The Lewitt LCT 140 AIR is a fixed cardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphone - often referred to as a "pencil mic" - designed to capture the fine details of acoustic instruments with exceptional clarity and precision. Combining premium features with affordability, it rivals far more expensive industry-standard microphones, making it a compelling choice for musicians, producers, and sound engineers who demand professional results without exceeding their budget. Its lightweight aluminium construction allows for easy positioning, while the fixed cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates the desired sound source by rejecting off-axis noise. A standout feature is its dual sound profiles: The "AIR" mode introduces a boost in the high end for a vibrant, polished sound, while the "FLAT" mode provides a transparent, uncoloured response, ideal for natural-sounding recordings. Supplied with a foam windscreen, mic clip, and a durable storage pouch, the LCT 140 AIR is perfectly suited to both studio and live environments, offering remarkable value and versatility.
At the core of the LCT 140 AIR is a gold-sputtered, back-electret condenser capsule with a 17mm diaphragm, offering a wide frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 135dB, which can handle even the loudest sources without distortion. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates the intended source, rejecting off-axis noise and for added versatility, three recessed switches on the side of the microphone enable on-the-fly adjustments: An 80Hz high-pass filter removes low-frequency rumble, a -12dB pad reduces input sensitivity for high-SPL sources, and the AIR/FLAT switch toggles between two distinct tonal profiles. AIR mode provides a subtle high-frequency boost around 10kHz, adding brilliance and airiness to instruments like acoustic guitars, cymbals, and percussion, while FLAT mode offers a linear frequency response for natural, uncoloured recordings. These features make the LCT 140 AIR a powerful and adaptable tool.
The Lewitt LCT 140 AIR is excellent at capturing transient-rich and dynamic sound sources with precision and detail. Its sensitivity of 14.3mV/Pa ensures a robust signal output, while its transient response faithfully reproduces fast attacks and intricate tonal details. This makes it an excellent choice for snare drums, where clarity and punch are critical, as well as brass and woodwind instruments that require detailed articulation and tonal balance. The AIR mode's subtle high-frequency boost enhances the shimmer of cymbals and the sparkle of strings, often reducing the need for extensive EQ adjustments during post-production. Capable of maintaining clarity even at high SPLs, the LCT 140 AIR is equally effective for recording percussion, drum overheads, and toms. Its compact, lightweight design (weighing just 66g) allows for easy placement, even in tight or unconventional setups.
Founded in Vienna in 2010, the midsize Austrian company Lewitt describes itself as the world's fastest-growing microphone brand, and indeed Lewitt has quickly made a name for itself among producers. The reason: The firm has a passionate team that produces remarkably transparent-sounding condenser microphones with low self-noise. Development takes place in Austria, but by producing the microphones in China, among other factors, Lewitt can offer its high-quality products at extremely low prices.
The LCT 140 AIR thrives in diverse recording applications. For acoustic guitars, placing the microphone near the 12th fret captures an ideal balance of warmth and brilliance, with the AIR setting adding a touch of sparkle for enhanced tonal richness. In drum recording setups, its precision and wide dynamic range make it an excellent choice for snare drums, where using two microphones above and below the drumhead - aligned with mirrored angles and distances - ensures a well-rounded and phase-coherent sound. For hi-hats and cymbals, experimenting with placement between the bell and edge allows users to refine the balance between clarity and ambient resonance. This microphone also shines with string ensembles, capturing the interplay of tonal nuances in violins and cellos. Offering a balance of affordability, quality, and functionality, the Lewitt LCT 140 AIR is an invaluable asset for musicians and engineers striving to achieve professional results across a wide range of applications.