Lewitt Pure Tube Review / Test (vs. AT2020, U67, TF51, LCT1040, U87)

Today I review the new Pure Tube from Lewitt. This thing offers a tamer top end compared to Lewitt's solid state mics and more detail and articulation than a lot of other tube mics. The studio set also comes with one of the best shockmounts I've ever used, and it has a self noise of only 7dBA which is crazy for a tube mic.

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RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -31dB
Self Noise: 7dBA
Tube: 12AU7/ECC82

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:30 - What’s in the Box
01:06 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:37 - Specifications
01:51 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:09 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:44 - Background Noise Test
03:00 - Untreated Room Test
03:19 - Shock Rejection Test
03:38 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:55 - Analog Preamp Test
04:31 - Intro to Comparison
04:58 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:17 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
05:37 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:06 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
06:28 - Lewitt LCT840 Comparison
06:56 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
07:34 - Soyuz SU-023 Bomblet Comparison
07:46 - Sony C100 Comparison
08:22 - Lewitt LCT940 Comparison
08:39 - Telefunken TF-51 Comparison
09:07 - Lewitt LCT1040 Comparison
10:05 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:35 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
11:09 - Music Test
12:19 - Pros & Cons
14:49 - Overall Thoughts
16:18 - Recommendation
17:13 - Outro

#Tube #Condenser #MicReview

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[yuranival]

What a clear, rich, non-sibilant sound! well done, Lewitt! You made a mic that sounds better even than some of the more expensive pieces. Thanks to Bandrew for such a thorough review. I guess I'm hearing a hello Neumann tonight in my dreams

[LEWITT-audio]

As always, thanks for the thoughtful review!!

[MrNicknayme]

After 2 seconds, I was in awe.. I usually don’t like Lewitt mics, when they are aggressive, but this one is with cosy warm low-mid/bass and a kind air extention. I Think it would be great on drum overhead, especially on jazz drums. Thanks for the review.

[arbitermatt]

Honestly, this is probably my favourite sounding mic I've heard you review.

[astrangeandmysteriouspodca]

This mic sounds good…but that TF51 sounds unreal. Warm and clear wow!

[DapperDanLovesYou]

First off: Bandrew in 4K is wonderful and I don't know how I lived without it 😍
Secondly: I agree, this is one of my most favorite mics I have ever heard on your voice! A near-perfect blend between sounding natural while also being flattering.

[LordSiah]

I've been watching your channel since I was in Middle school glad you still continue to post videos keep going strong

[eyemsoreel]

Mine just shipped, got it cause I watched your videos on a bunch of mics I was trying to pick between! Thank you

[Graecus_]

Everything lewitt has made sounds incredible, and this one is no exception. I'm probably going to get a 440 as my first xlr when I can afford it. Also, Great and helpful review as always.

[pml]

Bandrew uses the "Lewitt Pure Tube" on his other you tube channel " Bandrew plays" in his own arrangement of "Worlds on heroine" originally from the band "All". Its sounds very good! I too think its one of the best mics for your voice Bandrew, especially for your singing

[Rivenworld]

Worth every penny according to my ears, what a lovely sounding mic.

[MajorArchitect-]

the lct440 though, it sounded quite decent for its price by comparison. That music session in this video sounded quite clean. love it

[michaelfarrow]

Great review! I'm very impressed with the mic. 🙌
The off-axis response sounded very neutral and an amazing self noise number.

[Kragatar]

The off-axis sound is great... almost no change aside from being quieter. Lewitt's mics are the best.

[artysanmobile]

I’m so impressed to hear a modern vocal microphone with minimum hype. Bravo to Lewitt. The Austrian Audio is a great reference microphone, btw., even better than the Lewitt in that regard. Listen to the midrange of the AA in your comparo. The lack of bumps is gorgeous. The two Neumanns also reveal the joy of ultra smooth response, heard after the Lewitt tube.

I think staring at the glowing tube will get real old real fast. Odd little bit of silliness for a very un-silly sounding microphone. Maybe in place of your beloved stickers, they could supply a couple opaque films to block the window.

[michaelj.]

the 440 (within budget here) and tube version have such a great noise floor level, sending love and peace to everyone...

[blackdiasporahistory]

This is a great review! I would like to either get a pure tube or tf51 what would you recommend for male pop and r&b vocals

[Kragatar]

You should use your vast mic collection to open the world's first mic museum.

[DWHarper]

Yes, this mic does not slice my ears off with high end like other Lewitts... So it's got that going for it...

[Armbrust]

Interesting how many people preder Bandrews voice on the Pure tube. I personally think he sounds best on a Mic that is a touch brighter than neutral, or on a Neumann. I think they make his voice sound very natural