Lauten Audio Clarion FC-357 Premium Studio Condenser Microphone

The Lauten Audio Clarion FC-357 is a professional large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone designed for demanding studio recording. Its combination of a 35 mm dual-diaphragm capsule, three selectable polar patterns and three-stage level control makes it a highly adaptable microphone for vocals, acoustic instruments, amplifiers and complex recording setups.

At the centre of the Clarion is a 35 mm dual-diaphragm pressure-gradient capsule engineered to capture a broad frequency spectrum with clarity and controlled tonal detail. Its frequency response extends from 25 Hz to 20 kHz, covering deep fundamentals as well as the upper harmonics essential to detailed vocal and instrumental recordings.

Three selectable polar patterns provide considerable flexibility. Cardioid focuses primarily on the source in front of the microphone and helps reject sound from behind. Omnidirectional captures sound from all directions for natural room ambience and ensemble recording, while figure-8 picks up from the front and rear while strongly rejecting sound from the sides.

The Clarion also incorporates a distinctive three-position level control with +10 dB, 0 dB and -10 dB settings. The +10 dB position is useful for quieter sources or recording chains requiring a stronger microphone signal, while 0 dB provides the standard operating level. The -10 dB setting provides additional headroom when working with stronger signals and higher-output sources.

With a dynamic range of at least 120 dB and maximum SPL of 130 dB at 0.5% THD, the FC-357 can accommodate a wide variety of recording levels. Its self-noise remains below 12 dB(A), allowing quieter performances and fine acoustic detail to be captured without excessive background noise from the microphone itself.

The microphone offers a sensitivity of 16 mV/Pa and an output impedance below 200 ohms, making it suitable for professional microphone preamplifiers and audio interfaces. Connection is through a standard balanced 3-pin XLR output, with 48 V phantom power required for operation.

Beyond its electronic design, the FC-357 features a durable Cerakote ceramic coating intended to withstand regular professional studio use. Its substantial construction and understated industrial styling reflect the microphone’s role as a serious recording tool rather than a general-purpose consumer device.

With its multi-pattern capsule, broad dynamic capability and selectable output level, the Lauten Audio Clarion FC-357 is designed as a flexible centrepiece for professional recording. It can move from intimate vocals and acoustic instruments to louder sources and room-capture techniques without requiring a different microphone for each application.

Specifications

• Brand: Lauten Audio
• Model: Clarion FC-357
• Type: pressure-gradient FET condenser microphone
• Capsule: 35 mm dual-diaphragm
• Polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8
• Frequency response: 25 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dynamic range: minimum 120 dB
• Maximum SPL: 130 dB at 0.5% THD / 1 kHz
• Self-noise: less than 12 dB(A)
• Sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa / -36 ±2 dB
• Output impedance: less than 200 Ω
• Level settings: +10 dB / 0 dB / -10 dB
• Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Finish: Cerakote ceramic coating
• Power requirement: 48 V phantom power