Lewitt LCT 540 S Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

95
GEARANK

95 out of 100. Incorporating 80+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$699

Cons

  • Included pop filter might not be enough to mitigate the harshest plosives

Pros

  • Amazingly low, almost non-existent noise floor
  • Pads and filters add to versatility
  • Great build quality and accessories

Lewitt's LCT 540 Subzero cardioid-pattern mic was inspired by feedback from Lewitt's endorsers, aimed at maintaining premium quality without an exorbitant price. The 'Subzero' distinction indicates its impressively low electrical background noise, measuring below 0dB SPL. Its robust construction includes a cast zinc body, a coated steel grille, and signature black and green-trim styling typical of Lewitt's design ethos, all enclosed within a durable carrying case.

Featuring a fixed cardioid polar response, the mic employs an externally polarized one-inch-diameter capsule with a gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm. Requiring standard 48V phantom power, it offers a dynamic range of 132dB. The mic's adjustable pads (-6 or -12 dB) and low-cut filter (80 or 160 Hz) assist in managing various sound levels and minimizing low-frequency noise. Engineered for a nuanced tonal character, it boasts a gentle presence peak beyond 1kHz, lending an open and airy quality to the high end.

Designed with intuitive button controls for pad and filter functions, the mic delivers a balanced tonal spectrum suitable for diverse vocal styles and instrument recordings. While excelling in low self-noise, it may display sibilance in female voices. It also exhibits a bias toward higher frequencies. Nonetheless, as a moderately priced option, the LCT 540 Subzero offers excellent value for a broad spectrum of recording tasks and arrives with essential accessories in a convenient travel case.

Specifications

  • Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Impedance: 68 Ohms
  • Max SPL: 136dB SPL @ 0dB attenuation
  • Applications: Recording vocals, cymbals, amplifiers, overheads, background vocals, acoustic
    instruments, and more
  • Power Requirements: 48V phantom power

Rating Source Highlight

Website Source *Rating Value
Geargods Alex Nasla 96/100
Sound On Sound Paul White 100/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Frequency Response and Polar Pattern Charts

Lewitt LCT 540 s  frequency response chart