Lewitt LCT 140 Air Stereo Pair Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Description

Lewitt LCT 140 Air Stereo Pair Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Type: Small-diaphragm condenser microphones, matched stereo pair. 
Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
Diaphragm: 17 mm (0.67”), 3 µm gold-sputtered Mylar.
Sound Modes: Switchable between AIR and FLAT.

• AIR: Boosted high-end (“open, sparkle”) for a more polished or “hit-ready” sound

• FLAT: More neutral / linear response for accurate, natural sound capture 
  Low-Cut Filter: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave. 
  Pad: –12 dB. 
  Max SPL: 135 dB (for 0.5% THD)
  Self Noise: 20 dB(A)
  Power: Requires 48 V phantom power. 
  Connector: 3-pin XLR, gold plated. 
  Weight: ~66 g per mic. 
  Dimensions: 24 mm diameter × 140 mm length.
  Included Accessories: 2 x windscreen, 2 x mic clips, transport/carry bag.

Strengths / Advantages

1. Stereo Matching: Because they’re a matched pair, you get a very consistent stereo image. Lewitt uses a precise matching process to ensure minimal differences between the two mics.

2. Switchable Character: The ability to switch between AIR and FLAT gives flexibility — you can choose a more “produced” brightness or a neutral sound depending on what you’re recording.

3. Good for Instruments: Excellent for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, strings, choirs, piano, etc.

4. High SPL Handling: With a pad and relatively high max SPL, they can handle louder sources without distortion.

5. Lightweight and Durable: Aluminium body makes them sturdy but lightweight to mount.

6. Low-Cut Filter: Helps reduce rumble or low-frequency noise when needed.

Limitations / Considerations

• Self-Noise: 20 dB(A) is fairly high compared to some premium small-diaphragm condensers. For very quiet sources (e.g., soft acoustic instruments, quiet room miking), this might be noticeable.

• Phantom Power Only: Needs 48V phantom power — you’ll need a reliable interface/preamp that can deliver this.

• Stereo Bar / Mounting: To get proper stereo placement, you’ll likely need a stereo bar or two mic stands.

• Not “Ultra High-End”: While very good for its price, there are more expensive mics with lower noise or more refined capsules if you need top-tier studio mics.

Use Cases Where It Excels

• Drum Overheads: Great for overhead stereo miking of drum kits — both for live and studio.

• Acoustic Guitar: Captures strings in detail, especially in stereo.

• Room Ambience: Good for recording ambient room sound or ensembles.

• Strings / Choirs: Works well for classical or semi-classical recordings.