What is the primary feature of the Lewitt LCT 940?

The primary feature is its hybrid circuit, which combines a 12AX7 tube and a FET condenser signal path in a single microphone. Users can blend between these two circuits using a dial on the external power supply.

What tube does the LCT 940 use?

It uses a high-quality 12AX7 dual-triode vacuum tube. This specific tube is known for providing a vintage-style warmth and rich harmonic content to audio signals.

Does the LCT 940 require an external power supply?

Yes, it comes with a dedicated external interface and power supply. This unit is necessary to power the tube and allows the user to change polar patterns, filters, and circuit blending.

How many polar patterns are available on the LCT 940?

The microphone features nine different polar patterns. These include standard patterns like cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, as well as several intermediate stages.

Can I use the FET and Tube circuits at the same time?

Yes, that is the core design of the microphone. You can blend them in any ratio, allowing for a custom balance between FET precision and Tube warmth.

What are the pre-attenuation options?

The LCT 940 offers three levels of pre-attenuation: 0 dB, -6 dB, and -12 dB. This allows the microphone to handle high sound pressure levels without clipping the internal circuitry.

Does the microphone have a low-cut filter?

Yes, the external interface provides three low-cut settings. These help to reduce low-frequency rumble or compensate for the proximity effect during close-mic applications.

What is the typical price of the Lewitt LCT 940?

The microphone typically retails for approximately £1,435. This price usually includes the microphone, the external power supply, a shock mount, and a transport case.

Is the LCT 940 suitable for vocals?

It is considered ideal for vocals due to its switchable character. The ability to add tube saturation helps voices sound 'larger than life,' while the FET side ensures every syllable is clear.

How does it compare to the Neumann TLM 103?

While the TLM 103 is a highly respected FET microphone with a fixed character, the LCT 940 offers more versatility through its hybrid tube circuit and multiple polar patterns, though it requires an external PSU.

Is the LCT 940 a quiet microphone?

The FET side of the circuitry is designed for low self-noise. While the tube side introduces some character, the overall design aims for high dynamic range and professional signal-to-noise ratios.

What is included in the LCT 940 package?

The package typically includes the LCT 940 microphone, the external PSU/remote unit, an 11-pin connection cable, a shock mount, and a rugged military-grade carrying case.

Gear article

Lewitt LCT 940 FET Condenser/Tube Microphone

The Lewitt LCT 940 is a flagship large-diaphragm studio microphone that integrates both a dual-triode 12AX7 tube circuit and a solid-state FET circuit. It is designed for versatility, allowing engineers to blend these two distinct signal paths to achieve a wide range of sonic textures for vocals and instruments.

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Overview

The Lewitt LCT 940 represents the pinnacle of Lewitt's studio microphone engineering. As a hybrid microphone, it is designed to offer the best of both worlds: the clinical precision of FET (Field Effect Transistor) technology and the harmonic richness associated with vacuum tubes.

At the heart of the device is a 1-inch large-diaphragm capsule and a 12AX7 dual-triode tube. The microphone is controlled via a dedicated external power supply and interface unit, which manages polar patterns, filters, and the unique blending function between the two internal circuits.

Design and Circuitry

The standout feature of the LCT 940 is its dual-circuit design. Users are not restricted to choosing either the Tube or FET path; rather, the external interface features a continuously variable control that allows the user to blend the two circuits in any proportion.

FET Circuitry: Provides a clean, fast, and accurate transient response, ideal for capturing high-frequency detail and maintaining transparency.
Tube Circuitry: Utilises a 12AX7 tube to introduce warm, even-order harmonics and a subtle natural compression characteristic of vintage recording equipment.
External Interface: This unit houses the controls for nine polar patterns, three levels of pre-attenuation (0 dB, -6 dB, and -12 dB), and three low-cut filter settings.

Sound Character

Because of its hybrid nature, the LCT 940 does not have a single 'locked' sound. When set fully to the FET side, the microphone exhibits low self-noise and a high dynamic range, making it suitable for detailed acoustic instruments.

When the dial is turned toward the Tube side, the sound becomes rounder and more 'saturated'. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for vocalists, as the engineer can dial in the exact amount of 'warmth' required to sit the voice perfectly in a mix without reaching for external processors.

Suitability and Applications

The LCT 940 is positioned as a 'do-it-all' studio workhorse. Its high SPL handling and adjustable character make it effective for:

1. Lead Vocals: Adding tube warmth to thin voices or FET clarity to darker voices. 2. Acoustic Instruments: Capturing the intricate details of grand pianos or acoustic guitars. 3. Amplified Instruments: Handling high volume levels via the pre-attenuation pads. 4. Room Miking: Utilizing the various polar patterns (including omnidirectional and figure-8) to capture space.

Market Comparison

Within the professional studio market, the LCT 940 competes with high-end offerings from brands like Neumann and Shure. While the Neumann TLM 103 or TLM 102 offer fixed FET characteristics with a specific brand 'sheen', the LCT 940 provides significantly more tonal flexibility through its hybrid blending.

Compared to dedicated tube microphones, the LCT 940's ability to switch to a pure FET path gives it a lower noise floor for quiet sources where a traditional tube might be too noisy. It sits at a premium price point, reflecting its flagship status and the inclusion of the external control unit.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary feature of the Lewitt LCT 940?: The primary feature is its hybrid circuit, which combines a 12AX7 tube and a FET condenser signal path in a single microphone. Users can blend between these two circuits using a dial on the external power supply.
What tube does the LCT 940 use?: It uses a high-quality 12AX7 dual-triode vacuum tube. This specific tube is known for providing a vintage-style warmth and rich harmonic content to audio signals.
Does the LCT 940 require an external power supply?: Yes, it comes with a dedicated external interface and power supply. This unit is necessary to power the tube and allows the user to change polar patterns, filters, and circuit blending.
How many polar patterns are available on the LCT 940?: The microphone features nine different polar patterns. These include standard patterns like cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, as well as several intermediate stages.
Can I use the FET and Tube circuits at the same time?: Yes, that is the core design of the microphone. You can blend them in any ratio, allowing for a custom balance between FET precision and Tube warmth.
What are the pre-attenuation options?: The LCT 940 offers three levels of pre-attenuation: 0 dB, -6 dB, and -12 dB. This allows the microphone to handle high sound pressure levels without clipping the internal circuitry.
Does the microphone have a low-cut filter?: Yes, the external interface provides three low-cut settings. These help to reduce low-frequency rumble or compensate for the proximity effect during close-mic applications.
What is the typical price of the Lewitt LCT 940?: The microphone typically retails for approximately £1,435. This price usually includes the microphone, the external power supply, a shock mount, and a transport case.
Is the LCT 940 suitable for vocals?: It is considered ideal for vocals due to its switchable character. The ability to add tube saturation helps voices sound 'larger than life,' while the FET side ensures every syllable is clear.
How does it compare to the Neumann TLM 103?: While the TLM 103 is a highly respected FET microphone with a fixed character, the LCT 940 offers more versatility through its hybrid tube circuit and multiple polar patterns, though it requires an external PSU.
Is the LCT 940 a quiet microphone?: The FET side of the circuitry is designed for low self-noise. While the tube side introduces some character, the overall design aims for high dynamic range and professional signal-to-noise ratios.
What is included in the LCT 940 package?: The package typically includes the LCT 940 microphone, the external PSU/remote unit, an 11-pin connection cable, a shock mount, and a rugged military-grade carrying case.