Ear Trumpet Labs
Louise Microphone – $499
PROS: Well made, consistently great sound quality.
CONS: Slightly expensive, retro design might that not be for everyone.
Ear Trumpet Labs blend the old school aesthetic with modern construction and electronics. Back in January 2013, we got to check out their Edwina condenser microphone (and loved it). Now they’re back at it with their Louise model.
[Read Performer’s review of Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina Microphone]
Style-wise, it has a very unique (and vintage) look, somewhere between steampunk and retro-cool. A copper base, brass fittings, and chrome hardware complete the outfit. The mesh capsule contains a 26mm diaphragm capsule that is surrounded by a silk and foam pop filter, mounted in a chrome ring with four springs for shock mounting. An adjustment hinge offers up excellent positioning possibilities. Phantom power is required to bring this to life, while the internal electronics are of superb quality, with the components matched for maximum performance
Sound-wise it’s flat out great, it has a nice, full clear sound that doesn’t color things. The cardioid mic pattern, along with the chrome ring to make sure it’s pointed in the right direction, enables easy positioning, and helps eliminate feedback. Because of all these design features it works well both live and in the studio. Vocals and instruments react well to it, and we found it to be ideal for acoustic applications; positioning is key to really nail things down, and thankfully it can be adjusted easily to capture any sound source.
It has a street price of $499, which isn’t far off from other mics with these specifications. Sure, there might be other models out there with more traditional designs that can deliver similar sound quality at a slightly cheaper price point – but you’re really paying for the quality and hand-craftsmanship Ear Trumpet is known for.
Bottom line: what’s really being offered here is a handmade, well-constructed mic with attention to detail and components, all wrapped in a very unique casing. If the aesthetics of the mic intrigue you, the sound will make you a believer.
FEATURES
-Hand made microphone with unique appearance
-Large (26mm) diaphragm condenser capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern
-Tea-ball head basket capsule assembly
-Pivoting joint between ring and body
-Internal multilayer silk and foam pop filter
-Transformerless FET fully balanced electronics
-Highest quality hand-wired electronic
-Dimensions: 12″ x 6″ x 2 3/8″
-Metal tool case with foam padding included, 15″ x 10″ x 4 1/2″
-Requires 48V phantom power
For more info, visit Ear Trumpet Labs.