What type of capsule does the Lewitt MTP W950 use?

The microphone features a 1-inch true condenser capsule, which is designed to provide studio-quality audio resolution and accuracy in a handheld format.

Can the MTP W950 be used with wireless systems?

Yes, the MTP W950 features a hybrid design where the microphone head can be detached and used with most popular wireless handheld transmitters.

How effective is the microphone at rejecting background noise?

The MTP W950 boasts industry-leading rear rejection, capable of eliminating up to 90 percent of background noise for a clean vocal signal.

Does this microphone offer different polar patterns?

Yes, it features a multi-pattern design allowing users to switch between cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns depending on stage requirements.

What is the typical price for the Lewitt MTP W950?

The microphone is typically available at a retail price of approximately £644 in the United Kingdom.

Is this microphone suitable for studio recording?

While designed for the stage, its 1-inch true condenser capsule provides the high-end sonic clarity and detail required for professional studio vocal recording.

Does the MTP W950 require phantom power?

Yes, when used in its wired configuration via XLR, it requires 48V phantom power to operate the condenser capsule.

What are the main advantages of the 1-inch capsule in a live setting?

The large capsule allows for a richer sound and captures every nuance of the voice with greater accuracy than standard small-diaphragm stage mics.

How does it handle loud stage environments?

It uses advanced rear rejection technology and a switchable supercardioid pattern to focus on the vocalist and ignore loud instruments or monitors nearby.

Can I switch patterns while the microphone is in use?

The settings are typically adjusted under the protective grille to prevent accidental changes during a performance, ensuring stability on stage.

Is the MTP W950 compatible with all wireless brands?

The capsule is compatible with the most popular wireless systems that use standard screw-on thread connections, though specific compatibility should be checked per brand.

How does the MTP W950 compare to the Neumann TLM 102?

While both offer high-end condenser clarity, the TLM 102 is a dedicated studio side-address microphone, whereas the MTP W950 is built for handheld stage use and wireless versatility.

Gear article

Lewitt MTP W950 Handheld Condenser Microphone

The Lewitt MTP W950 is a high-end handheld condenser microphone designed to deliver studio-grade vocal performance in live stage environments. It features a 1-inch true condenser capsule and a unique hybrid design that allows the capsule to be used in both wired and wireless configurations.

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Background and Design

The Lewitt MTP W950 represents a shift in live vocal technology by bridging the gap between studio fidelity and stage durability. While many stage microphones use dynamic capsules to handle high sound pressure levels and rough handling, Lewitt has utilised a large 1-inch true condenser capsule. This design aims to capture the detail and nuance typically associated with high-end studio recording microphones.

A standout engineering choice is the microphone's modularity. The capsule head is detachable and designed to be compatible with most industry-standard wireless handheld transmitters, allowing vocalists to maintain their specific sonic character even when switching from a wired setup to a wireless system.

Technical Features and Performance

The MTP W950 is built to solve common live sound issues, most notably stage bleed and feedback. It boasts industry-leading rear rejection, capable of minimising up to 90 percent of background noise. This ensures that even on high-volume stages with loud monitoring or drumming, the vocal signal remains clean and focused.

The microphone offers multi-pattern functionality, allowing the user to switch between cardioid and supercardioid patterns. This flexibility is complemented by a built-in 12 dB attenuation pad and a low-cut filter to manage proximity effect and high-energy performances.

Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set Microphone Nickel

Sonic Character

The sonic signature of the MTP W950 is defined by the high-end clarity provided by its 1-inch capsule. It is designed to provide 'studio-grade' sound, which translates to a wide frequency response and a high level of accuracy in capturing vocal transients. Unlike many dynamic microphones that may sound dark or compressed, the W950 maintains a detailed top-end and a rich low-mid presence without sacrificing isolation.

Market Position and Comparisons

Priced around the £644 mark, the MTP W950 occupies a premium tier in the handheld microphone market. It competes with other high-end condensers like the Neumann KMS series. However, its hybrid wireless compatibility gives it a distinct advantage for performers who move between different venues and technical setups.

Compared to standard dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B, the W950 offers greater sensitivity and high-frequency detail, though it requires phantom power (in wired mode) and more careful handling due to its condenser nature. While studio-only condensers like the Neumann TLM 102 offer similar clarity, the W950 is specifically ruggedised for handheld stage use.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of capsule does the Lewitt MTP W950 use?: The microphone features a 1-inch true condenser capsule, which is designed to provide studio-quality audio resolution and accuracy in a handheld format.
Can the MTP W950 be used with wireless systems?: Yes, the MTP W950 features a hybrid design where the microphone head can be detached and used with most popular wireless handheld transmitters.
How effective is the microphone at rejecting background noise?: The MTP W950 boasts industry-leading rear rejection, capable of eliminating up to 90 percent of background noise for a clean vocal signal.
Does this microphone offer different polar patterns?: Yes, it features a multi-pattern design allowing users to switch between cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns depending on stage requirements.
What is the typical price for the Lewitt MTP W950?: The microphone is typically available at a retail price of approximately £644 in the United Kingdom.
Is this microphone suitable for studio recording?: While designed for the stage, its 1-inch true condenser capsule provides the high-end sonic clarity and detail required for professional studio vocal recording.
Does the MTP W950 require phantom power?: Yes, when used in its wired configuration via XLR, it requires 48V phantom power to operate the condenser capsule.
What are the main advantages of the 1-inch capsule in a live setting?: The large capsule allows for a richer sound and captures every nuance of the voice with greater accuracy than standard small-diaphragm stage mics.
How does it handle loud stage environments?: It uses advanced rear rejection technology and a switchable supercardioid pattern to focus on the vocalist and ignore loud instruments or monitors nearby.
Can I switch patterns while the microphone is in use?: The settings are typically adjusted under the protective grille to prevent accidental changes during a performance, ensuring stability on stage.
Is the MTP W950 compatible with all wireless brands?: The capsule is compatible with the most popular wireless systems that use standard screw-on thread connections, though specific compatibility should be checked per brand.
How does the MTP W950 compare to the Neumann TLM 102?: While both offer high-end condenser clarity, the TLM 102 is a dedicated studio side-address microphone, whereas the MTP W950 is built for handheld stage use and wireless versatility.