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OmnidirectionalCardioidHypercardioidBidirectionalWide CardioidLewitt Audio LCT 840

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The Lewitt-Audio LCT 840 is a large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone.

Like its FET counterparts, the LCT 540 and LCT 640, the 840 uses a 33mm capsule with dual, center-terminated 25mm diaphragms made of 4-micron Mylar.

The LCT 840 features five switchable polar patterns: Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Figure-8. The pattern switch is located on the external power supply; it is a “jog dial” control with lighted selection indicator.

The pad and filter options are selectable via noiseless pushbutton controls on the PSU. Pad options include 0dB, -10dB, -20dB; the filter offers either a -12dB cutoff at 40Hz, or a -6dB rolloff at 300Hz, when enabled.

At 9dBA, the mic’s self-noise is remarkably low considering its tube-and-transformer topology.

The tube is a dual-triode 12AX7B, visible through a plexiglass cover on the front of the microphone body. Because tubes are susceptible to EMI, Lewitt developed a thin film of highly conductive material that is all but transparent; this material coats the inside of the plexiglass window, effectively blocking electromagnetic interference.

Tubes are from a Chinese supplier; they are selected to meet strict criteria for amplification factor and noise, then burned in for 36 hours within the microphone. Following the burn-in period, microphones are tested for performance and adherence to specifications.

The LCT 840 ships in an black aluminium case with its PSU 840 power supply, LCT 40 SHxx shock mount, LCT 40 Tr audio cable with gold-plated 11-pin XLR connectors to connect microphone to the PSU, LCT 40 Wxx windscreen, user manual, warranty card, and Lewitt sticker.

Lewitt-audio announced their flagship LCT 840 and 940 vacuum tube condensers at Winter NAMM 2012.

Note: the photo shows the LCT-940, which is visually identical (save the model number).

Permalink: Lewitt Audio LCT-840

The mic was released in 2012.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (20 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Hypercardioid (20 - 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (23 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Wide Cardioid (20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -10dB (Via Switch)
  • Pad: -20dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -12dB/octave @ 40Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 300 Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25.4mm
Capsule diameter: 33mm
Diaphragm gauge: 4 microns
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 159 dB
Self-noise: 9.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
662g (23.35oz) 192mm (7.56'') n/a
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Includes tube power supply

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