German boutique microphone manufacturer WeissKlang has unveiled the L1 Plus, an enhanced successor to the acclaimed L1 condenser microphone. Building on the original’s sonic character while introducing new levels of versatility, the L1 Plus is designed to become an essential tool for recording engineers, producers, and content creators seeking top-tier performance in a sleek, modern package.

At the heart of the L1 Plus is the newly developed dual-diaphragm WMK‑1D capsule, a refined evolution of the original WMK‑1. It maintains the L1’s signature openness, airy high-end, and subtle presence boost around 10–11 kHz, while introducing true multipattern capabilities. Users can now select between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure‑8 polar patterns, opening up a wealth of recording possibilities—from intimate vocal takes to room ambience and advanced stereo techniques.

WeissKlang has addressed common pitfalls associated with dual-diaphragm microphones, such as phase inconsistencies and tonal coloration, ensuring that the L1 Plus maintains a coherent and balanced sound across all pickup patterns. The new polar pattern switch is robust, intuitive, and engineered for minimal handling noise, with an integrated decoupled mount design that enhances usability during live or studio sessions.

The L1 Plus doesn’t just deliver flexibility—it also sets a high bar for technical specifications. A transformerless discrete transistor circuit ensures exceptional clarity and ultra-clean amplification. With an impressively low self-noise rating of just 4 dB(A), the microphone excels at capturing quiet, nuanced sources such as acoustic instruments or delicate vocal performances without introducing unwanted noise.

Its transient response, clocking in at a remarkable 14 microseconds, captures every detail of a performance, from the subtle attack of a finger-picked guitar to the crisp articulation of a snare drum. Meanwhile, a high SPL handling capacity of 140 dB ensures that even loud sound sources, such as brass instruments or close-miked drums, can be recorded without distortion.

The L1 Plus remains compact and lightweight, weighing approximately 414 grams. It ships with the custom MA‑L shockmount, which offers up to 20 dB of mechanical noise isolation, depending on the polar pattern selected. This combination of low weight and effective damping makes the L1 Plus ideal for both fixed studio setups and mobile recording environments.

Additional design elements include an integrated pop filter within the microphone grille to reduce plosives, replaceable rubber components in the mount for long-term durability, and an adjustable tilt mechanism for flexible positioning. The microphone is fully compatible with standard 48 V phantom power and connects via a high-quality XLR interface.

The L1 Plus is currently available for pre-order at a special launch price of €299, which includes VAT and worldwide shipping. This introductory offer runs until 31 July 2025, with deliveries expected to begin on 16 August 2025. After this period, the microphone will return to its standard retail price.