Lewitt LCT 240 Pro and sE Electronics X1 A Condenser Microphone Review & Test

sE Electronics X1 A (Great starting condenser microphone): www.audiomento...
Lewitt LCT 240 PRO (Silky sounding & smooth mic): www.audiomento...
Got our hands on a couple of large diaphragm condenser microphones and decided to give them all a try. We tested the sE X1 A, Lewitt 240 PRO and the Rode NT1-A in this video.
To be honest, the difference between all three microphones are very subtle. If you listen carefully like we did in the studio, you'll find that the differences are, its silkiness, smoothness and mostly character. The sE X1 A did sound a little less bright, when compared to the Lewitt LCT240, possibly also due to the inbuilt pop filter.
I'd suggest getting the Lewitt 240 PRO if you enjoy it's sound characteristics and truly know what you want in recording. Get the sE X1 A if you like better versatility - with its pad switch and low-cut filter.
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Credits to Raymond for helping out with singing: / raymondhun0225
Visit Audio Mentor for more music production tips: www.audiomento...
Discuss away on Facebook: / audiomentor

[@robertsimpson5801]

The LCT240 has a very finished sound on the singer's voice. The X1A had a lot more body in the lower mid-range, so it may work better on a singer with a very thin sounding voice. If I had to choose one based on that performance, the LCT240 would be the one!

[@sophiesmelodies7514]

sE X1A is definitely the most balanced of all, pay attention to the "t" and "s" sounds ("right 't'ime" at 06:43, 's'unlight...) on the Lewitt, not nice at all - but fair enough, other than that it sounds quite "open". The NT1A sounds thin, lacking bottom end (which it shouldn't despite of its positioning) - I never understood why people like/recommend/buy this microphone. If I had to record and mix this guy, I'd go with the X1A, coz it would give me the most "expensive" and hassle-free sound right out of the box. Try to stay neutral and listen without out looking at the video (scroll down to the comments while the vid is running). When you like the sound of what you're hearing hit space to stop the playback and scroll up to check which mic was currently playing. Crazy but true, this way I always blindly picked out the X1A...

[@perkeleman1265]

Totally agree on the NT1A, it's is the typical "it's nice because everyone has it" microphone. Definitely not terrible, and if you know how to work with it, it'll serve you fine aswell, but not worth its pricetag considering the competition it has by now. I'd also say the X1A is the winner here, but just as you stated, that's just this recording situation, I didn't have the chance to try the X1A yet, but I've had the chance to work with several Lewitts, ranging from the cheap ones up to the LCT 940, they all are amazing and are always in the top few at their game in their price range. Generally, the cheaper ones do have a tad bit too much high end, but no nasty resonances, so they usually take an EQ attenuation very well, so sibilance isn't as much of a problem as it might seem at first. They also have one of the finest resolving response in that price range, so they usually sound very detailed. I'd say they are more a tool than an instruments, as you get a very precise, but somewhat sterile sound out of them instead of a nicely colored, one, but the recordings are great to work with. One of my favorite comparisons was the first time I pitted the LCT640 against my probably all time favorite mic, the Schoeps cmc6 with a mk4 capsule. That microphone has detail and clarity I never got out of any other microphone to this extent, including the Neumann small diaphragm condensers. While of course, the Schoeps isn't going to be a typical first choice for vocal recording (though it works very well actually), it still boasts a natural sound like no other... until the 640 came along and was absolutely even with the schoeps, on some takes even better. Now sadly, I don't own either of the mics, so I didn't have a huge lot of time to make all kind of comparisons (it was just on vocals), but the 640 definitely won a new special place in my heart for nice sounding microphones, and it's for sure going to be my next investment.

[@rangersmith4652]

It's 2024, and these are still available. That says a lot about their quality. For just $100 each, I'm going to buy the X1A and the 240. I'll be able to use both.

[@kapilmadan87]

The SE X1A sounds So Neutral..

[@tlc33365]

Did they purposely name the mic se X1a to spell the word sex 1a in the name? I hope I am not reading too much into it...😂

[@gem6491]

6:00 LCT 240 pro 6:07 se x1a 6:14 rode nt1a

[@robin_music91]

sE X1A is the best mic for your voice! Beautiful singing bro :)

[@noworries12]

very,very good comparison Reuben! The Lewitt has the best open hi-end (eq)....the Rode and the Lewitt is all you need for almost everything (vocals,acoustic instruments) in your home studio. Especialy for acoustic guitars the Lewitt has an advantage

[@SonicJowii]

I actually bought the lct 240 after viewing this demo. I already had the rode, but liked the design of the lct. I would say that I'd recommend the lct 440 because it has a fuller sound on vocals.

[@antoineinniss140]

Tell me your honest opinion, on the lewitt lct 240 pro...I'm seriously thinking about purchasing one to start doing voice over work. Is it thinly, is it crisp and clear, is it mids or highs boosted , does it have a high noise floor?

[@mahinmiah9404]

@@antoineinniss140 then buy lct 440 pure...it is 5X time better.. 🙂🙂

[@ThreadBomb]

@@antoineinniss140 LCT240 has a boosted high end. The X1A is almost flat by comparison.

[@jeromecrockett2311]

Se sounded more pro to me.. the under mics made his notes sound shorter.. i think he sound better with the Se

[@dollarwil1234]

I'm listening on a laptop speaker but the 240 and rode are clearer, forward and brighter, even bordering on sibilant. I prefer the SE. I'd rather adjust proximity effect with placement and add presence EQ than fight sibilance in post production. Still, all three are worthy of holding a place in the mic locker.

[@JeremyLeech]

I have all 3. I just pulled the X1A back out!

[@catchthewave2172]

ur videos are on another level!!! much appreciation!

[@asemceargu7248]

Lovely voice that he has 😍

[@TobiasSebastien]

What a beautiful voice! I’d to hear more from the singer

[@w__hm__n184]

Good test! Just what I've been looking for. The Se X1 is a good mic for comparison and having the Rode in there was good too. I've been eyeballing the Lewitt 240 because of it's lower price point. The Se X1 seems to these ears to have somewhat more bottom end on the vocals and so sounds a bit fuller than the 240 but is it $50.00 better?. They both sound really good for the dough.

[@LakshBeats]

sE X1a is GOAT but the guy nailed on vocals 🔥🔥🔥👑

[@rival9466]

Thanx bro it helped me alot ,i was confused that whether i shoul buy lewitt or not May god support you channel well ,i wish you goodluck Bro seriously it helped me a lot

[@gphillimo]

Listening on my phone speakers I can't tell much difference, but once I plug in my mixing headphones I can hear all the subtle differences. I can get the lewitt online with a $20 discount for $129, and my friend is selling his nt1a for $100 so I might get both 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@lucasvieira1805]

LCT 240 sems solid, X1 A sound super natural, the rode nt1a is sibilant as hell

[@lucasvieira1805]

x1a the most neutral. The LCT has a SPIKE on treble that you can see on Audio test kitchen frequency response

[@KVMRTX]

I’m loved in the sE X1 A 🤯🤯

[@andrewkigen]

Thanks for the video. The recordings were very informative.

[@NikhilKumar-tw9dp]

x1A has flatter response that's why vocals have less sibilance. nt1A has most sibilance due to extra high frequency bump. so X1A is most amenable to post processing and even without processing raw output through a stereo pair can record audiophile quality small live performamces.

[@RIZZAcademy101]

There's noticable low-end in the se x1a and my pick would be the lct240

[@bhaskaropswel8215]

i think lewitt 240 pro sounds great..bcoz the high end so crispy and clear

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

Hi, I am a singer and currently using USB Condensor mic. I am planning to upgrade my mic to the XLR one. My vocals are kind of in mids and highs. Which mic should I prefer: 1. AKG P120 / P220 / P420 2. Lewitt LCT 240 Pro 3. AT 2020 Note : I don't have a treated room.

[@hiltonlavish7778]

Akg p420

[@tenggara4]

헨리 (HENRY) - It’s You Lyrics While You Were Sleeping OST

[@Snitzel1]

Dat boiiis singing skills though :P. Nice comparison ! I was thinking of getting a new mic and the lewitt has a nice design and sound, but the se is also a really good one ! It'll take a while when i switch a mic with my current auna 900.

[@XxEezy]

Listen carefully to Lewit and SE. Lewitt has better crispy clear and even the sound comes out it doesn't stuck inside like others. This product is a bomb #Lewitt Lct 240....

[@bhaskaropswel8215]

yeah ....i loved lewitt

[@johnlackner1193]

These mics sound so similar to each other you can just toss the boxes in the air and buy whichever one lands closest to you. Or whichever one you can get the best deal on. Otherwise, better build vs. built-in pop filter, etc....

[@reubenchng]

Yeah that's true. The marginal sound difference between is small.

[@dcoverzsessions]

Can you try more microphones my friend? you have really nice voice!

[@frankie_CALB]

Dude has vocals for days! 🙌🏽 I prefer the Lewitt for its clarity.

[@lepidlolepidlo6502]

Hi I like your review of all the microphones mentioned, thanks to you now but I am dealing with which of these two to buy, Lewitt LCT 240 PRO vs SE Electronics X1S, I want it primarily for recording vocals and I'm more inclined for Lewitt just nowhere I've read how there is noise because your recordings are not deaf and quiet places to compare, SE Electronics X1S says Noise: 9 dB (A), but what about Lewitt? could you please advise me simply on this?

[@elpibe2020]

Reuben I have the rode nt1a. I use it for spoken words (I do e-learnings for companies here un Buenos Aires). I was looking for an alternative to the rode, an what I heard, the lewitt has more crisp or modern sound. Do you think that the lewitt Will be a good complet in order to find new sound "colors"? Thanks and sorry about my english

[@AndyHayner]

THE LCT 240 pro sounds best to me.

[@mastershake9374]

You said the Lewitt can take higher SPL, so it does not need the pads. The human voice is not that high spl anyways. Also, if the Se has a built in popfilter, we now hear it with a second one in front of them both. Thanks for the video !

[@JohnNjengaCOCO]

Great comparison esp the singing part. LCT 240 has a clear sound that matches that of Rode NT1-A

[@ODogg007]

that lct 240 pro sounds like a winner hands down

[@jacquelinetroy9384]

Se X1 a Is The Best🔥🔥🙋🙋

[@hiltonlavish7778]

I'm agreed 🤝

[@rolandedrummer9723]

I liked the lewitt ,but not by much. Not a HUGE difference. I would pick it on it's sturdiness alone if that is indeed the case. Nothing sucks worse than getting ready to record something and it break. Especially if other people are there to record.

[@cgonzt5636]

So close, I was surprised was expecting Rode to lead far ahead.. Se is quite boosted on mids, i guess. I will pick any of these for his voice and just dial more in daw eq.

[@vishaladhikary]

very nice comparison, i was actually waiting for someone who could do the review, thank you. can you also compare the Lewitt LCT 440 pure; Ashton Origin; Lauten Audio LA220; Rode nt1; AKG c214

[@studio_person]

yes nt1 vs lct 440 comparison will be amazing because i`m about to buy one of them (but i think my purchase will be lewitt)

[@LABlonkent]

I know this is a late response but I found this test interesting for a ton of mics by sweetwater. You can also download the 96K recordings. For this demo, I prefer the SE, The Rhode sounds too mid range cheap. The SE and Lauten, Aston, and many more expensive mics are also in this test. www.sweetwater.com/feature/vocal-mic-shootout/

[@ourdogteddy]

Excellent comparison 👍! Vocals that need body, I like se x1a, nt1, at2035 , at 4040, lct 440(the best among all these ). Vocals that are already strong and powerful any mic will do , nt1 a, lct pro240 or all of the above. Neat king bee 2 is also good to get body in vocals. Any mic that has good low end that will be good for me. My pick is lct 440 but if on budget se x1a.

[@watchornot3139]

very good review

[@edgailmoss4056]

Awsome singing and review...👍

[@ElTejocotetl]

do you put the sE X1a over the at2035?

[@deolludhianvi]

Good morning sir I want to record my poetry at home and I want studio quality. My room is not sound proof.I am not getting good advice from anyone. Some say take dynamic microphone and some say condenser microphone. Please tell me which mic and audio interface should I buy? After buying which I do not have any regrets.

[@taufiqantoni2045]

Loving the Lewitt here, the SE X1 A is a bit too warm.

[@hiltonlavish7778]

Please can you answer what's best se x1a or Audio Technica at2020 I'm sorry for repeating this question but all people out there is saying at2020 is the winner on this competition

[@FVDaudio]

Maybe the lewitt tend to overhype (before the air) highs... the se don't but is closer to the presence hype of the rode. Both great entry level (with quality) options.

[@LABlonkent]

I know this is a late response but I found this test interesting for a ton of mics by sweetwater. You can also download the 96K recordings. For this demo, I prefer the SE, The Rhode sounds too mid range cheap. The SE and Lauten, Aston, and many more expensive mics are also in this test. @t

[@D40Oz1]

Lct mic’s are annoying with high end harshness, that sE honestly was best but you did not set the gain properly

[@ALCEROSSA]

this video is very good!! congrats!!

[@lorde_b8847]

Se X1A for me.

[@MridulDhirajKhanna]

Hi, which microphone is better amongst AT 2035, lewitt lct 240, MXL 770, Tascam 180, AKG p 420, Se electronics x1. Specifically for FEMALE ALTO VOCALS. Hoping to receive a reply.

[@reubenchng]

I'd choose the Lewitt LCT 240

[@amd9918]

please test BY-M1000 :) please? and let the guy sing again

[@2_ly686]

Where are you man 😔

[@antoineinniss140]

That brother can sing bro. Tell me something, do you purchase those microphones out of your pocket , to review?

[@reubenchng]

yes. But not just for a review.

[@antoineinniss140]

@@reubenchng Ok, cool. Now I'm commenting from Trinidad and Tobago , in the Caribbean . I'm just starting out in voice over, on a small budget. Would you happen to have condenser microphones, that you won't mind selling off? I view your channel, so I know you don't purchase crap.

[@stuffnuns]

Seems like both the SE & the Lewitt have better highs than the Rode.

[@quikestrings]

winer is SEn in second place is 240, and latest rode

[@rcacavi6593]

I prefer LCT 240 sound. thank you!

[@terrillmel]

Either the lewitt of the rhode. The sE has that inexpensive mic thing going on in which it start to bother the ears with time.

[@sophiesmelodies7514]

Completely different opinion here. The sE X1A reminds me most of what I'm used to hearing in Neumann mics. The Lewitt sound "china" by comparison, and the NT1A even worse than that...

[@terrillmel]

@@sophiesmelodies7514 It's interesting because I'm listening now on typical cheap speakers at work and I can definitely hear what you're saying - I'm prefering the sE. I can't remember what I used to listen the first time, but given most people are using crappy speakers like these the sE translates very well.

[@sophiesmelodies7514]

@@terrillmelYes, it depends a lot on the speakers you're using. I think u got a point there. My evaluation might be a bit "unfair" because I'm using quality near-fields in a studio environment, that brings out a lot of details, that would otherwise go unnoticed

[@anhtuantran3192]

It is great, pls support a tip for mixing vocal like him.... love voice.

[@이주혁-i4x]

Does sE electronics x1a microphone have tube? Is sE electronics x1a microphone tube microphone?

[@jansafarik313]

Nope, none of them

[@Shadawg666]

Thanks, great review brother. :)

[@alexandrosmichael8540]

what is the name of the song ??

[@serhattorun7406]

Hi, Lewitt microphone is perfect! Sound.

[@elikamin5678]

Nice really good channel

[@manirad6118]

Is presonus studio 24c good for se v7 mic ?

[@reubenchng]

have not tested it. Sounds like a great setup though

[@dadsonraj8665]

Lct 240 pro vs se x1a ? Vocals?

[@zipmicz]

Amazing!!! Amazing!!!

[@shorttimeprojectentertainm4909]

i want buy this lewit

[@waimeaguyz9074]

Agreed, the se is my choice too.

[@shayneoneill1506]

Hmm. Rode definately wins that 3 way, but thats not much of a surprise, the NT1As have always hit above their weight class. Of the two newcomers, Hmm. Bit hard to say really, the sE drives a bit harder, but the Lewitt felt a bit warmer. All subjective really.

[@mussbeats7686]

This is song?

[@papousylla4885]

Which one is better rode nt1a or lewitt lct 240 pro ?

[@bhaskaropswel8215]

lewitt 240 pro

[@kapilmadan87]

Both sound artificial .. too bright .. I mean look at the frequency response chart .. on official website .. high end is boosted above 5 dB ,. Ans se is more flat

[@keyoflife24]

He can sing

[@PrathamBhatia]

Lewitt 240 pro sounds the best.

[@saudiarab1431]

LCT 240 for me is d...best

[@monkeyxx]

SEX1A on this voice, best bass response, less ugly trebles

[@davidjones4452]

nice singer

[@javidhaghiabi2500]

I prefer se x1a

[@reubenchng]

that's a good choice.

[@alrodri7695]

240 pro

[@chaatkarenyp2130]

While You Were Sleeping ๆๆๆๆ 6:07 se x1a

[@ghjvxf2933]

Nt cool

[@officialWWM]

This video needs subtitles.

[@reubenchng]

I agree with you. Just click the 'cc' aka subtitles options on the player.

[@purandharb]

Is it me that i find no difference 😂

[@omlet.layer8783]

ok buy nt1 lol

[@xray111xxx]

I am looking at these mics for some voiceover work, so high SPL is not a concern for me. I like all three actually. I think the Lewitt sounds the smoothest too. I am going to experiment with a vacuum tube microphone preamplifier stage possibly. One of the ART Tube preamplifiers before my Soundcraft mixer going to my Tascam DR-40 at its balanced line inputs. Any thoughts you may share with me. I enjoyed your video and it was helpful. Thank you.