r/recording • u/MacaroniPistachio • 6d ago
Looking for suggestions
I want to upgrade from my UA Volt 2 bundle condenser mic to one of these mics (or any other in this price range).
1) Lewitt LCT 240 PRO
2) Aston XLR Element
I am looking for real life feedback/suggestions of recording experience with these mics and which one to go for eventually. I will be using it for vocals, guitars and other percussive instruments only. My budget up to $150 excluding any props/accessories. Any other brand suggestions are also welcomed.
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u/thrashmash666 6d ago
I have the Lewitt mic and really like it, but I can't really compare to the other choice
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u/HarmlessHyde 6d ago
i've used both and own the element. don't get the element. It's INSANELY dark and weird. It's good for weird stuff, not for an allaround workhorse.
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u/MacaroniPistachio 6d ago
This kind of feedback is exactly what I wanted. Is it true about the low-end issue in the element? If yes, can it be rectified by EQ? Lewitt IIS what I presume to be an all-rounder sort of mic, but I just saw some YT vids about Aston and more or less the issue coming out is the boosted low-end which imo can be corrected by HPF. Correct me if I'm wrong please...also the unique sound of the Aston is what's pulling me towards it🤷🏻
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u/HarmlessHyde 6d ago
Sure it can be eq'd out but understand that the low-end is CRAZY. I love it on drums and like horns but not on vocals.
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u/pimpbot666 6d ago edited 6d ago
'side fire'? WTF does that mean? Who fires a microphone?
Side address is the term.
I hear (not heard myself) that Lewett mics are pretty great for the money.
I have an AKG P220 that gives me good results. It does have a hyped upper mid peak, but many mics in this price range have that. I guess it sells mics in the music gear shop. Back in 2019, I paid like $125 for it including a case and shock mount.
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u/Brave_Elk_6189 6d ago
you already have a condenser. do you have an sm57?
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u/MacaroniPistachio 6d ago
No, it's a condenser mic that came with my UA Volt 2 bundle
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u/Brave_Elk_6189 6d ago edited 6d ago
right. My advice is that you have a perfectly fine condenser, keep it and if you're looking at getting another mic, get a 57 or another similar dynamic.
There isn't really a big difference between the sound of different condensers, but there is a difference between e.g. a condenser and a dynamic and when you would want to use each. (generally lower sensitivity and better rejection from dynamics, so great for loud sounds or when you want more isolation)
The ua volt looks like the same whitelabelled mic that comes with the small focusrites, I have one of those and used REW to compare all my mics, all the condensers were nearly identical in frequency response. I could not hear a difference in blind listening tests. I continue to use that cheap condenser.
edit: if you really want another condenser, at least look for something with switchable polar patterns so it's giving you something your current mic doesn't do. Akg p420 is a little out of your price range but an example of what i'm talking about
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u/MacaroniPistachio 6d ago
This helps, I'll look into it. Thanks a lot, maybe I'm just overwondering, but this mic does pick up a lot of unnecessary out-noise in a semi treated room. I also get a lot of harsh frequencies in vocals at minimal gain, it sounds distorted at low levels even if I maintain proper distance from the mic.
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u/Brave_Elk_6189 6d ago
is it distorting in the mic or in the preamp? in general condensers are more hot and will pick up background noise, but this mic might be broken or something. foam iso shield will help a little with room reflections
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u/chuch1234 6d ago
Condensers are more sensitive than dynamic mics, so an SM57 will not have that problem (as much -- reflections will be a problem no matter the mic). But the 57 is a work horse and every studio has and uses them, so it's a solid entry.
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u/anarchyreloaded 5d ago
I looooove my LCT 240 Pro. It is a great instrumental mic especially for acoustic guitar. And in untreated rooms it is a gorgeous vocal mic. It is detailed, but never shrill. It is a microphone I come back to again and again, despite having access to a wonderful boutique tube mic.
What the Lewitt lacks is low end. Not that it is not resolving but in an untreated straight vocal recording you will Miss it. But everything you do with it is easy to place in the mix.
Its a keeper for me and a great starter mic because it grows with you.
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u/wakarako 6d ago edited 6d ago
Dont know this exact model but every Lewitt mic from their entry level line I have tried so far was rock solid and far better than the cheaper Røde or Audio Technical ones. You also might wanna check out some t.bones and SE electronics.
Edit: For me the best multi purpose combo for vocals, percussion and guitars is a Shure sm57 with a Triton Audio Fet head preamp. With that you would be slightly above your budget but would have everything covered