New Lewitt studio mic from JHS

JHS has just released the new LCT640 TS condenser microphone from Lewitt (£959 UK RRP).

This multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone makes it possible to adjust the polar pattern post-recording.

It features a dual-output mode that enables engineers to record the front and back diaphragm of the capsule individually. This makes it possible to change and fine-tune the polar pattern seamlessly all the way from omnidirectional to figure-8 as well as to turn the recording direction of the microphone by 180° even after the recording session. This entails the ability to add as much room sound as desired post-recording and makes a wide range of unique stereo recording techniques possible. The dual capsule can also be used for interactive face-to-face duets between musicians. 

It also features the ability to record “Mid Side” stereo with only one LCT 640 TS. Musicians and engineers just have to point the side of the microphone to the source they want to record. The front capsule then serves as the left-side channel while the back capsule serves as the right side. Summing both signals together creates the mid-channel. The easiest way to create this in a DAW is to put both signals on a stereo track and adjust the stereo width. 

The LCT 640 TS comes bundled with a newly developed, pioneering DAW plug-in called Polarizer, which makes it possible to easily and seamlessly change or fine-tune the polar pattern during post-production. It works on both PCs and Macs, and supports plug-in standards VST, AU and AAX. The available polar patterns can also be created manually in any DAW or mixing console. 

The mic has four low-cut filter frequencies and a four-position pad switch. This Austrian-designed mic is intended for recording almost any source, including lead and background vocals, drums, piano, acoustic instruments and classical ensembles. 

It comes with an LCT 40 SHx suspension and an LCT 40 Wx windscreen, all packed into a robust black military-grade case, which can be personalised with a nameplate, and there’s also an integrated locking point for a padlock to prevent theft. The LCT 50 PSx pop screen is included for the first time featuring a magnetic mechanism that connects it directly to the shock mount – with no gooseneck to be attached to the mic stand and no further adjustment necessary.