Lewitt PURE TUBE Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Lewitt PURE TUBE Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Reviewing the Lewitt PURE TUBE Studio Condenser Microphone

The Overview
The Lewitt Audio company, founded in 2010 and based in Vienna, Austria, is known for its innovative design and high-end audio equipment. One of their top products is the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone.
This microphone features a tube preamp and switchable polar patterns that make it highly versatile for various recording scenarios. Before delving into the specifics of this microphone, it is important to understand the purpose and importance of a high-quality studio microphone.

A studio microphone is an essential tool for any recording artist or producer as it captures sound with a level of detail that cannot be replicated by ordinary microphones. A good quality mic can bring out nuances in vocals or instrumentals that are often lost with cheaper options.

The goal of any studio recording session is to produce high-fidelity sound that matches the energy and emotions of the performance. Achieving such impeccable sound quality requires a set up where every piece of equipment plays its part seamlessly – from preamps to compressors to mixing consoles- everything must work together cohesively if one hopes to create professional-sounding recordings that stand out.

Taking a Look at Pure Tube Features and Specifications
The Pure Tube’s tube preamp gives it an edge over many other studio microphones thanks to its ability to produce warmer tones without sounding muddy. The switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight) allow users greater flexibility when recording different instruments or vocals by adjusting how much ambient noise they capture.

This microphone boasts impressive technical specifications: frequency response ranges from 20 Hz – 20 kHz; sensitivity measures -36 dBV/Pa (16mV/Pa); impedance is rated at <100 Ω; signal-to-noise ratio stands at 85 dB-A; and maximum sound pressure level (SPL) is 140 dB SPL. The Pure Tube also comes equipped with a low-cut filter to cut out any unwanted low-frequency noise that may otherwise interfere with the recording, as well as a -12dB pad switch to reduce distortion when recording louder sounds.

Sound Quality
The quality of sound that the Pure Tube produces is exceptional. It captures every nuance of the performance in stunning detail, adding warmth and character to recordings that create an immersive experience for listeners. The microphone delivers an exceptionally clean and transparent sound that accurately represents the instrument or vocal being recorded, without any artificial coloring.

When compared to other popular microphones within its price range, such as AKG C414 or Neumann TLM 103, the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone stands out for its ability to produce warmer tones without losing clarity. This makes it a great choice for recording acoustic instruments such as guitar or violin.

Design and Build Quality
The Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone has a sleek design that is both attractive and functional. Its build quality is solid with a sturdy metal body construction and a shock-mounted capsule which protects against vibration interference.

The mic also comes with a custom shock mount which fits securely around it, providing stability during recordings while also minimizing vibrations from external sources such as footsteps or room noise. The microphone has no switches on its body which means no accidental switching off during recording sessions.

User Experience
Setting up and using the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is relatively easy due to its intuitive design – there are no complicated buttons or settings for users to navigate through before getting started. Recording vocals or instruments with this microphone feels natural thanks to its high sensitivity levels, making it easy to capture even subtle nuances in tone. Users have reported very few issues when using this microphone, with one minor complaint being the lack of a protective case or bag included in the package.

Conclusion
The Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is a top-quality equipment that delivers exceptional results in professional recording sessions. It boasts an impressive set of technical specs while maintaining its versatility through its switchable polar patterns and tube preamp. The microphone's ability to produce warm tones without sacrificing clarity makes it an ideal choice for recording acoustic instruments.

Its solid build quality, intuitive design, and easy setup make it a great option for anyone looking to elevate their recordings. Overall, the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is an excellent choice for professional musicians and producers alike who seek high-fidelity sound reproduction that matches their level of artistry.

Features and Specifications
The Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is a high-end microphone designed for professional recording applications. It comes equipped with a number of unique features and specifications that set it apart from other studio microphones in its price range.

Detailed breakdown of the microphone's technical specifications
The Lewitt PURE TUBE microphone features a 1" true condenser capsule that is capable of capturing audio with extreme accuracy and detail. It has a frequency response range of 20Hz-20kHz, which covers the entire range of human hearing. Additionally, the microphone has a sensitivity rating of -34dBV/Pa (20mV/Pa), allowing it to capture even the most subtle nuances in sound.

One of the standout features of this microphone is its tube preamp, which provides warm, natural-sounding harmonic distortion that adds character and depth to recordings. The preamp uses a 12AU7 vacuum tube, which is known for its smooth, warm tone and low noise floor.

The Lewitt PURE TUBE also has switchable polar patterns, allowing users to choose between cardioid, omni-directional or figure-eight pickup patterns depending on their recording needs. This feature gives users greater flexibility when it comes to capturing audio in different environments or from different sources.

Overview of its unique features
In addition to its technical specifications, the Lewitt PURE TUBE microphone includes several unique features that set it apart from other studio microphones on the market today. One such feature is its internal shockmount system, which helps reduce handling noise and vibrations that can negatively affect recordings.

The microphone also includes an illuminated user interface with touch controls for adjusting settings such as polar pattern selection and gain control. This makes it easy for users to adjust settings on the fly without having to fumble with external controls or menus.

Another unique feature of the Lewitt PURE TUBE microphone is its included pop shield and windscreen. These accessories help reduce plosive sounds (such as "p" and "b" sounds) and wind noise, respectively, which can be a problem when recording vocals or other sources in windy environments.

Overall, the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is a highly capable recording tool that offers exceptional sound quality, flexibility, and ease of use. Its combination of technical specifications and unique features make it a top choice for professional recording engineers who demand the best from their equipment.

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Sound Quality

The Sound of Excellence
The Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is a true gem when it comes to sound quality. It delivers a warm, rich and full-bodied sound that is incredibly detailed and accurate. The pure tube circuitry ensures that the microphone captures every nuance of your recordings with precision, preserving the natural timbre of your voice or instrument.
A Comparison to Other Studio Microphones in Its Price Range
Compared to other popular studio microphones in its price range such as the Neumann U87 and AKG C414, the Lewitt PURE TUBE stands out for its exceptional sound quality. It produces a more organic and natural sound compared to these other microphones which often have a more pronounced high-end boost. This makes it an excellent choice for recording vocals or acoustic instruments where you want to capture every detail without any artificial coloration.
Performance Across Recording Scenarios
The Lewitt PURE TUBE is incredibly versatile and performs well across different recording scenarios. For example, if you're recording vocals, it delivers an intimate and personal sound that's perfect for ballads or soulful performances.

But if you're recording drums or guitars, it can handle high SPLs (sound pressure levels) without distorting or losing clarity. It also has switchable polar patterns - cardioid, omni-directional, figure-8 - which allow you to tailor the microphone's characteristics to your specific needs.

Cardioid pattern is perfect for vocals as it rejects sounds from the rear of the capsule while picking up sounds from directly in front. Omni-directional pattern captures sounds equally from all directions making it ideal for room miking while figure-8 pattern picks up sounds from two opposite directions making it great for duets.
A Word on Noise Floor
One area where the Lewitt PURE TUBE really shines is its low noise floor. This means that even when recording quieter sources, such as acoustic guitars or soft vocals, you won't have to worry about picking up any unwanted hiss or hum. This makes it easier to achieve a clean and professional sound in your recordings without any additional processing.
Overall Impression
The Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is a remarkable piece of equipment that delivers unparalleled sound quality. Its exceptional warmth, clarity, and detail make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to produce high-quality recordings in a range of applications.
With its switchable polar patterns and low noise floor, this microphone is versatile enough to handle nearly any recording scenario with ease. Overall, the Lewitt PURE TUBE should be on the shortlist for anyone looking for a top-tier studio condenser microphone.
Design and Build Quality
Examination of Physical Design
The Lewitt PURE TUBE microphone has a sleek and modern appearance, with a cylindrical shape that tapers towards the top. The microphone body is silver in color, with black accents around the capsule area and gold accents on the grille. At 8.8 inches long and 1.7 inches wide, this microphone is relatively compact and easy to handle.

One unique feature of the Lewitt PURE TUBE microphone is its switchable polar patterns, which allow users to choose between cardioid, omni, or figure-8 options depending on their recording needs. The polar pattern selector is located near the bottom of the microphone body for convenient access.
Evaluation of Durability
The Lewitt PURE TUBE microphone's construction feels solid and sturdy overall, with a weight of just over one pound. The body is made of aluminum alloy, which provides durability without adding too much weight or bulk.
The grille on this microphone is made from stainless steel mesh that appears to be resilient enough to withstand accidental bumps or drops without damaging the capsule inside. However, users should still exercise care when handling this sensitive equipment.

In addition to physical durability, the Lewitt PURE TUBE also boasts features that help protect it from electrical interference or damage during use. For example, it has an integrated shock mount system that isolates it from vibrations or external noise sources while recording.
Overall Build Quality
Overall, the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone appears to be well-built and designed for longevity in professional settings. While it may not be as rugged as some other models on the market (such as those intended for live performance), its solid construction and attention to detail make it a reliable choice for studio recording applications.

One potential downside may be its lack of flexibility compared to other microphones in its class - for example, the polar pattern selection is limited to just three options, while other high-end models may offer more. However, this microphone's build quality and sound performance still make it a strong contender for serious recording enthusiasts looking for a quality studio condenser microphone.
User Experience
Setting up and using the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is relatively straightforward, although there are a few things worth noting to ensure optimal performance. The package includes the microphone itself, a shock mount, a foam windscreen, a power supply, and a cable. It’s important to note that the microphone requires an external power source via the included power supply – it cannot be powered over USB or phantom power.

Once everything is plugged in and turned on, users can immediately hear the warm, natural sound that the tube preamp provides. The switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omni-directional, figure-eight) can be easily adjusted on-the-fly using a dial located on the front of the microphone.
Review of User Experience
In terms of recording quality, users have reported being extremely satisfied with results from this microphone. It performs exceptionally well for vocals and acoustic instruments such as guitars or pianos. Additionally, it does an excellent job at capturing natural sounds such as room ambience or background noise.
The shock mount securely holds the microphone in place while minimizing vibrations that could cause unwanted noise or interference during recording sessions. Many users have appreciated this feature as it helps to ensure clear recordings without any unexpected interruptions.
Potential Issues or Challenges
One potential issue related to this microphone is its sensitivity to loud sounds. While it performs exceptionally well at capturing nuanced details and dynamics in music performances or voiceovers – if subjected to excessively loud sources (such as drums), distortion can occur due to early stage clipping — especially if gain control was not properly set up.

Another challenge faced by some users is related to its size and weight: weighing almost 1kg including its cradle/shockmount —the microphone is quite bulky and may need extra support or a sturdy stand to ensure its stability. Nonetheless, this weight is a sign of Lewitt's commitment to ensuring high quality and durable build in their products.

Some users have reported that the power supply can be somewhat noisy (in terms of mechanical hum) at times, potentially affecting the quality of recordings. Nevertheless, this issue can be easily mitigated by careful placement during setup.
Overall User Experience Verdict
The overall user experience with the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone has been highly positive. The build quality and design are top-notch, while the sound quality is exceptional for its price range.
Although there are potential challenges related to sensitivity to loud sounds or the size/weight of the microphone, these are relatively minor compared to the benefits and performance it provides. If you are an audiophile looking for a high-quality studio condenser microphone at an affordable price point - you should definitely consider giving this mic a shot. With features such as switchable polar patterns, tube preamp, and excellent build-quality —the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone is an excellent investment for any serious recording enthusiast.

Conclusion

Summary of Key Points Discussed Throughout the Review
Throughout this review, we have explored in detail the features and sound quality of the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone. From its impressive technical specifications to its unique design and build quality, this microphone certainly delivers on its promise to provide exceptional recording capabilities for serious recording enthusiasts.

The tube preamp and switchable polar patterns are just two of the microphone's standout features, making it a versatile tool for recording almost any sound source. Furthermore, its excellent sound quality surpasses many other microphones in its price range.
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Final Thoughts on Whether or Not the Lewitt PURE TUBE Studio Condenser Microphone is Worth Investing In for Serious Recording Enthusiasts

If you are looking for a high-quality studio condenser microphone that can deliver exceptional sound quality and versatility, then the Lewitt PURE TUBE is definitely worth considering. Its impressive technical specifications combined with its unique design and build quality make it a standout product in a crowded market.

While it may come with a higher price tag than some other microphones on the market, serious recording enthusiasts will appreciate that this investment is well worth it when compared to lesser-quality options. This is especially true if you value versatility in your microphone's capabilities; with switchable polar patterns and tube preamp technology, this microphone can handle almost any recording scenario with ease.
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Overall, we highly recommend the Lewitt PURE TUBE studio condenser microphone to anyone looking for an exceptional tool that combines high-quality engineering with stunning audio performance. It is an investment that will pay off time and time again as you utilize it in your recordings.

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