$1300 vs $269 Microphone: Lewitt LCT 440 Pure or Neumann TLM103? 

I had to sell my TLM 103 due to pandemic to pay bills. I REALLY liked it on my voice. I replaced it with an LCT 440 PURE and it's an outstanding replacement for my voice. I wouldn't hesitate to get a second one so I have a pair. I did find the Neumann just a little "mellower" for my voice than the LCT but the difference is negligible. I could do far more sonic damage with poor EQ, mic placement etc versus the difference between the two mics. I wasn't able to record them side by side on the same day, just A/B-ing separate performances from the 2 mics in the same song context. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to get another TLM 103 but I can't justify it for the price of 2 LCT 440 PUREs and enough left over to get another pair of mics like the Lewitt LCT 040 Match or something similar. I don't think anyone would have any reasonable complaints about the LCT 440 PURE. It really is a fantastic mic.

Neumann sounds a touch “warmer” but it’s really close. Impressive.

I own both mics and prefer the sound of the Lewitt.Anyone want to buy my Neumann?

LCT440 is awesome, the mic is bright for sure (EQ does the job), but I've never had any problems with sibilances (compared to NT2000). The big plus is a compact size + magnetic pop-filter. Unbeatable price/value IMHO.

440 seems to be just about the best damn mic in terms of price to performance, its insane!

*cries in blue yeti for 5 years* Hopefully I can work out what to upgrade to with your videos 😁

The Lewitt LCT 440 Pure is picking up much more sibilance than the Neumann. While it can be processed out it is nice to not have to.

Alex, wonderful video. My experiences mirror yours precisely as it relates to direct comparison between these two great mics for voice over. Just purchased the Lewitt 440 a couple days ago as a "on the road" backup mic. My vocal tone is a deep bass. It is amazing how close the overall sound quality and performance of this Lewitt is to my TLM 103. Side by side direct comparison, what an absolute "WOW" moment. This truly is a real find at this price point . Highly recommended. Thank you for your video share. It led to my purchase. Subscribed to your channel. FYI: Forgot to mention. With the Lewitt 440 having the built in pop-filter, doesn’t take up any “visual space” as you are looking at your vo copy. In other words, you don’t have to look around the assy. pop-filter because of it’s size and positioning, while you are reading script. A Really Cool Feature in and by itself.

Great video comparison. Easy to hear the differences in frequency response. Not crazy about the word, "harsh." Looked at the graphs from both companies. The Neuman begins to rise just before 5k and the Lewitt begins to rise about 1.5k and is up a fair amount by 5K. This could create some "splatter" of ess's but the air and presence of the Lewitt is impressive. With processing in place they ARE very similar. Price difference is worth a bit of eq attenuation when needed. Nice job on the video without a bunch of subjective opinions (or cursing.) Nice switching and designation of which mic we are hearing too. My 440 is on order. This will help to know what to expect next to my C-214 and a TLM 102 (not 103,) so, Thanks!

Yesterday I ordered the Lewitt 441 Flex, the multi-pattern version of the 440, for Black Friday price of $299 US. My first condenser mic, and I look forward to creating with it! cb

Damn near 1k less than the Neumann, can’t stress that enough.

103 sounded more full and warm when you got closer. Thank you! The algorithm definitely worked today!

Thank you for this comparison. I always look for reviews of the LCT 440 Pure. Some thoughts about this review: The Lewitt LCT 440 Pure indeed sounds more sharp. This is something, that was apparent to me already, when i saw a comparison between it and the RØDE NT1. In fact, i wished i would see a review of the TLM103 and the RØDE NT1 from you, but the NT1 has been around for some time and buying the NT1 naturally is out of the question. If you need less gain on your audio interface for the same level, you get less self-noise, relative to the loudness of the sound you're recording. So in this regard, the LCT 440 Pure would actually be in a slight advantage. That is, if the impedance of the microphones doesn't count here But as far as I know, the impedance of the microphone connected does directly influence the noise behavior. The Neumann TLM 103 has an impedance of 50 ohms, while the Lewitt LCT 440 Pure has an impedance of 110 ohms. To be fair, the rated load impedance on both microphones is the same at 1kHz. So I cannot tell, whether the impedance off load does make any difference here. To me, the fact that the big brother of the LCT 440 Pure, namingly the LCT 540 S has an Equivalent noise level of 4 dBA, as opposed to the TLM103's 7dBA becomes really interesting. In fact, the RØDE NT1 is interesting in that regard, coming in at 4.5dBA of equivelent noise at a price tag similar to the LCT 440 Pure. Or lets say, it would be, if I had a really dead silent recording room with no reverb. Because if you don't, the really low noise level of microphone X doesn't count for much. It doesn't matter, what kind of noise it is - both degrades the sound quality if you have to deal with it.

I have a Lewitt LCT 440 in my studio, it’s pretty much great that I expected, it’s got a warmer tone and sounds lot natural than the Rode NT1A or 2A. Good for what they offer

for me lewitt is better.

This is amazing. I always used a Newman at my work and my dream was having one in my home studio setup. It’s great to know that I can have the same quality for less money! Thanks for this video

I love this brand so much. The 440 pure is great but is also their lower mid range option on price. Even the smaller 240s are incredible.

Should I buy the Tlm 103 or the new Lewitt pure tube?

With this video, it sounds to me that the Neumann is more accurate and detailed, which translates to being able to hear more of the environment surrounding it. I can hear more room reverberation with the Neumann, and the bass is a little more pronounced. The Lewitt sounds a bit more focused, with less low end and more mid/high presence. Great work. Thanks for the comparison!

The Rode NT1 would probably be much more like the Neumann as it's Freq response is a lot flatter, and it's about same price as Lewitt 440

Good video, thank you. I do hear a significant difference. The LCT is harsh and sibilant in this comparison. The TLM is a bit warmer and more rounded. I think the LCT 540 S is the one that compares and sounds more like the TLM 103

It took a little while to hear the difference but I really think it caught my attention after 4:25 from the lewitt to the neumann, the neumann sounds more full.

In Germany the Neumann is 899,-, the Lewitt 265,-. I like the Lewitt mics a lot. But what you get for your money buying a TLM 103 is o.k., too. I just wouldn’t buy the Neumann with the overpriced shock mount. To be fair these accessories are included in the Lewitt package.

Thanks for this video. It told me all I need to know about the Lewitt..a mic I've been contemplating buying. You made my decision to buy it much easier.

Hi Alex, I'd like to politely point you to the dialogue from around 1:45, which is not correct. When you isolate the variables in a mic capsule design, a larger diaphragm area will make the mic more sensitive, not less. That is, the larger surface area can convert the pressure on the capsule to a greater electrical signal. But diaphragm area is just one of many variables to balance in the mic design. Also, don't confuse sensitivity with the proximity effect. The ability to reject background noise is a function of the proximity effect, not sensitivity. The reason dynamic mics are typically said to have 'good background noise rejection' is because the sensitivity of dynamic mics is generally low. Subsequently, you have to move much closer (proximity) to the dynamic mic to get enough audio level. When you are closer to the mic, the SPL of your voice, as compared to the background noise, is much higher. Really nice video. Thanks.

I have the Lewitt and it’s absolutely fantastic.

The midrange sounded much more natural on the TLM. It's actually more important than some might think. That being said, paying a WHOLE GRAND more for it.. I dunno.. It better help pay the rent.

Great comparison and insights, Alex. As always. Vocalists and VO folks I know like the Lewitt mics in general. Great value. Thanks very much for posting.

I am using the Lewitt LCT 640 TS for recording my RU-vid videos live and I can say it’s the best mic I’ve ever tried. This Lewitt pure sounded harsh to me in your video. You’re totally right. Neumann sounds better! I wonder how it would go side to side with the 640. I almost bought the Neumann TLM 102 when I was choosing the best options for me. I hope more people start trying the Lewitt stuff because they are awesome!

Im wearing Neumann headphones and I can tell the difference between the two, the 103 definitely sounds better. Granted the lewitt is pretty comparable.

Fantastic comparison video! Lewitt is ordered and on the way! Definitely had to subscribe to your channel and look forward to seeing more content from ya man

Guys i have used both. Lewitt is shit. dont fall for the marketing gimmicks. Cant even compare with Neumann.

yes! i have a rode nt1 4th gen and to see these 2 u did a wonder was deciding if i should go 440pure to give myself room to see if i like the boosted highs thats the rode and u87 doesnt have there more flat charted or 440 pure and tlm 103 sound ,! trying the 440pure thanks after def a neumann mic

Thank you very much you just saves me 650 euro on a TLM 102 I already own a 440 pure.

The Neumann definitely has a bit more low-mid presence and the lewitt sounds definitely harsher and lacks just a touch of mids, nothing that you can't edit through a slight EQ. I'm actually considering it too. If I like how it sounds with acoustics or something I might wonder if it wouldn't be a good idea to get a pair to record in stereo

I certainly couldn't hear any difference, but then I'm not an audiophile. I was expecting the eq curve on the screens behind you to go flat when you said you were using the raw output, but they didn't. Are they not actually what I thought they were?

This vid was mad nice, it really made me feel more confident in my purchase of a 440

Definitely prefer the Neumann but you can’t complain about the LCT considering the price. Which one would last longer, though? Time for the drop test.

I have both mikes...Neumann really is more detailed...But I'm very happy with the Lewitt's that I have.....Great Mics!! I use them on everything..

They're both great. The neumann is softer more balanced. But you can put the windscreen on the lct440 and that would help on the hardness. The lct is very clear and sensitive. For the price it's awesome.

There is. HUUUUGE difference when you get closer to the mics between the two. The lewitt has really harsh siblance and is very unpleasant. I'd have to EQ the hell out of it. The neumann stays consistently smooth. But from the start position which looks like about 11 inches they sound almost identical but the proximety effect is miles away. Can't believe you could not hear the difference my friend.

Okay. Now we know what Serj Tankian has been up to as of late. Mic comparison vids 🤔👍

Even if i liked the Neumann 1/6th as much as the Lewitt, i can buy six Lewitt's and mic a whole drum kit with the Lewitt for the price of a single low-end Neumann

The 103 is definitely smoother on the top end. That harsh top end on the Lewitt could get irritating. But, as demonstrated, you can process that harshness out.

Personally I thought the Neumann sounded better, not $1,000 better- but better. One thing I did notice was that both examples sounded an awful lot better with the processing turned off.

Thank you singer of the band system of a down! this was helpfull!

sillyh design, the metal pop filter blocks way too much sound

Bad Video, u don't sit in the exact middle of both displays 😁 I'm joking, really nice comparison and very good analytics, thanks 👍

Very informative

Forget about mics this guy looks like Serj 😳

The 440 has less mids…. Thinner mic for sure, but I have tried the 103 a while back and it has incredible mids, I tried the 441 flex and honestly found it to be priced specifically at its actual price, while the 103 does sound like a mic above 1k

for 300 bucks it's kinda worth it, but the harsh top. end with the sibilance is what kill sit for me.

I haven't tried the Lewitt condensers yet. But after buying the dynamic 440 and 550 on a whim, I sold all my Shures and Sennheisers. They're good mics and priced very well.

Honestly, the Neumann was harsher in the high end to my ears. However, the low end sounded richer.

Honestly i think people are still bias on these mics base off price even after hearing them....if you wouldve said the lewitt is worth $1600 , people would lean more towards it.regardless both mics are excellent

Wish you had indicated which mic was used in the audio we hear in the first half of the video

The Neumann just sounds a little more transparent. As you would expect with the different price tags!

As always, a great movie, I left my thumb up! What is the best indoor microphone in your opinion? I am rolling a sitcom and currently looking for the best (price is not very important). Thank you for your help :)

Both does sound really similar kinda difficult to notice any differences.

Thanks for this review. I own a Neumann U87 collectors edition, as well as an AKG 214. So what’s the problem and why am I on the hunt for a new mic? I’m after something economical and good to just be able to throw in my suitcase for when I’m on the road. The Neumann is too precious and of value to throw into my suitcase when travelling. I record a lot in hotel rooms when I make my singing videos. The AKG is what I’ve been taking with me in my suitcase, but she’s becoming a little battered and chipped from all the travel and she was the last one to be made in Vienna, so I want to keep her safe. I spent thousands on my Neumann and simply couldn’t justify spending a lot more on a third mic. After seeing your review I’ll be going with the Lewitt.

Which table mic stand is that? Which strong table mic stand with the base recommend?

Someone aint gonna like this truth video 😂

103 just seems easier on the ears

Thanks for this! Thinking about buying a 440 as an upgrade for my show Total Babble. Appreciate it!

Never liked the TLM 103.

Nice Review . Both Sounds Amazing I can listen little Sibilance on LCT 440 . But that can be controlled with the Plugin.

Excellent comparison, Alex. I think I'm going to purchase the Lewitt LCT 440 Pure. Love your channel :)

sibilant as hell the lewitt

Hi Alex, Can you tell me what plugins you have and their settings? I mean the background.

Merritt Parkways

These harsh overtones the 440 does are very noticeable compared to the 103. For me, this is a knock-out criterion. I like the Lewitt sound but I would move up the ladder quite a few steps to the 840 or better yet, the 940. That would put it in the same price range as the 103, I know. But there’s way better versatility. The clarity of the 103 is second to none. But the mids of the Lewitt are better.

Wow.. I'm impressed how close Lewitt is - especially at that price point!

Hey, Alex. Nicely presented video. Thanks ,Man.

🤠 Would the Lewitt + processing with soothe2 make it more like TLM103?

If you’re not good at engineering the pure. If your experienced in mixing a warm flat mic like the Neumann gives you full control.

Serj Tankian Day

Lct or rode nt2-a

I actually like the unprocessed TLM103 best. Could you please explain what processing you did to it, and why you chose to make these tweaks?

It's 2022 and I've just bought the 440. I think I've made the right decision in this price bracket at this present time.

Every time you change back to the Lewitt, after a longer period with the Neumann, I am disappointed. Amazing for the price, but I can hear a difference. I wonder how they compare with instruments.

Great review, Alex; thank you. I actually think the Lexar sounds better unprocessed. And what you do when you process your audio makes the final sound of your voice fantastic, on both microphones.

Your processing is amazing - can you share what your process chain in?

I have two TLM 103. What RU-vid does in processing the audio may diminish some differences that may be more audible through an uncompressed system.

Hi There Alex ! Pease Would u help me how can i record thunderstorms outside with which recorder ? Thank You 😊

if u hear more sibilance in any mic than u hear in 103,put it in the garbage and don't feel sorry

Thanks for this comparison. I was wondering if you have tried the Steller X2. I'm curious of your thoughts on that microphone.

Great comparison

I can hear those "subtle nuances" through laptop speakers...

how do you processed these mics? can you share some of your eq and compression settings?

What post processing was done on lewitt? Thanks

Hi, Im torn between the Lewitt LCT 440 and the Shure SM7B, @alex_Knickerbocker, which one would you reccomend to voiceover, livestreaming and podcasting between these two?

NT1, NT2a are better option than 440 pure.

Less than a 1/3 of the price? Less than a 1/4 of the price you mean? I refuse to watch this based on that simple mathematical error. If you can’t get that right why listen…….? Ironic considering you have all these analytical looking plug-ins open on your screens

Nice Video! But it looks like you have the mics at different heights? Or is that just the camera angle?

I have been using the 440 Pure for over a year now on different sources including voice over for podcast and on a spoken word project, but also acoustic instruments and it never failed me. It is true that is has more pronounced sibilance area, but nothing I was't able to fix. And to be honest, some people like the sibilant sounds! So this is mostly a case of taste. When it comes to the clarity and the amount of details being picked up the difference in price is just not justified. :D

Its actually barely more than a 5th of the price

there was really big diffrnce lol

Those are very comparable, it’s amazing with the difference in price. Thanks! :)

You look like young Serj Tankian

Hi! How about LTM 102 as a alternative to the 103 considering its lower price? would there be that much of a diference between this Neumann model and the Lewitt for VO?