Universal Microphone Lewitt LCT 540 S Subzero

This model takes “super-low self-noise,” “highly sensitive,” and “huge dynamic range” to a whole new level. Its premium-quality capsule, together with some clever circuit design, drops the electrical self-noise to -1 dB (A) at a sensitivity of 41 mV/Pa, -28 dBV/Pa, and it increases the dynamic range to 132 dB (A) – a first for studio-grade large-diaphragm condensers.

Features

• Condenser microphone with external polarization
• Acoustic principle: pressure gradient transducer
• Capsule diameter: 25.4 mm (1 inch)
• Diaphragm: 3 micron gold sputtered Mylar
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Frequency range: 20–20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 41 mV/Pa (-28 dBV/Pa)
• Self-noise: 4 dB (A)
• Max SPL: 136 dB SPL (0.5% THD)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB (A)
• Dynamic range: 132 dB (A)
• Attenuation: 0 dB / -6 dB / -12 dB
• Low-cut filter: linear, 80 Hz and 160 Hz (6 dB/oct)
• Internal impedance: 68 Ω
• Power supply: 48 V ± 4 V phantom power
• Current consumption: 3.6 mA
• Microphone housing: zinc die-cast
• Connector: gold-plated 3-pin XLR
• Dimensions: 158 x 52 x 36 mm
• Weight: 371 g

Sound samples recorded with the LCT 441 FLEX microphone

Polar Pattern Chart

Reviews from International Experts and Press

“Given that it is a mid-priced mic with a somewhat lower price tag than I expected from its performance, the LCT 540 SUBZERO represents extremely good value and is capable of taking on a wide range of recording tasks.” — Paul White, Sound on Sound

“This cardioid condenser shows its quality right away, sitting effortlessly next to a mic more than twice its price across a range of sources. For vocal work it ticks all the boxes, possessing great clarity along with an easily worked proximity buildup, a smooth high end and all the low-end richness you need for voiceovers or in-your-face breathy vocals. The condenser mic HF lift is subtle and free from phasey peaks, keeping sibilance natural and easily controlled.” — Robbie Stamp, MusicRadar

“It’s not too crisp, has zero muddiness, and is best described as detailed, full, and musically honest. [...] Also, due to its clean nature, the LCT 540 S makes not only an incredibly detailed vocal mic, but also a great closeup/intimate mic on the quietest of sources.” — Paul Vnuk Jr., Recording Magazine

Video review of Lewitt LCT 540 S SUBZERO by Nadiia Bondarets

Lewitt head of product management Moritz Lochner comments

“Everybody thinks 0 dB SPL is the hearing threshold, but that’s in fact only true at 2 kHz. At this point, the LCT 540 SUBZERO actually has self-noise of below -7 dB SPL – hence the name. The acoustic self-noise of 4 dB (A) is caused by random molecules bouncing against the diaphragm. Describing something frequency-dependent in one single value is nowhere near detailed enough at this level of engineering. We even went and redesigned our self-noise measuring equipment especially for this microphone.”

User guide