What makes the Lewitt LCT 1040 unique?

It features an all-analogue dual-circuit design that allows users to blend between a JJ Electronics E88CC tube circuit and a FET circuit. This provides a level of tonal flexibility usually requiring multiple different microphones.

What specific tube does the LCT 1040 use?

The system utilizes a premium E88CC / 6DJ8 tube from JJ Electronics. This specific tube is chosen to deliver the signature warmth and smoothness expected of high-end vintage hardware.

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

Yes, the microphone is designed to blend the two circuits in parallel. You can dial in the exact ratio of vintage tube character and modern FET transparency using the dedicated control.

What are the four tube modes available?

The four selectable all-analogue tube modes are Clear, Warm, Dark, and Saturated. Each mode alters the harmonic content and frequency response of the tube circuit.

What type of capsule does the LCT 1040 use?

It features a 1-inch externally polarized pressure gradient transducer. The capsule is gold-sputtered and housed in a unique design to ensure studio-quality audio capture.

Is the polar pattern selection limited to fixed increments?

No, the LCT 1040 offers seamless polar pattern control. This allows the user to find the perfect balance between Omni, Cardioid, Figure-8, and everything in between.

How is the LCT 1040 powered?

The microphone connects to a dedicated power supply unit and remote control. This external unit handles the high-voltage requirements of the tube and provides the control interface.

How does the LCT 1040 compare to a Shure SM58?

The SM58 is a rugged dynamic microphone intended primarily for live vocals. The LCT 1040 is a high-end large-diaphragm condenser system designed for detailed studio recording with significantly higher sensitivity and frequency range.

Is this microphone suitable for recording instruments?

Yes, its versatile circuit blending and polar pattern options make it suitable for a wide range of instruments. It can provide the grit needed for loud sources or the detail required for acoustic instruments.

What is the typical price for this microphone system?

The Lewitt LCT 1040 is typically priced around £2,599. This reflects its status as a flagship, professional-grade studio tool.

Can the remote control be detached from the power supply?

Yes, the system is designed so the remote control section can be placed on a desk or at a listening position while the power supply remains in the rack. This allows for ergonomic adjustment during a session.

Does it come with a shock mount?

Yes, as a premium studio system, it includes a dedicated shock mount to isolate the sensitive capsule from stand-borne vibrations and low-end rumble.

Gear article

Lewitt LCT 1040 Ultimate Microphone System

The Lewitt LCT 1040 is a professional-grade large-diaphragm condenser microphone system featuring an all-analogue dual-circuit design. It combines a JJ Electronics E88CC vacuum tube circuit with a high-fidelity FET circuit, allowing users to blend between vintage warmth and modern transparency.

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Overview

The Lewitt LCT 1040 is a flagship microphone system designed to provide a comprehensive solution for high-end studio recording. It is built around a premium 1-inch gold-sputtered capsule and a unique dual-circuit architecture. Unlike standard microphones that offer a single sonic signature, the LCT 1040 allows engineers to blend the distinct characteristics of a vacuum tube and a Field Effect Transistor (FET) circuit in parallel, all within the analogue domain.

Design and Circuitry

At the heart of the tube circuit is a premium E88CC (6DJ8) tube sourced from JJ Electronics. This component is responsible for providing the harmonic character associated with classic vintage microphones. The system features four distinct all-analogue tube modes:

Clear: Optimised for technical perfection.
Warm: Offers a smooth, classic high-end.
Dark: Designed for taming bright sources.
Saturated: Provides rich harmonics and increased character.

The FET circuit runs in parallel, providing the fast transient response and 'pristine' accuracy typical of modern solid-state designs.

Control and Integration

The system includes a dedicated remote control and power supply unit, allowing users to adjust settings from the listening position rather than the microphone stand. The primary innovation is the 'Circuit' control, which allows for seamless blending between the Tube and FET paths. Additionally, the system provides extensive polar pattern control, allowing for seamless transitions between Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Supercardioid, and Figure-8 patterns.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the LCT 1040 is defined by its versatility. By utilizing the gold-sputtered externally polarized pressure gradient transducer, it captures audio with high detail. The tube modes allow for varying degrees of smoothness and 'warmth,' while the FET side ensures that the microphone can handle high-resolution recording requirements where transparency is paramount.

Target Audience and Comparison

The LCT 1040 is positioned for world-class recording studios and professional engineers who require a single microphone capable of covering a wide range of vocal and instrument types. While dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58, SM57, or Sennheiser MD 441-U are staples for live use and specific stage applications, the LCT 1040 serves as a high-fidelity studio alternative. Compared to broadcast-standard dynamics like the Electro-Voice RE20 or Sennheiser e945, the LCT 1040 offers the superior sensitivity and frequency extension inherent to large-diaphragm condenser designs.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the Lewitt LCT 1040 unique?: It features an all-analogue dual-circuit design that allows users to blend between a JJ Electronics E88CC tube circuit and a FET circuit. This provides a level of tonal flexibility usually requiring multiple different microphones.
What specific tube does the LCT 1040 use?: The system utilizes a premium E88CC / 6DJ8 tube from JJ Electronics. This specific tube is chosen to deliver the signature warmth and smoothness expected of high-end vintage hardware.
Can I use the Tube and FET circuits at the same time?: Yes, the microphone is designed to blend the two circuits in parallel. You can dial in the exact ratio of vintage tube character and modern FET transparency using the dedicated control.
What are the four tube modes available?: The four selectable all-analogue tube modes are Clear, Warm, Dark, and Saturated. Each mode alters the harmonic content and frequency response of the tube circuit.
What type of capsule does the LCT 1040 use?: It features a 1-inch externally polarized pressure gradient transducer. The capsule is gold-sputtered and housed in a unique design to ensure studio-quality audio capture.
Is the polar pattern selection limited to fixed increments?: No, the LCT 1040 offers seamless polar pattern control. This allows the user to find the perfect balance between Omni, Cardioid, Figure-8, and everything in between.
How is the LCT 1040 powered?: The microphone connects to a dedicated power supply unit and remote control. This external unit handles the high-voltage requirements of the tube and provides the control interface.
How does the LCT 1040 compare to a Shure SM58?: The SM58 is a rugged dynamic microphone intended primarily for live vocals. The LCT 1040 is a high-end large-diaphragm condenser system designed for detailed studio recording with significantly higher sensitivity and frequency range.
Is this microphone suitable for recording instruments?: Yes, its versatile circuit blending and polar pattern options make it suitable for a wide range of instruments. It can provide the grit needed for loud sources or the detail required for acoustic instruments.
What is the typical price for this microphone system?: The Lewitt LCT 1040 is typically priced around £2,599. This reflects its status as a flagship, professional-grade studio tool.
Can the remote control be detached from the power supply?: Yes, the system is designed so the remote control section can be placed on a desk or at a listening position while the power supply remains in the rack. This allows for ergonomic adjustment during a session.
Does it come with a shock mount?: Yes, as a premium studio system, it includes a dedicated shock mount to isolate the sensitive capsule from stand-borne vibrations and low-end rumble.