Lewitt Ray Review / Test (vs. AT2020, LCT440, U87)

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thanks so much for the revealing demo and the amazing performance! Happy to see you had fun testing RAY!

[@RaysSim]

im so tempted to get RAY

[@eldest3171]

Ok, that auto distance mute is really freaking cool.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah it could be really useful. Just make sure you’re muted before you start swearing. Ha.

[@_kwak]

​@@Podcastage My first thought! I kept getting ads for this so interesting to see it for real. It's a fun feature until it fails 😂

[@michaelj.4187]

@@Podcastage agreed...

[@Danny-Lightning-WR]

The guitar came on I said hey man did KZbin just start playing the movie rad instead of the podcast this video lol

[@gaborb6577]

Automute noisegate made me vomit. 😥

[@General_Puffball]

Lewitt's commitment to innovative is admirable.

[@Twat2024]

Them and austrian audio are doing amazing things for innovation in the sound world

[@jkonghl]

This mic is so cool as it intergrated tech inside a classic and it just use +48V and not any other power source ( like USB-C).

[@Podcastage]

Agreed! So cool they did it on device as opposed to requiring a usb computer connection.

[@AudioHotline]

I was curious how you would feel about the Ray. I am glad you also liked it! I had a lot of fun testing mine!

[@a.akacic]

It's still amazing to see this channel still going... probably the only Microphone review channel that I would trust and recommend.

[@EmoEmu]

Every time the Neat King Bee shows up in one of these comparisons I'm amazed by it. I keep forgetting how much I like it. Every damn time.

[@EmoEmu]

And when I see the Aston Origin I'm charmed by how good looking it is. I wish it was the best mic in THE WORLD, so I could excuse having to own one with very little usage.

[@Excaidus-Metal]

I just need my mics to sound good. Don't need an app on my phone, Bluetooth, or other bells and whistles. This is definitely a next generation thing.

[@Kragatar]

I really like the Lewitt sound. Some of the clearest and smoothest sounding mics out there.

[@Vertshark]

If I didn't already have an LCT-440 I would probably buy this

[@lionheartroar3104]

I have a 440 and I still want it.

[@WillWombatNell87]

if you buy this and turn off the tech you in theory have a stereo pair. which is handy. i have this and a flex for this reason

[@Vertshark]

@@WillWombatNell87 Wouldn't it make more sense to just buy another LCT-440 instead?

[@WillWombatNell87]

@Vertshark yes and no. Depends if you have a need for the ray tech. I use the multi pattern alot on the flex and the rays handy. But just a pair of 440s would suffice for most things. Depends on needs and wants

[@Armbrust210]

Great continuity with the bracelet putting it back on.... the other side 👀

[@Podcastage]

Shhhhhh! I'm a professional continuity expert.

[@PH_at_PH]

Great review of a great microphone. I've seen many reviews since Lewitt came out with Ray but hey, you were able to point out two features nobody else had pointed out before. Proven: Bandrew, you're the king of mic reviews. ;-)

[@levirphillips]

Thanks for this review. Here's mine: I had my eyes on a 440 Pure already as my original NT2 has become unreliable, so as soon as I realised this was a 440 with additional tech, I pulled the trigger on release day! Used it the day after delivery on a project, as I knew the mic profile. It's a lovely mic. The laser is not appropriate for use when recording guitar, as your arm affects the output if it's pointed at the sound hole, creating audible output oscillations. It worked brilliantly with a vocalist who wasn't confident in their mic technique. You lose some of the tone control for close-mic techniques if you decide to change your vocal approach, so bear that in mind if you want a vocalist to change their distance to the mic. We tried this and I think we lost more of the spectrum change than I'd like. I've been really impressed with the auto-mute - just set it so it's a zone further away than you one you intend to speak at! The zones feel a little large on the closer end. I imagine future versions could allow you to tune the tone and gain changes across the distance zones, so you can tweak it to your preference. More zones for closer distances would help reduce any noticeable output changes. Overall, really impressed by the tech and seems like a great application for a microphone!

[@homestudioacademy]

Awesome review and amazing playing! LEWITT really hit out of park with this new technology. Sounds great 👍

[@kenvives]

This is the best review of this mic I’ve seen. I picked up during prime days for $70 off. Thx!

[@killurtv319]

I’m sold the music section did it! Well done as always

[@billlord4203]

Interesting, cool, and kudos to Lewitt for pushing the tech forward.

[@willcarter7079]

Okay I thought the laser thing was going to be a gimmick. But honestly after you showed the mute by distance function it sold me. That is actually pretty cool. I can see a lot of situations where that would be handy

[@willcarter7079]

Wait... Analog?! How!? Oh man I want to take that thing apart and figure out how they did that.

[@BananaNinja]

you are only one of a few people who always test out lewitt stuff & it always makes me so excited since I feel like no one ever uses their products, I'm glad you like the aura & are also the reason I even want to buy a 440 to begin with

[@michaelj.4187]

Lewitt hits a grand slam, wowser!

[@robjobse5162]

Litteraly the PERFECT solution for youtubers/streamers

[@meistudiony]

The box went up. But didnt come down. Lol I said this on AHs video, Im glad that a company is daring to do something different. Ive yet to use a lewitt i like, but this tech is pretty cool for certain users. Not something i could see myself using in the studio though. Great review as always!!

[@Podcastage]

I wish you were down the road so I could let you borrow the 1040. I bet there’d be something you’d like about that one.

[@lucas_92]

That instrument recording was amazing! We need the tab for the arpeggios and guitar melody! Thanks for considering

[@MaduroMan]

Good to know. I ordered one from Sweetwater last week.

[@ericanderson7059]

This will be my third Lewitt I have the 250 and 350 handhelds , great mics , great customer service , great warranty . Dare I say Lewitt is becoming the Honda ( of yesteryear ) of microphones . Great doobalydoo about the mikity mic .

[@LTPottenger]

This sounds substantially better than the other lewitts.

[@Guitargasm]

5:52 OMG the rear of the mic sounds so damn cool :D

[@GamerToday]

Best guitar work you have done on this channel yet that. You weren't kidding about the tones you got. Made that best part of video for once. I feel like you werent clear enough on your views for live streamer or talking head gaming content. Mainly wondering if that feature would help compete with whats out there and accepted currently. Great video as always 👍

[@GennyGMusic]

Hey, Bandrew! Wow, I enjoyed that slow guitar music so much. Thank you!👍🏻

[@pacmanwa]

Was hoping you would cover this mic👍

[@MotorHolmes]

That's a unique and compelling feature set!

[@flyc0de389]

I kinda liked the sound of talking to the back of it

[@peppament]

The Ray is pretty impressive but I also really like how flat the SR117 comes across as

[@graysonpeddie]

I prefer the sound of SR117 in a Lewett Ray. Fortunately, this can be done by using an equalizer such as a Behringer FBQ6200HD after the preamp. I prefer the hardware side as I cannot install software in my work-from-home laptop. I have external audio equipment such as Behringer MIC2200 and MDX2600.

[@larrymarso4492]

i liked the sound of the word "gimmick" on this mic.

[@artysanmobile]

The 80s is a great place to get lost in.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

The auto mute would be so cool for my music streams to help with muting room noise and dry picking.

[@johnkotches8320]

The King Bee still sounds quite good in this comparison and it's why it's my "real world" mic of choice. I understand what Lewitt is doing here, but I have no idea how they are accomplishing this. I'm looking for patents, but don't know if they've been granted... yet.

[@gaston-alegre-stotzer]

15:45 I was going to point out... and I guess I am... that you've upped your music test game... quite a bit. ME LIKES! we share the same 80's addiction. Party on, Bandrew!

[@slofty]

Nexadyne, Bandrew-wan-- you're our only hope!

[@fofopho]

Love the Lewitt Ray a great update to the 440 Pure

[@valerie98]

Love it!

[@jwelk89]

Somehow to me the 440 Pure sounded a lot more sibilant than the Ray. Is that just me?

[@silvydb]

Sounded harsher and more sibilant to me. So youre not alone

[@johnnyvandeclit259]

Wasn’t there a Lewitt ribbon mic review on the channel somewhere ?

[@ramspencer5492]

Great podcast mic for a relatively dry room... Consistently genie.... I'm not loving it as a music mic. But it's okay for it. I can see it working well for some people on vocals.

[@rombsix]

No "whoa, whoa, boop" at the end?

[@abrahamalex]

I love the sound of LCT 640TS

[@DarkTrapStudio]

Hey Andrew, what your favorite mics exept Neumanns one ? Could you do a video on it or something please ? I think a lot people would like too. Best

[@Histio]

One video and im subscribed. Would love to see you review the warm audio wa8000 and the lauten audio atlantis

[@stevewoodyt]

Neat. Sounds good.

[@uncle-english]

Emm... I still love my LCT 440 Pure

[@DarkTrapStudio]

Its the same without Aura

[@outlawkings6133]

I want to buy this microphone for streaming only, because it looks like it’s perfect solution for someone like me how don’t want to put a lot time just to make it sounds ok. Help me please to choose perfect audio interface for this microphone. The only thing I need is streaming without any kind of working around. I need something that will work plug and play without any drivers and programs both windows and linux. I will very thankful if you will help with it. Big fan of your reviews for the last 5 years at least.

[@Welshmanshots]

Is it just me or when you mute the mic it doesn't actually completely mute, im guessing Lewitt is just dropping the db levels to like -50 or something because i can still slightly hear your voice, it's not an issue just an interesting way to have the mute system work, probably due to the auto muting function.

[@BandrewScott]

Yes it’s supposed to be a 70db attenuation. That’s how the few physical mute options I’ve encountered have worked. and I’m not sure why.

[@hershelshochter4703]

are reviews for lewitt, sennheiser, akg and the likes even necessary anymore? they all sound nice at all price points

[@badmiddens]

I'd say yes because they still all have different sonic signatures and many of us look for the right fit, not just the quality. plus, if I didn't have these reviews to watch, I'd have to watch cat videos. why you wanna do that to me??

[@cresshead]

Q. Bandrew do you think we'll see other brands add this tech?

[@PawFromTheBroons]

It's pretty much inevitable

[@Podcastage]

If it’s not patented, I’m sure we will. But I’m not sure if there are patents that would prohibit others from doing it.

[@Kiko-d7f]

Can you review maono pd200x or pd400x?

[@ZaryaMain]

I'd be really curious to see how this mic handles multiple people talking towards it at once. Like if to people are 30-45 degrees off center and talk towards it will the AURA tech be able to handle that?

[@JerKKeR]

55 seconds ago is crazy

[@Fl4ppers]

Really not into these mics but that auto-mute is pretty cool.

[@joshadams8761]

Your guitar tone and chords remind me of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House.

[@legacyShredder1]

What was your signal chain with the two Strat tracks on the first 8 bars of the music test? As a session player I use similar settings all the time, but yours has something setting it apart. Loved it.

[@BandrewScott]

Hey man. I’m just running OCD overdrive with the drive Uber-low, Boss Waza Chorus, Boss Waza Delay, and SLO Reverb.

[@legacyShredder1]

@@BandrewScott I've got all of that. Do you know how you dialed in the chorus?

[@BandrewScott]

@@legacyShredder1 Rate 11:00, Depth 12:00, switch in the middle.

[@legacyShredder1]

@@BandrewScott Thanks dude. I'm gonna try that in just a minute.

[@streetracingmiscreant8589]

Don’t people usually use proximity to adjust for increased volume, like screams and such?

[@kw9172]

So ... if I record acoustic guitar in a difficult room or in a restricted space like at a band practice and I want to close mike, but want to avoid the proximity effect, turning on the aura would get me essentially an omni sound but with a cardiod pickup pattern?

[@Kratouille]

Doesn't sound like a real mute button though, we can still hear you a tiny bit.

[@fredoverflow]

1982: Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast

[@engomar4325]

What about media com dm-500? Why you didn't talk about this brand bro.

[@trexxperiaz8654]

Mute is more like a turn down button, I still can hear everything with enough gain.

[@DarkTrapStudio]

16:20 Yes Im glad for you it is fun indeed !

[@DarkTrapStudio]

The problem with the mute is that Its not muting at all It just loose like 25db wich is a problem for streaming when you want to say a concerning thing

[@Snooopy6565]

-70 db to be exact.

[@DarkTrapStudio]

@@Snooopy6565 haha thanks

[@dk6343]

@@DarkTrapStudio what about the mute switch?

[@DarkTrapStudio]

@@dk6343 I dont know

[@mikebauer6917]

No use case for me, but the 440 is a great mic for sure.

[@bestkoreanjesus]

been waiting for this one.

[@T-Virus_x3]

Can you review the Audient ID24?

[@brxke3462]

What mic would you recommend me for streaming im currently using my headset mic and want to upgrade

[@gaborb6577]

Maybe distance detection is slightly disturbed by opening and closing mouth??

[@h8f8]

pretty cool

[@caitlingrant5356]

How about the MAONO P500T?

[@AudioBoris]

So it seems if I have a larger gooseneck pop filter it may get in the way of the laser and “fool” the mic.

[@silvydb]

to be fair, it seems more meant for practical applications, hell you could at that point, use the filter as a mute. Flipping the filter out of the way when you want it to be muted.

[@wychwoodmusic]

Every mic should have a mute button, just like every interface and pedal should have an on/off switch

[@helmanfrow]

So basically it's an LCT240 with frickin' lasers.

[@gaborb6577]

Plenty of resonance

[@gaborb6577]

Your hand gestures and rear speech made me headache. Maybe there is a hidden flanger effect due to filter adjustion? Has anyone anyhow tried to solve "the problem" they are solving here? Let's make a sound changer mic if they have the processing circuitry inside.😂

[@badmiddens]

so frustrating! I need that tech, I do a ton of character stuff and often ditch a track because I moved too much. but, I just find the lewitt stuff way to top heavy, dare I say, shrill.

[@kw9172]

That should be an easy fix in post, much easier than boosting highs I guess?

[@badmiddens]

@@kw9172 yeah, still no interest in the product, when there are many other mics that are a better fit for me out of the box. I would love to see this technology spread to other brands.

[@citizenstrife]

Just say that the bracelet was really a sticker, and you're all good.

[@jiajunsun3845]

Elgato just release their new Wave Neo microphone, can you please test it against the Wave 3? Thank you!

[@8020Alive]

No need.

[@gaborb6577]

Burnt into mine. I do not want that. Even SR117 is better for me.

[@gaborb6577]

Who would use distance detector in practice?

[@BILLY-px3hw]

Why should I adjust my behavior while recording when I can have my mic adjust it's behavior. Sitting still is for chumps

[@AldousTyler]

Maybe it's the UA X8, but none of these were sounding as good as your videos usually do, sir.

[@Podcastage]

Very interesting. Do they sound worse on the higher quality recording on Podcastage.com as well?

[@AldousTyler]

@@Podcastage - having trouble locating it there, aside from the embedded KZbin version you have posted on the home page

[@Podcastage]

Just published it. Was scheduled for PM instead of AM. My bad.

[@AldousTyler]

@@Podcastage all good. Let me head back upstairs to my studio so I can use my decent headphones like I did for the KZbin version

[@AldousTyler]

@@Podcastage I notice under the recording settings on the high quality audio you are noting the interface as the Focusrite. Is that just out of date text? Checking out the high quality file, and then comparing to ones made in past weeks, it just feels a little rougher on my eardrum this time. Ah, what do I know, though?

[@Lexslayerpride]

My biggest disappointment is that the in the box segment didn't have the box's weird stand thing that they "include"

[@xiaelieskun]

AT2020 sounds better... Ray is a good microphone although

[@artysanmobile]

That is the most bizarre thing I’ve ever seen on a microphone. I would live in constant fear of that microphone’s ‘ideas’. Totally serious, I would not use it in any conceivable scenario. I hope they sell 8 of them.

[@Podcastage]

I always love hearing your takes on this gear. I found it really easy to use for my podcast. I have pretty good mic technique so I don’t need the tech, but for those who move around a LOT, I think it can be really helpful. One thing I thought about is the technique I use where I lean back when I laugh to attenuate myself wouldn’t be effective. I’d have to just turn instead.

[@artysanmobile]

@@Podcastage I gave it a lot of thought, and once again, it is a great feature for your exact scenario. As a recording mic, I wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole because I just know someone would mess with it, turn on whatever it’s called and then be furious with me for using such a mic. I KNOW it.

[@Loe_Jist]

Lewitt mics are too sibilant and top heavy