At the NAMM 2012 Show, Lauten Audio and its North America distributor, Audio Plus Services , introduced the FC-387 Atlantis microphone, a solid-state multi-functional, large-diaphragm condenser outfitted with multiple switches for three different polar patterns, gain, and unique timbre settings.
The FC-387 is for recordists seeking a diverse and useful modern FET studio microphone, offering a blends of full and rich low and mid-range, as well as smooth and unique high-mid and high-frequencies.
The multiple switches located on each side and back of the FC-387 Atlantis microphone allow the engineer to uniquely configure it.
First is a polar pattern switch giving recordists the option of choosing between cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-8 polar patterns.
Borrowing the popular gain options from its sibling the Lauten Audio ‘Clarion’ FC-357 microphone, the Atlantis features a -10 dB and +10 dB switch.
The +10 dB gain switch increases versatility by allowing a choice of whether to have more character from the preamplifier gain or directly from the microphone. While the -10 dB switch reduces its output and increases the maximum SPL level allowing it to record very loud sources.
In addition, a voicing switch gives recordists three very different timbres to choose from that satisfy an extremely wide range of recorded sources. The options are: gentle, neutral and forward.
The ‘gentle’ position provides maximum control of bright or peaky sources like S’s in vocal recordings. The ‘neutral’ position offers a nice even response with good control over vocal S’s and other audio peaks, while the ‘forward’ position can help bring life to dull sources without having to use EQ, but while still maintaining control over any peaks.
Brian Loudenslager, founder of Lauten Audio, explains, “The idea of the FC-387 Atlantis microphone was conceived over several years during conversations with engineer Fabrice DuPont of Flux Studios and Puremix.net. Fab had acquired several Lauten microphones over the years and I would pick his brain at industry tradeshows about the mics. I always try and speak to owners of our products to learn where they’re using a mic most, where they feel it’s shining and where it’s not working for them.”
“We’re pleased to be at NAMM with Lauten Audio to introduce the Atlantis FC-387 microphone,” states Simon Côté, manager of professional products at Audio Plus Services. “We believe in Lauten Audio’s product direction and especially their dedication to serving respected recording engineers with special designs. The ‘Atlantis’ mic will no doubt be very popular.”
Loudenslager adds, “What I am most impressed about Fab is that he is always brutally honest and never sugar-coats his opinions. It was during conversations with him that I made a challenge to myself; I wanted to design a microphone that Fab would love, one that would be part of his first choices at the beginning of a session! Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to work with Fab and create that mic. It’s been challenging with a very rewarding end result.”
Technical Specifications for Atlantis FC-387
Type: 31.25mm dual large diaphragm pressure gradient transducer microphone
Polar Patterns: Omnidirectional, Cardioid and Figure-8 selectable
Circuit: Low-noise solid-state FET
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Dynamic Range: 120 dB minimum
Impedance: < 200 ohms
Max. SPL: 0.5% THD@1000 Hz: 130 dB
Self-noise Level: < 12 dB(A)
Sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa OR -36±2 dB 0 dB=1V/Pa 1000 Hz
Special Features:
3-way -10 dB attenuation, 0dB and +10 dB gain switch
3-way “gentle, neutral, forward” voicing switch
3-way polar pattern switch
Connector: 3-Pin standard XLR
Power Requirement: +48-volt phantom power
The Atlantis FC-387 microphone retails for $1599 (U.S.) and will be available in Q2 of 2012.
