FRANKFURT, GERMANY, March 10, 2008 - Lauten Audio, a high-end microphone maker, has announced a new distribution agreement with UK-based The Audio Professionals. Under the terms of the agreement, The Audio Professionals will serve as the sole distributor in the United Kingdom for the Santa Clara, California-based company‘s entire microphone line, including their highly successful Horizon tube microphone and three new models. The entire microphone line will be on display at the 2008 Musikmesse Pro Light and Sound show in Hall 5.1 D50.
“We are delighted to have been appointed as the UK distributor for Lauten Audio,” says Martin Warr, Director at The Audio Professionals. “In a market packed with a huge range of microphones, we found Lauten Audio to be extremely refreshing in their approach to design and manufacture. The Audio Professionals are constantly looking to align ourselves with quality and forward thinking companies of integrity, where the products are never compromised; Lauten Audio absolutely fits this criterion. The people behind Lauten Audio are some of the most experienced and trusted figures in the microphone industry today, and we know [the founder] Brian Loudenslager has some exciting plans for the future, so we are looking forward to working with him and his team.”
Lauten Audio‘s first commercially available product, the Horizon tube microphone, is a hand crafted boutique quality microphone that has proven to be a must-have for many recordists. Lauten Audio‘s new microphones include the FC-357 Clarion, the ST-221 Torch, and the LT-381 Oceanus. The FC-357 is a solid-state multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone, designed for recordists looking for very clean and natural sound reproduction. The ST-221 is a pair of small diaphragm tube microphones. The ST-221 combines the characteristics of the small diaphragm and the tube, making it an ideal choice for recording instruments. Finally, the LT-381 features a newly designed large dual-diaphragm capsule, unique circuit topology with a pentode input and transformerless triode output circuit, and variable omni, cardioid and figure-8 polar patterns. The LT-381 is designed to be a high-performance vocal microphone that produces incredibly full and detailed recordings.
“We are very pleased to partner with The Audio Professionals in the United Kingdom,” says Brian Loudenslager, founder of Lauten Audio. “Martin Warr and Dave West have more than 30 years of combined industry experience in marketing professional audio products. With their value-added distribution approach; Lauten Audio is poised for a very successful introduction to the UK.”
About Lauten Audio:
Lauten Audio is a high-end microphone manufacturer formed by professionals with diverse backgrounds ranging from microphone design, physics, recording engineering, electrical engineering, international business, and manufacturing. The company‘s philosophy is to build better sounding microphones through unique designs, careful component selection, efficient manufacturing processes, and extensive listening tests.
Lauten Audio is located in Santa Clara, CA. For more information on Lauten Audio‘s products and organization please visit www.lautenaudio.com
About The Audio Professionals UK:
Martin Warr was Head of LOUD Technologies in the UK for over 4 years, and had been with Mackie and associated brands for nearly a decade. He has worked in all areas of the market including music recording, live, broadcast, post production. He established his own company, The Audio Professionals, in 2006.
Dave West was a successful musician before turning his talents to sales. He has been a stalwart of various pro audio reselling and distribution companies over the last decade, and is particularly well connected to the audio production and education markets.
The Audio Professionals are located in their new offices in Watford, UK. Visit them online at www.audiopros.eu
FRANKFURT, GERMANY, March 11, 2008 - USA-based Lauten Audio, a professional microphone maker, will make its European debut at Musikmesse Frankfurt at Hall 5.1, Walkway D, Stand 50. On display will be the company‘s studio microphone line including their highly successful Horizon tube microphone and three new models.
“Making our European debut at Musikmesse is very exciting for us,” said Brian Loudenslager, Founder of Lauten Audio. “2007 was a very challenging and productive year for us. We worked very hard to perfect our new models and we are extremely pleased with the results. With our new partnerships with Analog Audio GmbH in Germany, The Audio Professionals in the UK, and the recent addition of Dr. Charles Chen as the Chief Engineer, we are poised for a successful introduction of the brand to the European Market. Musikmesse is the perfect venue to kick off the effort. We hope to demonstrate to everyone that Lauten Audio is a unique and thoughtful designer of professional microphones and a brand worthy of their attention.”
The Horizon tube microphone is Lauten Audio‘s first commercially available product. Designed as a work-horse, the microphone features a solid build quality, NOS military grade tube, custom wound output transformer and premium high-resolution electronics. This microphone has found its home on everything from vocals and voice-overs to drums, electric guitar amplifiers, acoustic guitar, piano and fiddle. It is also known to be used for live sound micing. The Horizon has been highly successful in the US and other parts of the world receiving very positive customer feedback and publication reviews.
ST-221 is a small diaphragm tube microphone that will be packaged in pairs. These microphones feature interchangeable cardioid and omnidirectional capsules, NOS military grade vacuum tubes and premium high-resolution electronics. The ST-221 combines the characteristics of the small diaphragm and the tube, making it an ideal choice for recording instruments.
The highly anticipated LT-381 features newly designed large dual-diaphragm capsule, NOS military grade pentode input and transformer-less triode output circuit, and variable omni, cardioid and figure-8 polar patterns. The LT-381 is designed to be a high-performance vocal microphone that produces incredibly full and detailed recordings. It is an exquisitely crafted work-of-art and a remarkable fusion of form and function.
The FC-357 is a solid-state multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone. The FC-357 has premium high-resolution electronics and a dual-diaphragm capsule capable of omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 polar patterns. This microphone is for recordists looking for very clean and natural sound reproduction.
“Each of these models offers a new unique flavor to any studio microphone arsenal, and all of the Lauten Audio studio microphones are designed to compliment each other,” said Mr. Loudenslager. “We spend weeks in the studio tweaking each model until we find their sweet spot. We then spend months on production planning because we believe the real challenge is not in producing a few great sounding prototypes, but in reproducing that sound in a final product consistently and efficiently. This is one of our focus areas and key strengths.”
The new models are expected to ship in the second quarter of 2008.
About Lauten Audio:
Lauten Audio is a high-end microphone manufacturer formed by professionals with diverse backgrounds ranging from microphone design, physics, recording engineering, electrical engineering, international business, and manufacturing. The company‘s philosophy is to build better sounding microphones through unique designs, careful component selection, efficient manufacturing processes, and extensive listening tests.
Lauten Audio is located in Santa Clara, CA, USA, the web address is: www.lautenaudio.com
SANTA CLARA, CA, February 5th, 2008 - On Jim Lauderdale‘s 2008 Grammy-nominated album, “The Blue Grass Diaries,” producer, engineer and recording artist Randy Kohrs cut through the mix with Lauten Audio‘s Horizon tube microphone. The Horizon was used exclusively on fiddles, all of the second guitar overdubs, and female harmonies.
“On the female harmonies, the Horizon helped the soft voices cut through the hard hitting vocals of Jim and me without having to eq all the body out of them,” said Randy Kohrs. “For me, that‘s a lot of finite eq work I never have to do with the Horizon tube microphone. On the fiddle, it helped the lower sweet, woody tones speak through a barrage of mid-range instruments, like the banjo and resonator guitar, and brought out the clarity. Aaron Till said he had never heard his fiddle so well recorded. The Horizon is a complete studio work-horse built to stand the grueling test of time. I could not ask for more in a microphone.”
Jim Lauderdale is a multi-talented performer and songwriter in both country and bluegrass music, and with the highly successful release of “The Bluegrass Diaries,” he continues to make his mark in both genres. His career has taken him all over the world, enriching his ever-growing fan base, and his music has been recorded by artists ranging from George Strait to George Jones. Contributing their talents to “The Blue Grass Diaries” are Jesse Cobb on mandolin, Richard Bailey on banjo, Jay Weaver on bass, Cody Kilby on guitar, Randy Kohrs on resonator guitar and harmony vocals, Aaron Till on fiddle, Ashley Brown and Cia Cherryholmes on vocal harmonies, among other special guests.
“When I heard about the Grammy nomination, I was extremely happy for Jim and Randy,” said Brian Loudenslager, founder of Lauten Audio. “The diverse usage of the Horizon on the album further solidifies what we have said all along about this microphone‘s incredible versatility.”
The Horizon tube microphone is Lauten Audio‘s first commercially available product, with three new studio models to follow this year. Designed as a work-horse, the Horizon is solidly built and features an NOS military grade tube, custom wound output transformer and high-resolution electronics. The mic is available in dealers throughout the United States and Canada, as well as other parts of the world.
About Lauten Audio:
Lauten Audio is a high-end microphone manufacturer formed by professionals with diverse backgrounds ranging from microphone design, physics, recording engineering, electrical engineering, international business, and manufacturing. The company‘s philosophy is to build better sounding microphones through unique designs, careful component selection, efficient manufacturing processes, and extensive listening tests.
Lauten Audio is located in Santa Clara, CA. For more information on Lauten Audio‘s products and organization please visit www.lautenaudio.com
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