If you are an audiophile or a music aficionado, I am sure you understand the importance of impeccable sound quality. To get that stunning clarity in your audio recordings, you need a microphone that is not just good, but extraordinary. Here comes the role of Lewitt LCT 1040 microphone which has created ripples in the world of sound due to its superior features and amazing performance.
Lewitt’s LCT 1040 is a brilliant combination of high-end engineering and cutting-edge design. It boasts a wide frequency range enhancing every minute detail in your recording session. Built with utmost precision this microphone promises exceptional sound quality making it perfect for studio recordings and live performances alike.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Condenser, externally polarized |
| Acoustical operating principle | Pressure gradient transducer |
| Low-cut filter | switchable at 40 Hz, 80 Hz (12 dB/oct), 120 Hz (6 dB/oct) |
| Transducer diameter | 25.4 mm (1 inch) |
| Diaphragm | 3-micron gold-sputtered Mylar |
| Internal impedance | 83.8 Ω |
| Polar pattern | continuously variable from omni to figure-8 |
| Power supply voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz or 110 V, 60 Hz |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Current consumption | 230V – 170 mA, 110V – 240 mA |
| Sensitivity | 17.2 mV/Pa |
| Connector (PSU and remote) | Gold-plated 3-pin XLR by Neutrik |
| Self-noise | 10 dB (A) FET, 13 dB (A) tube |
| Connector (microphone) | 10-pin Hirose Electric |
| Max. SPL for 0.5 % THD | 137 dB SPL (0 dB attenuation) |
| Tube type | E88CC / 6DJ8 |
| Signal/noise ratio | 84 dB (A) FET, 81 dB (A) tube |
| Microphone enclosure | Zinc die cast |
| Dynamic range | 127 dB (A) |
| Microphone dimensions | 196 x 65 x 45 mm (7.7 x 2.6 x 1.8 in) |
| Microphone weight | 652 g (23 oz) |
| Attenuation pad | 0 dB, -6 dB, -12 dB, -24 dB |
Lewitt LCT 1040: A Quick Overview
The Lewitt LCT 1040 is a high-end, versatile condenser microphone designed for professional studio use, featuring an externally polarized pressure gradient transducer. With a large, 25.4 mm (1 inch) diaphragm that is 3-micron gold-sputtered Mylar, this microphone offers exceptional sensitivity at 17.2 mV/Pa and an impressive frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
It supports multiple polar patterns from omni to figure-8 and has a low-cut filter switchable at three different frequencies (40 Hz, 80 Hz, and 120 Hz). Offering an excellent signal-to-noise ratio of up to 84 dB (A), it ensures pristine audio capture with minimal self-noise.
The inclusion of attenuation pads ranging from 0 dB to -24 dB allows it to handle high SPLs up to 137 dB without distortion, making it suitable for diverse recording scenarios. Powered by either a 230 V or a 110 V supply depending on the region, it connects via gold-plated Neutrik XLRs ensuring top-notch reliability and performance in professional settings.
Design and Build Quality
Upon first glance, I was struck by the sleek, professional design of the Lewitt LCT 1040. The microphone’s body is entirely made out of a high-quality zinc die-cast. This makes it incredibly robust and durable, promising years of service even in challenging recording situations.
Additionally, it sports a matte black finish that not only adds to its aesthetically pleasing look but also makes it resistant to scratches and dings. The shape and size are very manageable, with dimensions measuring 196 x 65 x 45 mm, easily fitting into any studio setup.
Lastly, despite its sturdy build quality and numerous features packed inside, the Lewitt LCT 1040 weighs just over a pound (652 g), making it easy to handle during long recording sessions without causing fatigue. In summary, the design and build quality of this microphone are quite exceptional, striking a fine balance between durability and ease of use.
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Features of Lewitt LCT 1040
The Lewitt LCT 1040 is not just any microphone. Its features make it a great choice for both professionals and beginners alike. Let’s take a closer look at some of these distinctive aspects.
- Condenser Microphone: The Lewitt LCT 1040 is a condenser-type microphone, which means it offers superior sound quality for recording vocals and instruments.
- Flexible Polar Pattern: What sets the Lewitt LCT 1040 apart is its continuously variable polar pattern. You can adjust from omni to figure-8 according to your recording needs, ensuring optimal capture of sound.
- Frequency Range: With a frequency range that spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, the Lewitt LCT 1040 captures all kinds of sounds with clarity and precision.
- Gold-plated Connectors: The connectors are gold-plated, offering enhanced conductivity for superior audio transmission.
Sound Quality
When it comes to pure and crisp sound, the Lewitt LCT 1040 takes the cake. The first thing I noticed was how clean the audio output was. Being a professional, I’ve dealt with my fair share of microphones. But this, this is on another level.
The sound that I get from the Lewitt LCT 1040 is “as it should be”. It doesn’t add any colors or distortions to the vocals or instruments. What you listen to, is true to its source and that’s exactly what professionals like me want – authenticity!
Now let’s talk about its frequency range which goes from a low 20 Hz up to a high 20,000 Hz! In simpler terms, it’s like now you can hear both the deep rumble as well as those delightfully high notes in perfect clarity. The Lewitt LCT 1040 microphone shows absolutely no favoritism towards treble or bass frequencies.
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Connectivity Options
The Lewitt LCT 1040 comes with some impressive connector features that take your recording experience to the next level. Three important characteristics caught my eye:
- Gold-plated 3-pin XLR on PSU and Remote: This glamorous feature is not just for show. Gold is highly valued in audio gear like the Lewitt LCT 1040 because it does an excellent job of transmitting signals without corruption.
- 10-Pin Hirose Electric on Microphone: Hirose connectors are renowned for their reliability and durability. With this, you get a dependable link between your microphone and other equipment.
- Lastly, the importance of power supply voltage, either 230 V, 50 Hz, or 110 V, 60 Hz cannot be underscored. These numbers determine how effectively your microphone performs.
These connector features offer superb functionality while ensuring lasting durability. Fantastic audio transmission combined with trustworthy reliability gives me peace of mind when using my Lewitt LCT 1040 for any application!
Performance Review
I took my time to get acquainted with the Lewitt LCT 1040. Trust me, it’s a titan in its field! With a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, you can capture every note flawlessly. You might think that handling this beast could be tricky but its design is user-friendly with intuitive controls.
It’s not just me who’s impressed by the performance of this mic. Countless other users rave about its exceptional recording capabilities too. Whether you’re looking to record vocals or diverse instruments, this powerhouse does an excellent job.
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Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High sensitivity (17.2 mV/Pa) | Premium price point |
| Wide frequency range (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz) | Requires external power supply |
| Continuously variable polar pattern | Complexity may be overkill for casual users |
| Switchable low-cut filter with multiple settings | Bulkier compared to some other condenser mics |
| Excellent signal-to-noise ratio up to 84 dB (A) | Heavier than standard microphones (652 g) |
| Multiple attenuation pads for handling high SPLs | Specialized 10-pin Hirose connector needed |
| Pristine audio capture with minimal self-noise |
Conclusion
The Lewitt LCT 1040 stands out as a premier choice for audio professionals seeking unparalleled versatility and high-fidelity sound capture. Its robust design, coupled with features like a wide frequency range, adjustable polar patterns, and multiple attenuation pads, make it exceptionally adaptable to various recording scenarios.
While its advanced capabilities come at a higher price and require additional technical know-how, the microphone’s superior performance justifies the investment for serious musicians, producers, and engineers. If you demand impeccable audio quality and flexibility in your studio setup, the Lewitt LCT 1040 proves to be an outstanding asset.
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