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

Today i review the Lewitt Ray, a microphone based on the LCT440 but with technology inside that adjusts to your distance. This means that if you move around a lot while recording it will maintain a relatively consistent level and tone. The mic leans on the brighter side of mics with tons of detail and it also has a physical mute button which is tight.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
• Gain: ~3:00
• Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
• Sensitivity: -33dB
• Self Noise: 8BA
• Max SPL: 131dB
• Impedance: 120 Ohms

Buy the Lewitt Ray (Affiliate Links)

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:51 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:45 - Specifications
02:00 - Walkthrough of AURA
05:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
06:05 - Plosive Test
06:20 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
06:40 - Background Noise Test
06:56 - Untreated Room Test
07:20 - Mute Button Demo
07:36 - Shock Rejection Test
07:52 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
08:06 - Intro to Comparison
08:24 - Lewitt Ray (w/ Aura) Sample
08:57 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
09:20 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
09:51 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
10:19 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
10:50 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
11:18 - Aston Origin Comparison
11:50 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
12:29 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
13:03 - Austrian Audio OC16 Comparison
13:43 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:18 - Music Test
16:15 - Pros & Cons
18:32 - Overall Thoughts
20:22 - Recommendation

#Studio #Condenser #MicReview

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[LEWITT-audio]

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

[eldest]

Ok, that auto distance mute is really freaking cool.

[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).

[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!

[General_Puffball]

Lewitt's commitment to innovative is admirable.

[a.akacic]

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

[TIMNFYA]

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. ;-)

[Vertshark]

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

[Armbrust]

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

[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.

[Kragatar]

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

[homestudioacademy]

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

[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!

[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!!

[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

[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 👍

[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.

[willcarter]

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

[billlord]

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

[Guitargasm]

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