Sy Smith // LEWITT LCT 840 Tube Demo
Official LEWITT Endorsee Sy Smith demos the LCT 840 tube microphone. Recorded by Bob Horn. LEWITT’s LCT 840 is a premium-class externally polarized dual-diaphragm tube microphone providing exceptionally warm and classic, solid vintage sound. Five polar patterns, 3-level low cut and 3-level switchable pre-attenuation make the LCT 840 a highly versatile tool.
![lewitt_lct_840_premium_polarized_1070838[1]](https://staging7.mic18.com/wp-content/uploads/converted_files/content/4366-content-image-1.jpg)
Description
LEWITT’s LCT 840 is a premium-class externally polarized dual-diaphragm tube microphone designed to excel in a variety of demanding applications. Equipped with a precision-engineered 1-inch capsule, the LCT 840 stands for exceptionally warm and classic, solid vintage sound. Perfectly suited for miking vocals and instruments, this rugged multi-purpose microphone allows for highly nuanced and authentic sound reproduction in the studio and even on stage. Five switchable polar patterns – omni-directional, cardioid, figure-8, wide-cardioid and super-cardioid – make the LCT 840 a highly versatile tool for professional audio engineers and performers looking for true and authentic tube sound.
Like all LEWITT mics, the LCT 840 stands out for its extremely low self-noise of 9 dB and effective rejection of off-axis sounds. The microphone features three levels of attenuation and three switchable high-pass filters, LEDs and pushbuttons for noiseless handling on the power supply unit (PSU).
Apart from user-friendly operating controls and advanced technological features so essential to memorable recordings, the LCT 840 also makes an eye-catching design statement: The microphone is equipped with a plexiglass inspection window on the front side of the body, so the illuminated tube itself is fully exposed. The inside window surface is coated with a highly conductive, yet transparent film preventing electromagnetic interference.
In short: The unique combination of innovative design, high-end technology and tube-typical sound quality ensures magic takes.
![1406826028000_IMG_411382[1]](https://staging7.mic18.com/wp-content/uploads/converted_files/content/4366-content-image-3.jpg)
Features and Applications
Features
- Ultra-thin 1-inch externally biased, gold-layered low-mass diaphragms combined with a dual triode tube ensures accurate transient response while providing smooth, warm and airy tube sound
- Five consistent directional characteristics – cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, broad cardioid and supercardioid – offer maximum flexibility
- Superior dynamic range of 130 dB-A (Tube) and extremely low self-noise of 9 dB-A for ear-catching realism and distortion-free sonic depth
- 3-position switchable pre-attenuation pad (0 dB, 10 dB, and 20 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels and 3-position high-pass filter
- Illuminated user interface and jog dials for easy handling even in dark environments
- Noiseless pushbuttons for quick and easy attenuation and HPF selection
- Unique features like clipping history and automatic attenuation provide error-free studio recording and unparalleled ease of use
- Solid die-cast metal body with a stylish, oversized tube inspection window specially coated for maximum protection against electromagnetic interference
- Custom PSU 840 power supply unit with sturdy full-metal housing and brushed, anodized black aluminum front
- Extra-large hexagonal ruthenium-galvanized steel mesh grille provides an open acoustic environment and prevents unwanted internal reflections
- Corrosion-resistant gold-plated 3-pin XLR output connector
- Comes in a black case; includes PSU 840 power supply unit, LCT 40 SHxx shock mount, LCT 40 Tr audio cable with gold-plated 11-pin XLR connectors and LCT 40 Wxx windscreen
Top applications
- Lead and background vocals
- Acoustic instruments // piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings…
- Wind instruments // brass and woodwinds…
- Demanding studio applications
Tech Data
| Acoustical operating principle | pressure gradient transducer, externally polarized |
|---|---|
| Transducer Ø | 25,4 mm 1 inch |
| Directional pattern | omni broad-cardioid cardioid super-cardioid figure-8 selectable on remote control |
| Frequency range | 20 … 20.000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 23 mV / Pa (-33 dBV), cardioid 20 mV / Pa (-34 dBV), omni 23 mV / Pa (-33 dBV), figure-8 |
| Signal / noise ratio | 85 dB-A |
| Equivalent noise level (IEC 61672-1) | 9 dB-A, cardioid 10 dB-A, omni (IEC 61672-1) 9 dB-A, figure-8 (IEC 61672-1) |
| Dynamic range of mic. Amp. | 130 dB-A |
| Max. SPL for 0,5 % THD | 139 dB, 0 dB Pre-attenuation 149 dB, 10 dB Pre-attenuation 159 dB, 20 dB Pre-attenuation |
| Pre-attenuation pad | 10 dB 20 dB selectable on remote control |
| Bass cut filter slope | 12 dB / octave at 40 Hz 6 dB / octave at 300 Hz |
| Rated impedance | < 200 ohms |
| Rated load impedance | > 1.000 ohms |
| Supply voltage | custom power supply unit 230 V, 50 Hz 110 V, 60 Hz |
| Current consumption | 170 mA |
| Connector | gold plated 11-pin XLR |
| Cable | 8 m (26 ft) 11-pin audio cable oxygen-free copper |
| Dimensions (Mic) | 192 x 60 x 46 mm 7,5 x 2,4 x 1,8 inch |
| Dimensions (PSU) | 250 x 150 x 70 mm 9,8 x 5,9 x 2,8 inch |
| Net weight (Mic) | 662 g 23,3 oz |
| Net weight (PSU) | 1894 g 66,8 oz |
- Lewitt LCT 840 Reference Class Tube Microphone
- Black Carrying Case
- PSU 840 Power Supply Unit
- LCT 40 SHxx Shock Mount
- LCT 40 Tr 11-Pin Gold-Plated XLR Audio Cable (26′)
- LCT 40 Wxx Windscreen
