Lewitt LCT 840 Review / Test (vs. OC818, TF51, LCT1040, U67)

Today i review the Lewitt LCT840, a multi-pattern tube condenser mic that offers 5 great sounding polar patterns, two pads, and two high pass filters. I hear more mids than other lewitt mics with a slightly different top end which isn't overly bright in the treble, but it offers a really nice upper treble and air region which maintains a smooth sound.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omni, Wide cardioid, Cardioid, Supercardioid, Figure 8.
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -33dBV
Self Noise: 9dB
Max SPL: 139dB (159dB with -20dB pad)
Impedance: 200 Ohms
High Pass Filter: 12dB/oct at 40Hz, 6dB/oct at 300hz
Pad: -10dB, -20dB
Tube: 12ZX7

Buy the Lewitt LCT840 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lct840
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/lct840
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3MLdGfM

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:40 - What’s in the Box
01:12 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:23 - Specifications
02:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
04:01 - Plosive Test
04:14 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:35 - Background Noise Test 
04:50 - Untreated Room Test
05:13 - Shock Rejection Test
05:30 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:44 - High Pass Filter Test
06:28 - Pad Test
06:55 - Windscreen Tone Test
07:27 -  High End Preamp Demo
08:24 - Intro to Comparison
08:49 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
09:18 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
09:45 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
10:15 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
10:42 - Lewitt Pure Tube Comparison
11:10 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
11:44 - AKG C414 XLS Comparison
12:14 - Sony C100 Comparison
12:47 - Lewitt LCT940 Comparison
13:26 - Telefunken TF51 Comparison
13:54 - Lewitt LCT1040 Comparison
14:36 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
15:19 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
16:06 - Music Test
17:41 - Pros & Cons
19:40 - Overall Thoughts
21:29 - Recommendation
22:22 - Outro

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing.