Lewitt LCT 540 Subzero vs Neumann TLM-103 

Many thanks for the great review, we're happy about the amazing feedback. We just want to say that you actually show a photo of the LCT 540 - the pre-predecessor of the LCT 540 SUBZERO. The LCT 540 SUBZERO is currently available for 699$ map (2019)

Shoot you return, and already have an entire line up of reviews for us. I can't wait to see the others and welcome back!.

I was at the AES Convention in New York today and Lewitt had a booth in the exhibit hall. I finally tried this microphone out and have to say that it's incredible. Really looking forward to adding this to the studio - based in a large part on your review. So, thank you!

In another one of your videos where you put the 440 Pure on display, my interest in Lewitt was sparked. I hadn't even heard of the mic. After this video, I'm convinced that at the very least I'm purchasing a mic from them, if not using it as my primary mic (Depending how it fits my voice). Thanks Delgaudio for introducing me to these mics! I look forward to trying them myself.

Sweet review and just wanted to say its cool to see someone at a good point in there lives where their aura is chill energy like this happy for you brother

can't wait for the 640 review :D. love the vids sir. you're the only mic reviewer who has a deep voice like i do so i get the best idea of how a mic will sound to me through your videos. also the lct 540 looks like THE high end microphone for streamers. love that green design on it plus that popfilter that hugs the mic is just perfect and out of your face.

I always look forward to Booth Junkie videos!!!!

Thanks for the mic Mike! I'd love to see you talk about the full line up

I like how he always devotes a part of the video to explaining what a cardioid polar pattern is, as if people after watching his videos didn't know XD

This is why I love this channel. Its completely unbiased honest comparisons with big brands, the brands that we all aspire to have but may not be able to afford right away. Thanks to this video and a little research of my own, I'll be investing in the Lewitt in a couple of weeks. I'm so impressed by the clarity and trueness of the audio and how closely it sounds like the Neumann for 50-60% of the cost. Thanks Booth Junkie! My booth was inspired, as was my passion for VO by your channel. Please keep making videos, you're a legend!

i really love your videos man, you are awesome and wish you could upload some more, but i understand that you're proberly working.

Great to see you again, great microphone comparison as always. I have a way smaller budget, but I did upgrade from a $17 Neewer NW-700 that I've used for my first year to a $70 Behringer B-5 small diaphragm condenser microphone and I do hear a fair bit better sound. So by the time I get a really good mic like the 416 or the NTG-3 it might be a few years, lol... Thanks for the great information from all of you videos and I'm using Reaper, too...

...glad to hear Mike back on the mic...one of best natural voices for voiceover that I’ve heard. Best in value-Lewitt. But there’s still something that gives the TLM an edge with smoothness of your voice (IMHO). Be well.

I've had the 540 for awhile and I really like it. I got it after watching this video a couple years ago. I found a deal on the 103 and I was about to go for it, but after revisiting this comparison I've decided to just keep the 540. Neumann is a sought after mic, but the 540 is just as good. Thank you for this review!

Thanks Mike! I'm super stoked to see more Lewitt videos! I've been rocking my LCT 440 pure everyday since it was released almost 2 years ago and it's been a workhorse! Looking forward to your thoughts on the latest Lewitt offerings!

Me: _Knows way too much about microphones now_ Also me: _Has literally never bought a microphone_

Thanks for this video, Mike!

When the box closed on your fingers, I thought the Lewitt's clip ducking feature would get put to the test, lol.

thanks for the master class !!!!!!! Is great to see videos like yours... !!!! hugs from Argentina

Love when Booth Junkie messes up at the beggining of his vids reminds me he only human!

Thanks again for your ever entertaining reviews. Hoping one day you get to review the new Aston Stealth :) Looking forward to your next video. Cheers

I think it’s time to make a “ladder” video where you go through different price points and highlight the top microphones/preamps/interfaces at each price point and explain how to choose which price point you should invest in and how to know when it’s time for you to go up the ladder as a voice actor. Then put that video in it’s own playlist in the number 1 slot along with an ordered list of the microphones mentioned in that ladder video. This way people who are new can find the info they want in an orderly and timely fashion. I have already pretty much gone through everything so it’s too late for me, but having done so I can say it’s going to get pretty frustrating because other channels do not do as well as you at explaining things but with so many videos we get overloaded with too many options and no clear ladder to try to match a microphone to our needs. Thank you so much for your help! Really appreciated it.

Love my LCT. Best clear/natural/honest sound I've found.

Been watching/Listening to you for about 18 months now. Love your content and all the informative videos you put out! I've since upgraded from a usb headset to an XLR setup using your videos as tips and helpful information! Keep it up Mike!

I just got this microphone to add to my fairly large collection. My favorite mic is the TLM-103. As everyone knows, the TLM-103 is one of the sweetest sounding microphone on the planet, but also extremely sensitive - it picks up everything. But I still absolutely love it. With this Lewitt microphone, I am in awe. This is not just another "quiet" microphone. It doesn't just have a "low noise floor". This is in a league of its own with its non-existent noise floor. And this was not my reason for buying it. I bought it mostly because of the crisp but not sterile or sibilant sound. But when I connected it, I found that I needed about 30% less gain than most of my other condenser mics (30-35 db of gain typically). On the Lewitt, anything past 20db of gain was too much for my typical usage, which is voiceover. And at 20db of gain, it picked up my voice perfectly, but almost nothing in my environment. I honestly don't know how this is possible. I'm assuming it has something to do with the capsule being super-sensitive in close proximity to a sound source. But what I do know is that it's the quietest condenser microphone I have ever heard in my life. And the audio is sweet. It's just the right amount of crisp and clear without being overly so. And it's tendency to pick up my voice and very little of anything else means that the wide open loft I was sitting in when I unboxed it, resulted in very little background noise and almost no picking up of the abundant reflections in here. I can't wait to try it in my studio. I've never had a mic require so little gain, yet provide such stunningly clear vocals. I am truly impressed with this microphone. At first my thought was, "do I need a xth microphone? Absolutely not". I was being responsible. Then it dropped in price by $200 and I had to get it. If you could only get one microphone, even if your budget would allow more than the $500 this microphone costs for the rest of October 2024, I would suggest you get this mic. It has some awesome unique bonus features that Mike touched on, but that's all just icing on the cake. This is a truly exceptional microphone and you couldn't possibly regret getting it whether it's your first microphone or your first microphone too many. You have to have this microphone. In addition to everything I said, the sensitivity opens up a world of potential creativity that I haven't even thought of yet.

Freaking love your videos Mike! such a pleasent personality to watch, not grating to the ears lol

I was able to test the Lewitt 540 in a vocal booth at the store, and I must say that it is a super silent microphone. it is well worth the price of € 689 for the quality you get. I am happy with my new microphone for voiceovers.

Yeah, those two sound very similar. Nicely done!

Mike have you ever done an audiobook? Please I need more of your voice in my life! I could literally listen to you talk all day long. Also thank you so much for all of your videos. I learned so much from you and am for ever thankful.

wow the 540 sounds amazing. you should ask them to review the tube mics they sell as well.

Back with another video? Awesome!

Lewitt Mics are a great buy. I have the 441 and it has so many patterns that I don't have to really play around with proximity. It's great on backup vocals or doing voice-over work.

BOOTH JUNKIE, THANKS FOR YOUR REVIEWS. YOU REMAIN THE BEST MIC REVIEWER ON THE PLANET!!!!

Although the mics are interesting, it's even better to see you back again, again!

Am I the only one that likes the rumble in his voice? Its just so calming.

Sub Zero is a sick name for a mic, I love it Awesome review fam

Awesome video Mike thank you. I would love to see a video or videos were you build a microphone that would be community funded and to see how it performs 👍

It's that you post a vid today, otherwise I was unsubscribed you tomorrow 😁

BJ. Where have you been? Looking forward to your review videos of the other Lewitt Mics. Love to know your impression of the lower cost Lewitt 440. No controls, but is supposed to have the same condenser. Will the 440 be a good VO Mic? Keep up the good (GREAT) work. Thanks.

Was torn between the Lewitt LCT 540 Subzero and a similarly priced AKG mic. Now I'm sold-Lewitt it is!

Thanks! I just bought the LCT 540, looking forward to using it!!

Love these videos. You also have a very comforting smooth voice, but I guess you've heard that many times now :) No wonder you do voice over work. I wish the guys at Blizzard would hire you for World of Warcraft :) So many villains and good guys you could do!

Awesome Mike! What about singing or mic an instrument? Do you recommend it for this kínd of work? (The LCT)

Need more videos Mike! Hope your doing well and busy in the booth!

The 440 is a really nice affordable mic. I have the multipattern version which is the LCT 441 FLEX (slightly worse low end but less high end boost). It's a bit better than my sE Electronics T2 IMHO even though the 441 FLEX lacks pads and a HPF, it's quieter, has more patters, and it's only a little brighter to my ears than the T2. (a new 441 FLEX is only $50 or so more than a used sE T2). The 441 Flex is definitely worth the extra $100-$130 (a used sE T2 or sE 4400a is another good choice, but the 441 Flex is a little more versatile and has much lower self noise).

The difference I can detect (when wearing good headphones) is the Lewitt in the video is more open on the high end, and more fatiguing (a bit harsh) with that extra openness. Also the volume is very slightly higher, so that exacerbates it. The pop filter might also smooth out the sound of the Neumann ever so slightly, but I would at the very least drop the Lewitt volume a tad bit and smooth out the highs to make it perfect. Beautiful mic and love the style! Also love that you can see the diaphragm inside.

LCT 540 Sounds sweet. It has more clarity, although smooth. I'd love to hear it on lead vocals. I,m going to search for some shootouts. Damn. The more I hear it, mmmm! Hope I can check it out in the UK

Hi Mike, at 1:46 you said you had received the Lewitt 440. When are we going to get the review? Looks like a great mid-range but interested in your take. Thanks Ron

Love Lewitt! I got to review their 440 myself, and I think they're great mics for those who don't want to go the 416/103 route. Current price for the 540 S is $699. You can get the 103 for as low as $600-$800, but like you said, you still have to spend extra for a good shockmount / pop filter, and none of the extra features!

any videos on mxl ribbon mics or ribbon mics in general? i was thinking about buying a MXL CR-77 or MXL r144

I only seeing videso of this mic on voice, piano or guitar. How does these work on violin, cello or woodwinds?

They really are super similar. I hear a subtle "creaminess" to the Neumann that's missing in the Lewitt, but it isn't $700 worth of creaminess. Plus the Lewitt comes with that really nice compact shock mount and pop filter.

What mics can you suggest for me to explore? I have low bass voice with bright harmonics. (I am singer). Always wanted to enter the voice over world. :)

I think its pretty crazy that hes listening to himself while talking and not messing up. What a professional.

Mike I would love to see you compare the LCT 940 and Neumann U-87 and TLM 103 as well!

what mic stand is that attached to the lewitt LCT 540

Wow! Neat mic. Still wanting to play with our Townsend Labs L22 Sphere?

@18:35 looking at the freq response graphs, I see now what I was hearing when you did the HP-160Hz switch earlier. That incline from 1k to 2k+. But let's face it, if you're cutting bass to blend with other sources, you're probably going to boost those primary vocal freqs anyway. I can live with it. The higher highs are a bit scary but come on, the graph for the TLM-103 isnf't ACTUALLY that smooth, so +1 respect to Lewitt for revealing some truth about their product(s). Also, I typically do not like the 20+ minute product reviews and comparisons with lots of commentary, but this one makes sense and I really appreciate it. Good job and thanks!

Hi, will be nice if you will do the comparison between Lewitt LCT 440 pure and Lewitt LCT 540 S. Regards Bili

do you think, that mic is good for male baritone vocal? specifictly for rap vocal?

Will the should be any different with the LCT 440 pure? Will you review this mic

Can you please review the blue ember and tell us which bang for the buck preamp we should get to make it function!?

Sir, when you get the chance, can you go ahead and do a walk-thru all of the Lewitts and when each might shine? You mentioned doing more reviews of the others, but I guess you got busy... Thanks

Mike. Whats the proximity effect like on it? I like to eat the mic.

Akg c414 is what this is in the faceoff against for me. Can i get some advice or comparison.

Hey :) I need to ask you a question you might already ansewered, but even though I love your vids, I just don't have the time to watch all of them. So here is the scenario: I want to do voice recording and for that Im using a "Blue Snowball Ice" on an Boom with a Popfilter (no XLR (?) modules or so needed, it'S USB). Question: I want to imrpove my overall (sound and record) quality while having a limited budget, Are there mics and/ or additional tools, you'd suggest me?

Hi Mike, Thanks for your great videos. I am testing the Lewitt 540 but not sure it's any clearer than the 440 pure which I tested last month. Can't find any comparisons. I feel like I can save money and get same sound quality with the 44O pure. Advice?

Where is that LWT round up video. I know your a busy person with the move and and family and work, but im very interested in this mic i use a RODE NT USB at the time and hate all the noise it has. Please make it soon if you can.

So how does the Lewitt 540 stack up against your beloved Cad's? A great video by the way.

Lewitt 540 s vs Neumann tlm 102, or Rode nt1 5gen ??

Love your videos and reviews! You should seriously consider doing ASMR in the future.

Hi Mike, where is the RøDE manufactured, because if I am not mistaken, that O letter is in fact a Danish Ø. I would like to tell you how it is pronounced, but I can't seem to find a word. But it would be something like if you mixed the O sound with the E sound from electric.

Please tell me your gonna do the new video for montagemmaking again ?!?!?!!

Maybe you could do a review on the Lewitt LCT 441 Flex mic sometime soon? I have been looking for my first condenser mic and it is one that on my list.

I think comparing the Lewitt mics altogether would be awesome! I wonder if there's a noticeable sound difference between the 440 pure and the 540s. As for this comparison, I think the Neumann sounds smoother on your voice. The Lewitt sounds present but balanced on the flat setting. Overall, they sound identical but the Lewitt unequivocally offers better value in terms of performance, features, and accessories. Proud to own one myself!

How are these condenser mics working out in untreated rooms? how to work with this type of mic in an untreated room?! how would you compare the quality built and the capsule between the austrian oc18 to the Lewitt 540 S? or 640 !? Would you say these two two brands are equally good?! thanks! 😊 Must make a choice now during black week and get a good deal... But my room us untreated, though maybe I but a voice booth like the VOMO... But gosh, there are too many mics to choose between!! People tell me to skip these condenser mics abd choose the dynamic mic Shure SM7b, what do you think I should choose, ... is my first home studio and I will focus on singing and voice acting. thanks for anyone getting back! 😊🥂 Happy Black Week hunting guys!

What pre amps are you using?

what preamp are you using?

I have an NT1 and that gigantic shockmount is such a pain to deal with! I always suspend my mics upside down in my booth and any time I go to eat the NT1 I inevitably bump my forehead into the Rode logo where the pop filter goes. It's such a huge shockmount...it's rugged and amazing and don't get me wrong it serves its purpose...but getting all up on that mic requires some creative maneuvering.

what headphones do you use

Did you have the low-cut active on the Lewitt for most of the second half of the video? Jumping back and forth I could definitely hear something different.

Got a question for anyone wanting to go in detail. So I'm wanting to get a pretty good mic setup for discord and possibly streaming. The reason I want a decent setup is background noise. I have a very loud, very expensive computer, I have a powerful fan during the summer, I have a nice cherry blue mechanical keyboard, and I live in the hood. Loud cars, gunshots, whatever. I'm wanting to minimize these sounds as much as I can. Getting a Dynamic is the most viable option, but not a lot of options that I like, but I also wanted to have some variety. I was looking at 1 condensor (The CAD m179) and 1 Dynamic (Rode Procaster) both are around the same price and wanted some thought. They will be connected to a Scarlet Solo v2. Note...The CAD has a bundle with the solo and a filter, a shock mount, and a stand for a decent chunk of money off on amazon, but the procaster does not.

Mike, did you used to box??

great video man, please, compare th at4050 with de lewitt 540 s please.

After watching several times with several different headphones, I placed an order for the Lewitt. Sorry, bank account. I couldn't resist.

Neumann is a very special case. They repair every mic no matter how hold it is as they have all parts in stock. If you buy a Neumann you just know you have one of the best mics in the world and if you´ll sell it one day you always can expect to get a good amount of money. And if you wait a bit longer maybe the price is even higher than the one you once paid for it. So - it´s like buying a "real" old Hammond Organ or a modern wannabe. They may sound similar but it´s not the same feeling at all.

can you do the lct 440 pure review

If you had $180 usd what would be the dynamic microphone you would get for voice-overs/podcasting?

Need to compare the TLM 103 with the LCT440 Pure and the MK4

I wish Neumann or someone else made such a nice form fitting pop filter for the TLM 103 like Lewitt does.

The TLM103 sounds like it has a built in de-esser. I love the Neumann. The LCT is like 90% there but the Neumann has something special to it. It just sounds "pro". Amazing quality vocal tracks.

Mike, you are amazing, I too have been watching you for a quite a while now and any of my VO friends always get sent to your channel. I have a question which is off topic about headphones. I have trouble with certain tones and frequencies in both my ears and have looked at the Nuraphone headphones. I wondered if you were aware of them and if you have tested them, apologies if you have. Kindest Regards.

I bought the LCT 540 after watching this review

You are the reason i'm searching to buy this microphone 3 years after your video. And in Greece I can't find it.

I'm a big fan of Neumann TLM-103. But now I have a new favorite mic - SOYUZ 023 Bomblet )

the 103 does have a little rumble compared to the 540. The 540 sound more like the more expensive neumann mics U87

Vs sterling 6050????

Took me listening to this video on several different speaker systems before I really nailed down the biggest difference. The 540 has a more detailed and defined low end, where the 103 gets a bit mushy and muddy in comparison. In isolation, I would probably never notice or consider the 103 to have muddy low end, but specifically in my car speakers (a better than average system) I noticed there was a blurriness to the 103 in the lows that became crystal clear with the 540. Other than that, they were extremely similar, and that one difference took me a long time to really pinpoint. You need a system with good low frequency reproduction to tell the difference.

Try the warm audio WA87 R2

The question is how to get that golden voice? Is it something you just have to be born with or can you develop it?