Lewitt LCT 840 Reference Class Tube Microphone User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- LEWITT
Table of Contents
Lewitt LCT 840 Reference Class Tube Microphone
Introduction
Thank you that you have opted for a LEWITT product. In this operating manual you will learn more about your LEWITT microphone, its handling and its properusage. We’ve put all our knowledge and all our passion for audio technology into building microphones for people whose standards for their own audio work and performances are just as high as our own. With the LCT Authentica series, LEWITT introduces a new generation of highly versatile wired condenser microphones that all aim for one thing and one thing only: to set new benchmarks of technology, sound quality and user- friendliness in both professional studio recording and onstage use. The mics of the Authentica series employ innovative technologies and a multitude of possible settings to offer a crystal-clear, authentic and characteristic sound for every imaginable application. Day after day, be it for live acts, in home studios or in professional studio productions. LEWITT wishes you a lot of fun and success with this product!
The Product
LEWITT’s LCT 840 is a premium-class externally polarized dual-diaphragm tube microphone designed to excel in a variety of demanding applications. Equipped with a precision-engineered 1-inch capsule, the LCT 840 stands for exceptionally warm and classic, solid vintage sound. Perfectly suited for miking vocals and instruments, this rugged multi-purpose mic allows for highly nuanced and authentic sound reproduction in the studio and even on stage. Five switchable polar patterns – omni-directional, cardioid, figure-8, wide- cardioid and super-cardioid – make the LCT 840 a highly versatile tool for professional audio engineers and performers looking for true and authentic tube sound. Like all LEWITT mics, the LCT 840 stands out for its extremely low self-noise level of 9 dB and effective rejection of off-axis sounds. The microphone features two levels of attenuation and two switchable low-cut frequencies. LEDs and pushbuttons for noiseless handling on the power supply unit (PS). Apart from user-friendly operating controls and advanced technological features so essential to memorable recordings, the LCT 840 also makes an eye- catching design statement: The mic is equipped with a plexiglass inspection window on the front side of the body, so the illuminated tube itself is fully exposed. The inside window surface is coated with a highly conductive, vet transparent film preventing electromagnetic interference. In short: The unique combination of innovative design, high-end technology and tube- typical sound quality ensures magic takes.
Features
- High-precision 1-inch capsule combined with a dual triode tube ensures beautifully detailed, smooth, warm and airy tube sound
- Wide dynamic range of 130 dB-A and extremely low self-noise of 9 dB-A
- Five directional characteristics – cardioid, omni-directional, figure-8, broad-cardioid and super-cardioid – offer maximum flexibility
- User-friendly jog-dial for selecting the desired polar pattern
- Solid die-cast body with a stylish, specially coated inspection window for optimal protection against electromagnetic interference
- Noiseless pushbuttons for attenuation and HPF selection
- Key-lock, clipping history and automatic attenuation
- Illuminated user interface for quick and easy handling
- Comes in an elegant black aluminium case with foam layers; includes PSU 840 power supply unit with full-metal housing and milled, anodized black aluminium front, LCT 40 SHxx shock mount, LCT 40 Tr audio cable with gold-plated 11-pin XL connectors to connect microphone to the PSU, LCT 40 Wxx windscreen, User Manual, Poster, Warranty Card, Sticker
Top applications
- Demanding studio applications
- Vocals
- Acoustic instruments
Using the mic
User-interface
- Mains voltage selection switch
- On / Off switch
- Status indicator
- Polar pattern selection, jog-dial High-pass filter indications
- Noiseless high-pass filter push button
- Pre-attenuation indications
- Noiseless pre-attenuation push button
- 3-pin XLR socket
- 11-pol. XLR-Stecker
- Mains socket
- Fuse
- 11-pin audio cable
Getting started
- Make sure that the Mains voltage selection ① switch is set to the correct position.
- Use the 11-pin audio cable to connect the microphone with the 11-pin XLR socket on the backside of the PSU.
- Use the 3-pin audio cable to connect your mixer with the
- 3-pin XLR socket ⑩ on the backside of the PSU.
- Put the LCT 840 into operation by activating the On / Off switch ② on the backside of the PSU.
Status indicator ③
- The microphone is in normal working mode if the status indicator is illuminated in white.
- The microphone is in key-lock mode if the status indicator is not illuminated.
- The microphone experiences clipping due to high SPL if the status indicator flashes in red.
- The microphone is in automatic attenuation mode if the status indicator is illuminated in red
- The microphone indicates the clipping history if the status indicator flashes red and white in an alternating sequence.
Polar pattern selection ④
- The currently active polar pattern is illuminated in white.
- Select up to five different directivity characteristics by briefly turning the jog dial to the right or left.
High pass filter indications ⑤
- The currently active high-pass filter setting is illuminated in white.
Setting a high-pass filter ⑥
- High-pass filters can be set by briefly pressing the noiseless high-pass filter push button ⑥.
- Settings are: linear, 12 dB / octave at 40 Hz and 6 dB / octave at 300 Hz.
Pre-attenuation indications 7
The currently active pre-attenuation setting is illuminated in white.
Setting a pre-attenuation level ⑧
Pre-attenuation levels can be set by briefly pressing the noiseless pre-
attenuation push button. Settings are -10 dB and 20 dB. Pre-attenuation is
used in extremely high SPL environments in order to prevent clipping of the
microphone, mixer and other audio equipment
Automatic attenuation function
The microphone will automatically adjust to the next higher attenuation level if it experiences clipping due to a high SPL. The microphone enters and leaves the automatic attenuation mode by constantly pressing the pre-attenaution push button ⑧ for more than 2 seconds. The microphone is set to automatic attenuation mode if the status indicator ③ is illuminated in red. Please note that the microphone will need one second to adjust to the new attenuation level in the event of too high sound pressure levels.
Key-lock function
The noiseless push buttons 6 and 8 as well as the polar pattern jog dial 4 can
be locked by pressing the jog dial knob (4 for more than 2 seconds.
Clipping history
Checking the clipping history lets you know if the microphone had experienced
clipping in the past. The microphone displays the clipping history after
constantly pressing the high-pass push button 6 for more than two seconds.
When in clipping history mode the status indicator (2 flashes red and white in
an alternating sequence, the polar pattern indications as well as the high-
pass indications are not illuminated. Clipping history mode provides
information and works according to the rules listed below:
- The last manually set attenuation level is indicated by a constantly illuminated attenuation LED. If clipping has occurred in the past this LED will flash.
- The clipping history information can only be accessed once. Clipping information will be deleted after leaving this mode by constantly pressing the high-pass filter push button for more than two seconds.
- Clipping history information will be deleted once you access the automatic attenuation mode.
- Clipping history information will not be deleted when unplugging the microphone.
Tech graph
Tech Data
Accessories
Caution
- The capsule is a sensitive, high precision component. Make sure you do not drop it from high heights and avoid strong mechanical stress and force.
- To ensure high sensitivity and best sound reproduction of the microphone, avoid exposing it to moisture, dust or extreme temperatures.
- Keep this product out of the reach of children.
- Do not use force on the switch or cable of the microphone.
- When disconnecting the microphone cable, grasp the connector and do not pull the cable.
- Do not attempt to modify or fix it. Contact qualified service personnel in case any service is needed.
- Please do not disassemble or modify the microphone for any reasons as this will void users warranty.
- The casing of the microphone can be cleaned easily using a wet cloth, never use alcohol or another solvent for cleaning.
- If necessary the foam wind stopper can be washed with soap water. Please wait till it is dry before using it again.
- Also please refer to the owner’s manual of the component to be connected to the microphone.
Warranty
All products manufactured by LEWITT GmbH feature a limited two-year warranty. This two-year warranty is specific to the date of purchase as shown on your purchase receipt. LEWITT GmbH shall satisfy the warranty obligations by remedying any material or manufacturing faults free of charge at LEWITT’s discretion either by repair or by exchanging individual parts or the entire appliance. Any defective parts removed from a product during the course of a warranty claim shall become the property of LEWITT GmbH. While under warranty period, defective products may be returned to the authorized LEWITT dealer together with original proof of purchase. To avoid any damages in transit, please use the original packaging if available. Please do not send your product to LEWITT GmbH directly as it will not be serviced. Freight charges have to be covered by the owner of the product. For further information please visit www.lewitt-audio.com or check your warranty card.
FCC
Regulatory Information
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FAQs
What is the Lewitt LCT 840 microphone?
The Lewitt LCT 840 is a reference-class tube microphone known for its exceptional audio recording quality.
What type of tube does the LCT 840 use?
The LCT 840 uses a 12AX7 dual-triode tube, which contributes to its warm and classic tube sound.
Is the LCT 840 suitable for studio recordings?
Yes, the LCT 840 is ideal for studio recordings, especially vocals and acoustic instruments.
Does it require an external power supply?
No, the LCT 840 has a built-in power supply, so it can be powered through standard 48V phantom power.
What pickup patterns does it support?
The LCT 840 supports multiple polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, offering versatility in recording options.
Is there a pad switch for reducing input levels?
Yes, the microphone has a -6dB and -12dB pad switch for handling high sound pressure levels.
Can I monitor audio with headphones through the microphone?
Yes, the LCT 840 has a headphone output with volume control for real-time monitoring.
What is the frequency response of the LCT 840?
The microphone has a wide frequency response range, typically from 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring accurate sound capture.
Is a shock mount included with the microphone?
Yes, the LCT 840 comes with a shock mount to reduce vibrations and handling noise during recording.
Does it come with a carrying case?
Yes, the microphone includes a sturdy carrying case for safe storage and transportation.
Can I use the LCT 840 with a variety of audio interfaces?
Yes, the LCT 840 has a standard XLR output and can be used with a wide range of audio interfaces and preamps.
What sets the Lewitt LCT 840 apart from other microphones in its class?
The LCT 840 stands out for its premium components, versatile polar patterns, and exceptional sound quality, making it a top choice for professional audio recording.
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