LEWITT LCT 1040 Large-Diaphragm Tube/FET Condenser Microphone System Instruction Manual
- June 5, 2024
- LEWITT
Table of Contents
LCT 1040 Large-Diaphragm Tube/FET Condenser Microphone System
Instruction Manual
Check out the setup video.
LeWitt-audio.com/lct-1040-setup
About the LCT 1040
The LCT 1040 is a microphone system with a comprehensive set of options to
dial in the perfect sound – from your sweet spot.
It all started with the vision of creating a studio microphone that allows you
to easily adapt the sound you need for your session without switching to
another microphone.
After ten years of development and with help from the international audio
community, the LCT 1040 brings new levels to your production workflow.
You’ll be more efficient and sound better than ever before.
The LCT 1040 is a studio condenser microphone using both, FET and tube
circuitry. It is exclusively built from premium components and features four
distinct all-analog tube characteristics.
Together with the blendable FET circuit, they allow you to effortlessly find
the perfect sound for your session.
- Gold-sputtered 1″ true condenser capsule
- 100% analog signal path
- Four distinct all-analog tube characteristics: Clear, Warm, Dark, Saturated
- Independent FET circuit with dedicated XLR output
- Both circuits can be seamlessly blended
- Tube and FET microphone in one housing
- Remote control and power supply unit
- Low-cut filters and pre-attenuation settings
- Seamless polar pattern control
- Default/Reverse switch to freely determine the front of the microphone
- LED status indicators
- E88CC / 6DJ8 tube from JJ Electronics
What’s included
Get your popcorn ready and simply scan the code to open the setup video.
lewitt-audio.com/lct-1040-setup
Register your product and extend your warranty to 10 years for free.
lewitt-audio.com/mylewitt
Settings and indicators
Tube
Change the tube characteristic.
- Clear: Tube works at technical optimum.
- Warm: Smooth and pleasant high-end.
- Dark: Tamed highs for bright sources.
- Saturated: Rich harmonics and subtle compression.
Filter
Set the low-cut filter to fit your needs.
Attenuation
Set the right attenuation for your recording situation.
Circuit
Blend between tube and FET circuit. This ratio will be sent to the Mix output.
Pattern
Set your polar patterns seamlessly. The notches indicate standard polar
patterns.
Default / Reverse
Define which side is set as the front of the microphone. Default indicates the
tube window is set as the front. Reverse sets the logo as the front.
Connectors
Preparing the microphone for recording
Mount the shock mount onto a stable microphone stand. Open the fixture of the
shock mount. Put the tube microphone in the shock mount. The tube window
indicates the default front. Lock the fixture.
Attach the pop filter from below. You will feel it when the magnet snaps it
into place.
Connect the microphone to the PSU via the 10-pin cable. Flip the power switch
on the PSU. Check the status LEDs and wait until ‘Operational’ stops blinking.
Now, the microphone system has reached its full sensitivity and you are ready
to record.
Stacked remote setup
The LCT 1040 consists of three parts: the microphone, the PSU, and the remote.
The remote is attached to the PSU by default (no cable needed).
Connect the microphone via the 10-pin cable.
On the right side, you can see how to wire all parts for the stacked remote
setup.
Detached remote setup
You can detach the remote from the PSU and use it without any drawbacks in
sound quality.
This is perfect when you have a separate control and recording room. The
connection works via standard XLR cable and is compatible with your patch bay
(maximum cable length is 150m / 492ft).
If transformers are in the signal path, the communication between the remote
and PSU will not work. Polarity inversion however is not a problem.
If you use a half-normally patch bay, make sure to insert a cable in the patch
point in the row below. Otherwise the remote will not receive the necessary
operating voltage.
Tip: If you are not certain if the remote is properly connected, check the
‘Remote’ LED on the PSU.
Connect the microphone to the PSU via the 10-pin cable. Connect the PSU to the remote via standard XLR cable.
Turn on the power and check all status LEDs.
FAQs
When is the system fully operational?
The ‘Operational’ LED on the remote indicates that the system is ready to use.
Once it stops blinking, the microphone has reached full sensitivity.
Can I damage something when incorrectly patched?
The PSU sends +24V to the remote, which could possibly damage other equipment.
So please be careful when patching the remote signal.
Can I damage the system if cables are un/plugged while it’s
powered?
Technically, no. For the sake of treating your LCT 1040 well, please refrain
from doing it.
Do I need to hang the mic upside down due to the heat coming from
the tube?
We tested it. There is no audible difference. Just position it the way you
prefer.
Can I extend the cable between the remote and the PSU by combining
multiple cables?
Yes, but please make sure they’re not longer than 150m / 492ft.
Are you using some kind of ‘modeling’ for the tube
characteristics?
The signals stay purely in the analog domain.
Only the controls are digital, which gives you the best of both worlds.
What kind of tube is inside?
After months of testing, we settled on the E88CC / 6DJ8 from JJ Electronics.
Can I change the tube?
The LCT 1040 is an extremely fine-tuned and calibrated system. We spent months
finding the perfect tube. So, no, please don’t change the tube. You’ll also
void your warranty by doing so.
Where can I find the specifications for the LCT 1040?
For detailed specifications and the tech graph, please visit our product page
lewitt-audio.com/lct-1040.
Please note
- The capsule is a sensitive, high-precision component. Make sure you do not drop the microphone from high heights and avoid strong mechanical stress and force.
- To ensure high sensitivity and the best sound reproduction possible, avoid exposing it to moisture, dust, or extreme temperatures.
- Do not apply excessive force on the buttons or the connected cables.
- When disconnecting the microphone cable, grasp the connector instead of pulling the cable.
- Do not attempt to modify or open the product, as doing so will void your product warranty.
- The casing of the LCT 1040 can be cleaned easily using a wet cloth, never use alcohol or another solvent for cleaning.
Important Notice!
Only use a C13 power cord connected to a socket outlet with earthing
connection. Do not use any ground lifting circuits. In case of problems with
electrical hum and interference, first try to change position, install a mains
filter, or try a different power outlet. If the problem persists please
contact our support. Removing the earthing connection can have lethal
consequences. Only use indoors, in safe and dry environments. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside the power supply unit or the microphone, but
there are potentially lethal voltages. If it does not work correctly, please
consult your dealer. Do not open the unit yourself. Do not use with damaged
cables or after the unit has fallen and lost parts or broken glass can be
heard inside. Do not cover the power supply unit, always leave enough space
around it for proper ventilation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between
the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or
an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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LEWITT GmbH
If you have any further questions, please get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you.