The winners are the performers. Amazing consistency, feeling and mic technique. They are all great and the day I can buy one of those without guilt will be a great day.
I switched computers and logged into youtube just to tell you that this mic comparison is awesome and perfect! and the music beautiful! At my studio, the U87 is just my go-to for most sources and sounds most like the way I hear music. But in some cases I need that open top end and the Manley does that incredibly well. I also think the Manley gives off a much richer tube sound than the Lewitt. Speaking of tube richness, have you ever tried the Neumann M149?
This shoot out is such a blessing to see. The 1040 can honestly get you that 251, 47, and everything below and in between. They really did something special here with the 1040.
@@matthelms4865 Oh... haha! That's still baller, tho. I'm not sure what number mine is... there's a stamp on the side of the mic but there's just letters.. no numbers.
Thank you so much for the video! M149 was my first choice, but I switched to Manley reference silver. And now, I need to choose between Manley Silver and Lewitt 1040, which is so difficult.The singer is just tooooo good, she sounded stunning in EVERY mic, and makes it even harder to pick the mic🥵
The 1040 on full FET had a nice tonality, nice high SPL handling on the belt too. If I was recording this song in particular I'd go the 149 for the style before any of the others, however, if any of them showed up on my doorstep tomorrow I'd happily accept!
I think the mic that handled the loud singing best was the M149 (best at that) and LCT 1040, that is a very very important thing for a mic to do, as that is impossible to get rid off in the mix, even with tools like soothe etc..., was thinking of purchasing the Manley Gold but I don't know after hearing these mics tests, might get the M149 again as I had it years ago but sold it to purchase other stuff. would also been nice if you could've add the U67 re-issue too. thanks for the great video man.
I agree that the way a mic handles extreme dynamics is of utmost importance. This is partly why we chose this piece of music to perform as it allows a wide vocal range and can really expose or highlight a mic's ability to resolve fine details as well as explosive bursts. There are several other mics I would've loved to include as well, but these are what we had available at the time. I'm glad you got something out of it and I appreciate the comment.
The M149 is still a go-to in our studio. Excellent microphone. It has never disappointed. The 1040 sounded quite good too. The rest were still very usable.
Lewitt overall....wow! Esp your special blend was such a natural combination of the 2 types that the Manley silver and gold couldn't deliver for me. After that the M149 was gorgeous ...and an equal 2nd for pure dimensionalality and can't be ignored was the Manley Ref C (just keep an eye on the v top and you're fine) 87ai was so lacklustre in this setting it was funny
This particular blend has proven so effective and musical over a wide range of talent. It's become my "go to" setting when starting out, and I tweak from there as needed.
Great comparison. IMO the U87Ai sounds the best in her voice, and the M149 also sounding really good. The Manley reference cardiod being a very different mic still has its touch.
The versatility of the Lewitt is hard to beat, awesome range and sound, best value $ for sure, for pure vocal and the way I like things to sit I would choose the Manley cardioid for vocals.
Thanks for the effort. All of your mics sound great on great musicians. We all like different spices and flavors to varying degrees. The quality is hfi on all of these mics. One can't argue which is better. I have most of the mics that you compared except the Lewitt and it looks like it would be a fun mic to own. More than a dozen great large diaphragm condensor mics and can't justify getting another. I already put too much thought into picking and testing mics from my locker without having to learn about and tweek the Lewitt. If I were going to go out and buy my first tube mic I would strongly consider the Lewitt. But in the end I gravitate toward one trick ponies.
Thanks for the comment. And yes, they're all excellent tools, agreed. The Lewitt offers great flexibility within it's own sonic imprint and is a wonderful Swiss Army Knife for any growing mic locker. :)
thanks for doing this. Been digging the Lewitt company, although don't own any of their stuff....I just dig what they're trying to do. I'd buy that mic....sounds great, cool concept. unfortunately I'll just to continue slumming it with my m149. haha Thanks for doing this. Always fun to hear these kinds of things. Great playing and singing too.
I religiously used an original M49 for over a decade at my last studio and was intimately familiar with its sound and reach. I never thought the M149 would even compare but I was pleasantly surprised at how large a tone it gets. A fantastic mic all around with typical Neumann build quality!
@@TL2BASS It's a bit hot for vocals with my Fearn VT1. I actually have to use a -12db pad to get it a useful level....at the 0db setting on the preamp, it's way too hot and the -20 is too low unless I use the pad. With the -12db pad, it's perfect for almost everyone except the quietest singers.
I've used a Lauten recently on Sax and thought it was quite good. I've not compared the two directly so cannot comment other than the Lewitt will be the more versatile of the two.
Came here to listen to the 1040 or make my decision of buying it , but know I am between 1040 and m149. Have a lota o condenser mics in my home studio (u87 , sphere dlx , Akg c414, tlm 103) and thinking of buying the last one. In your Between Neumann 149 and Lewitt 1040 for a tenor , which sings usually opera , 60s/80s music and sometimes a 00s rock and roll , which one do you choose ?
Hi. Thanks for writing. It's really hard to recommend a mic without hearing the source so I cannot lead you one way or another. Both are excellent choices, however, the Lewitt will offer much more flexibility due to it's many sonic faces and may be a more useful mic overall. The 149 sounds great, but gives you only that one sound. Please let us know what you decide!
The best video I've seen in my day I was thinking of buying a Clones Mic for TELE ELA M 251 and NUEMANN U 47, which is the best MICS FOR ME I love its sound (FULL BODY SOUND AND RICH TONE) Is this new LEWITT going to give me close resault for those ? Or what is your advice based on your experience? Thank U.
Thanks for the comment. I don't think the Lewitt LCT1040 sounds like a 251 or a U47 exactly, but perhaps somewhere in the middle of the two. Lewitt mics tend to have a more forward/brighter presentation with just a slight bit less body or low end than the vintage mics we all love. As for versatility, the 1040 is a game changer... beyond what the modeling mics can offer. I'd say get. your ears on a rental or demo from your local dealer and see how your voice responds to the Lewitt. Every session I use it on, not a single vocalist has complained or asked to swap mics, even with vintage options available. Good luck with your search!
The winners are the performers. Amazing consistency, feeling and mic technique. They are all great and the day I can buy one of those without guilt will be a great day.
Appreciate you doing that!
09:01 - Lewitt Tube Clean - Vocal Only
22:44 - Manley Gold - Vocal Only
25:30 - Manley Gold - Vocal Only
What a beautiful test, thank you - such beautiful playing and singing....wow
Thanks for the nice comment!
This Video is Highly Underated . Your Expertise and Engineering is Amazing. This is by far the best review I've seen of these mics.
Completely agree
I switched computers and logged into youtube just to tell you that this mic comparison is awesome and perfect! and the music beautiful!
At my studio, the U87 is just my go-to for most sources and sounds most like the way I hear music. But in some cases I need that open top end and the Manley does that incredibly well. I also think the Manley gives off a much richer tube sound than the Lewitt.
Speaking of tube richness, have you ever tried the Neumann M149?
This shoot out is such a blessing to see. The 1040 can honestly get you that 251, 47, and everything below and in between. They really did something special here with the 1040.
100%. It's priced extremely well and although $3500 isn't cheap, it's quite the high end bargain.
@@TL2BASS totally! I own #6! Lol
@@matthelms4865 Wait.. you own 5 LCT1040s?! Baller!
@@TL2BASS LOL! No way! SN #6
@@matthelms4865 Oh... haha! That's still baller, tho. I'm not sure what number mine is... there's a stamp on the side of the mic but there's just letters.. no numbers.
thank you! it was perfect, exactly all the mics i had on my list to buy ❤
Thank you so much for the video! M149 was my first choice, but I switched to Manley reference silver. And now, I need to choose between Manley Silver and Lewitt 1040, which is so difficult.The singer is just tooooo good, she sounded stunning in EVERY mic, and makes it even harder to pick the mic🥵
The 1040 on full FET had a nice tonality, nice high SPL handling on the belt too. If I was recording this song in particular I'd go the 149 for the style before any of the others, however, if any of them showed up on my doorstep tomorrow I'd happily accept!
Agreed! Thanks for the comment.
I think the mic that handled the loud singing best was the M149 (best at that) and LCT 1040, that is a very very important thing for a mic to do, as that is impossible to get rid off in the mix, even with tools like soothe etc..., was thinking of purchasing the Manley Gold but I don't know after hearing these mics tests, might get the M149 again as I had it years ago but sold it to purchase other stuff. would also been nice if you could've add the U67 re-issue too. thanks for the great video man.
I agree that the way a mic handles extreme dynamics is of utmost importance. This is partly why we chose this piece of music to perform as it allows a wide vocal range and can really expose or highlight a mic's ability to resolve fine details as well as explosive bursts. There are several other mics I would've loved to include as well, but these are what we had available at the time. I'm glad you got something out of it and I appreciate the comment.
The M149 is still a go-to in our studio. Excellent microphone. It has never disappointed. The 1040 sounded quite good too. The rest were still very usable.
Lewitt overall....wow! Esp your special blend was such a natural combination of the 2 types that the Manley silver and gold couldn't deliver for me.
After that the M149 was gorgeous
...and an equal 2nd for pure dimensionalality and can't be ignored was the Manley Ref C (just keep an eye on the v top and you're fine)
87ai was so lacklustre in this setting it was funny
This particular blend has proven so effective and musical over a wide range of talent. It's become my "go to" setting when starting out, and I tweak from there as needed.
Manley Gold just kills it. Smooth and detailed. Lewitt just didn’t measure up.
That Manley Gold is BUTTER.
All the Mics are really Great!But the LCT 1040..!!So many sound flavour..!!Really awesome!!
Agreed. An extremely versatile high quality mic!
Amazing vid!
Great comparison. IMO the U87Ai sounds the best in her voice, and the M149 also sounding really good. The Manley reference cardiod being a very different mic still has its touch.
09:01 - Lewitt Tube Clean - Vocal
22:44 - Manley Silver - Vocal
25:30 - Manley Gold - Vocal
28:11 - Neumann U87 Ai - Vocal
Great video! Very helpful!
The versatility of the Lewitt is hard to beat, awesome range and sound, best value $ for sure, for pure vocal and the way I like things to sit I would choose the Manley cardioid for vocals.
What's the name of the song she is singing? Is it a cover or piece?
Thanks to everyone great job and congrat to both artists , maybe someday I will get a M149
Thanks for the effort. All of your mics sound great on great musicians. We all like different spices and flavors to varying degrees. The quality is hfi on all of these mics. One can't argue which is better. I have most of the mics that you compared except the Lewitt and it looks like it would be a fun mic to own. More than a dozen great large diaphragm condensor mics and can't justify getting another. I already put too much thought into picking and testing mics from my locker without having to learn about and tweek the Lewitt. If I were going to go out and buy my first tube mic I would strongly consider the Lewitt. But in the end I gravitate toward one trick ponies.
Thanks for the comment. And yes, they're all excellent tools, agreed. The Lewitt offers great flexibility within it's own sonic imprint and is a wonderful Swiss Army Knife for any growing mic locker. :)
24:05 & 29:28
Lewit 6:20
M149 30:56
Warmth and air ….Manley Reference C for me.
thanks for doing this. Been digging the Lewitt company, although don't own any of their stuff....I just dig what they're trying to do. I'd buy that mic....sounds great, cool concept.
unfortunately I'll just to continue slumming it with my m149. haha
Thanks for doing this. Always fun to hear these kinds of things. Great playing and singing too.
I religiously used an original M49 for over a decade at my last studio and was intimately familiar with its sound and reach. I never thought the M149 would even compare but I was pleasantly surprised at how large a tone it gets. A fantastic mic all around with typical Neumann build quality!
@@TL2BASS agree....really nice mic. The only thing that bugs me about is the insanely hot output.
@@davewestner I guess it's cool for vocals but a bit feisty for overheads/percussion without a pad.
@@TL2BASS It's a bit hot for vocals with my Fearn VT1. I actually have to use a -12db pad to get it a useful level....at the 0db setting on the preamp, it's way too hot and the -20 is too low unless I use the pad.
With the -12db pad, it's perfect for almost everyone except the quietest singers.
@@davewestner Damn... that IS hot! Are you recording Viking battle cries?! LOL.
What do you think about the Lauten Eden LT-386 vs. the Lewitt LCT 1040?
I've used a Lauten recently on Sax and thought it was quite good. I've not compared the two directly so cannot comment other than the Lewitt will be the more versatile of the two.
Came here to listen to the 1040 or make my decision of buying it , but know I am between 1040 and m149.
Have a lota o condenser mics in my home studio (u87 , sphere dlx , Akg c414, tlm 103) and thinking of buying the last one.
In your Between Neumann 149 and Lewitt 1040 for a tenor , which sings usually opera , 60s/80s music and sometimes a 00s rock and roll , which one do you choose ?
Hi. Thanks for writing. It's really hard to recommend a mic without hearing the source so I cannot lead you one way or another. Both are excellent choices, however, the Lewitt will offer much more flexibility due to it's many sonic faces and may be a more useful mic overall. The 149 sounds great, but gives you only that one sound. Please let us know what you decide!
@@TL2BASS Thank you very much .. I end up buying the Lewitt lct 1040 …
Your video and comment help me a lot.
1040 got that sony c800 g sound
The top ends are quite similar... sweet bite with no spike!
The best video I've seen in my day
I was thinking of buying a Clones Mic for TELE ELA M 251 and NUEMANN U 47, which is the best MICS FOR ME I love its sound (FULL BODY SOUND AND RICH TONE)
Is this new LEWITT going to give me close resault for those ? Or what is your advice based on your experience?
Thank U.
Thanks for the comment. I don't think the Lewitt LCT1040 sounds like a 251 or a U47 exactly, but perhaps somewhere in the middle of the two. Lewitt mics tend to have a more forward/brighter presentation with just a slight bit less body or low end than the vintage mics we all love. As for versatility, the 1040 is a game changer... beyond what the modeling mics can offer. I'd say get. your ears on a rental or demo from your local dealer and see how your voice responds to the Lewitt. Every session I use it on, not a single vocalist has complained or asked to swap mics, even with vintage options available. Good luck with your search!
M149
Hey Thai, for the 1040 special blend, ws that the fet/tube dial at around 3 o'clock?
It was either 2 or 3 o'clock. I usually start there and dial forward or back, depending on how bright/warm I want it.
@@TL2BASS beautiful, thanks!
Found a 1040 brand new locally at a steal and couldn't resist!
Manley RC 20:52
manley gold is so impressive to me. all were great though... lewitt is cool
Agreed. They're all excellent choices in isolation, only lessened through direct comparison. With that said, that Gold is quite impressive!
Lewitt 70/30 == wow. Now I know where my tax refund is going. Thanks.
what pop filter is this?
fr
M149 sounded best on her voice
28:40 & 23:13