Man, the motorbike passing by, I thought it was passing right; behind me, I even turned around. It wasn't until you said it that I didn't understand. Amazing
I went to school for audio engineering. Large diaphragm mics are much more sensitive and typically have a lower noise floor than smaller diaphragm mics. This makes them ideal for capturing quiet nature sounds as they will capture more subtleties. The down side is that they are not very robust and the elements will take a toll on them. I purchased a pair of Rode NT1’s (5db self noise) for nature recording. At $200 a piece if one gets damaged they are more easily replaced. I’ve always wondered why people spend thousands on small diaphragm mics for nature recordings. With noise floors around 18-20db you’ll hear that in the recording when raising the levels in post. Thanks for all the content!
Hi Greg! You're absolutely right, and thank you for your feedback. The Rode NT1 is indeed known for its impressively low noise floor. Using this for field recording could be another affordable alternative. I've also checked out the Nevaton Ambisonic microphone, which boasts a self-noise of just 4dbA.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thanks for that suggestion. That ambisonic mic is very intriguing indeed. It’s now on my future purchase list. I picked up 2 Triton Audio FetHead Phantom In-line Microphone Preamps to test out on my drop rig mic setup. I’m curious to to see if it helps drop the noise floor a bit. If it does I’m planning to order another pair along with Rode’s ambisonic mic and run it with the FetHeads. By the way, how did that setup work for you?
@@GregAllen2 Oh, I don't use that one anymore. We had considered doing one-pack travel, so we brought all our gear back to the US and purchased the DPA 5100, intending to use it in 2023. However, we encountered several issues with this unit and had to cancel our travel plans for NZ and Australia. We brought back the Schoeps DMS kit, but not the Rode Ambisonic.
I have been using the Shure MV88+ stereo condenser mic with windjammer and switch between manfrotto pixi tripod (small) and a larger tripod I have that I got with a camera years ago. The app you use with it changes the polar patterns. And unless I’m not doing ASMR or a Closeup of any kind where I use mono cardioid; it’s always stereo between 22db and 33db. I can increase sound later if recorded too low but if you clip it’s a ruined recording. I will share sometime soon, some of my work. Swiss Army Knife of a Mic. Thanks for all the info you provide! Audiophile forever!
I love field recording with large diaphragm condensers. My current favorite setup is a stereo pair of AKG C214's with a MixPre-6 ii. I have added the Lewitt 540 to my wishlist and can't wait to try them out at some point in the near future!
Those cicadas sound like an army of belt sanders. 😄 BTW, those mics are amazing! I have a 440 Pure - which I adore - and have been considering the 540.
These cicadas are incredibly intense right now! Greg and I went back a day later, and we recorded from sunset all the way into the night. It was truly amazing to witness the cacophony of cicada sounds slowly fading away, giving way to the sounds of the night. :)
These are very sensitive mics with very low noise which is a great combo. But in an outdoor setting the natural ambient sound level far exceeds the mic self noise and the MixPre preamp self noise combined. So a super quiet mic like the 540 doesn’t really have a chance to show off that much. I use 8040 and 8050 mics for outdoor ambience recordings. It is difficult to compare noise specs between mics, but I can say that even in the quietest locations I have never heard the 8040 mics self noise.
Ahhhhhhhh!!!! What I wanted the most happened! A test with Lewitt microphones on your channel! I recently ordered an LCT 040 Match pair, but the unpaired model arrived at the store, so I had to cancel the sale. I still intend to acquire to record videos for the channel, although it is intended for record instruments, I liked the result in the videos I watched
Yes, busy waterfalls are just like noise, especially when recording from a distance - I have often thought this myself, actually... The trick is to find a location that allows you to get close enough to capture the detail of the water to make it obvious that it’s a waterfall, but far enough away to also capture an overall sense of ‘size’. Some waterfall locations don’t provide the kind of access needed to capture that balance, unfortunately - at least not with a single pair of mics!
My electroacoustic composition lecturer swears that you can use white noise (or was it pink?) with granular synthesis to produce wave-like textures Haven't cracked the settings yet, but I've also not given it much effort so. Well, there's a fun fact.
Yes, you can definitely do that. I've done it a few times with other recordings. You can throw almost anything into a granular synth and create some amazing sounds with it. You can even select different frequencies within the recordings. There are endless possibilities when it comes to sound manipulation and design using granular synthesis.
The cicadas sound so fascinating! Thanks for the test. Very interesting to hear how good the Sony D100 can compete. As others also wrote, in my opinion the self noise of mics becomes more or less irrelevant as soon there are hissing sound sources. Even slight wind in the trees of a forest often covers the hiss from the mics and / or preamps.
Thank you for watching! :) Having great microphones is crucial for your voice-over work. I'm glad you're enjoying them, and who knows - maybe you'll be inspired to take them out for a spin in the forest and record some beautiful nature sounds! :)
My biggest challenge with LDCs in the field is effective wind protection. I've tried to build cages for them, but nothing I've really been happy with yet.
I have been looking for a solution for a long time that would allow me to record deeper ambient sounds. After hearing these amazing sounds from these microphones, I think I will make such an assembly for myself in the future. This may not be the best use of funds for a beginner, but the depth of the sound struck me.
What a nice place. Work and meditation can no longer be separated here 🙏😀 Large diaphragm microphones are sensitive to moisture. But if you store them dry after recording, there shouldn't be any problems (silica bags). I think these mics are great for room tones. I'm curious if you buy them. The D-100's recordings are really good here too. They sound different, of course, but by no means bad. In the end it's all a question of what the sound designer is looking for. Have fun and many greetings also to Libby - Til.
Hi Til! We won't be buying them mainly due to the extra gear, weight, and the lack of a proper wind solution. However, this is only because we're traveling. If we had a home base, we would definitely own them, especially for recording interior ambience and sound effects. Libby says hi too! :)
Hi Marcel, if you can live without the shockmounts, the Rycote Mini Windjammer Special 105 will fit perfectly on these mics. I use them on my 440 pure wich have the same width and depth. The 540 Sub is just 2cm longer.
I am doing mostly whispering ASMR. Now I have 440 pures. These + Lewitt 640 TS for omni recording are basically the best for the price and it works on everything - nature sounds, whispering, singing. I would not take them out of the studio though 😁
I also used pair NT1A . But that wasn't my idea, one field recordist from youtube does it 10 years ago and for wind protection he made custom "blimp" from office mesh basket for paper
Love your videos. I used to record nature sounds for a living and your videos have gotten me back into nature sound recording. I am wondering where I can find the microphone mount bar you used? It looks long enough to hold two blimps side by side
love how crisp and clear the ambient nature sounds are! I´m not a sound engineer so don´t have to much knowledge about sound recordings but I try to record ambient nature sounds for my own video making to help tell the story and captivate the viewer but I´m clearly missing something listening to this haha.. What would you recommend to get better ambient sounds for my recordings, I currently use a zoom h5 with the xyh-5 capsules. I´m liking it but I feel like they aren´t picking up enough and the sounds clearly and long enough, would love some input if you have the time! Have a great day!
The Lewitt mics sound good for sure, but your comparaison with the D100 isn't absolutly fair, since the volume between the two are not realy matched. The cicadas are incredible !
@@FreeToUseSounds Indeed I commented before the part where you mention that point, sorry. Anyway, a matched volume between the two recordings could have been more informative, even for reference or curiosity.
Ah I didn't answer the question at the begining of the vid. Yes I have ever since I was 18. 18 year old me so wanted a stereo matched pair of Rode NT1-A's and a Sound Devices 744-T. Nothing sounded better to 18 year old me. What a dream team. Double ORTF NT1-A and 744-T.
Very interesting. But I think I like your ORTF set up with the sennheiser mics more. More compact and with wind protection. The lewitt mics sounded incredible though.
Whow. 😅 Amazing difference between those. Remarcable crisp Sound with those you did catch. Next one what deivice would be good enough for record those mics. MixPre3/6/10 ? Todays recommedation for ?
Hi Marcel. Enjoyed that as usual, and the Lewitts sound great. Will you be buying some ? Thanks as always. Say Hi to Libby, and hope you are both well.
Large diaphragm condenser mics are the way to go if you want high fidelity ambient sound. Sadly, the system you are using here is not very compact, and portability can quickly become an issue in busy environments, or when setup time is constrained. If you want something slightly more compact to fit on the shoe of your camera, take a look at the Rode Stereo VideoMic X. It uses large diaphragm condensers and produces comparable sound quality to what is being demonstrated here, though at £500+, is not a cheap option.
Bonjour. I wonder how it compares to the C414 XLS. I know the question was exposed once here... but it's a little "up" to it ! It is a lot of money to me, so I cannot mistake and can afford only one mic yet. I'm about to go for a solution, mostly for video purpose (field recording, FX, low ambiances and theatre recording...), but for brass and other instruments also. Hence : a swiss-army tool to join an oktava 012, a rode NTG3, a SE Z5600 and... T Bones SCT140. Thanks for considering !
I'm also looking for a wind protection of LCT540s. For the time being, I'm using a RYCOTE Special 105 Mini Windjammer but cannot use a shock mount included in the package of LCT540s.Therefore, I'm using a RYCOTE InVision USM shock mount instead.
Hey you two, At first: Thanks a lot for your content. Second: Do you have any recommendations for wind protection for the 540s. Is a dead Cat enough, is there need for a basket or is there any basket out there suitable for a ORTF/AB Set Up with the Lewitts? Thanks I advance.
Hi! Just to clarify, our initial video wasn't intended as a comparison, but merely for reference. However, we're preparing another video where we'll use $5000 worth of Sennheiser microphones, all while maintaining the same level settings on the MixPre. So stay tuned for that - it promises to be exciting! :)
As always amazing video guys! Thanks for sharing! Marcel just some fyi on the Neumann headphones, be careful with them. I had two in the past on both broke, because they were in my travel bag. 😢 the hinges that make the headphones turn, are made from plastic.
Hi Francois! Thank you so much for watching and for your feedback about these headphones. I'm just trying them out right now, but I'll be giving them back to Greg as well and won't be traveling with them.
I will watch out for that damage, however… The NDH30s have the same hardware there as the NDH20s and they have travelled with me folded into their black fabric drawstring bag, jammed into a backpack on planes and overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiangmai and back again 4x, buses/jeeps from Chiangmai to Chiangrai 2x, plane and ferry return from Bangkok to the island of Koh Phayam 1x, trekked in and out villages, motorbike rides, and numerous local forays around ChiangmaI, and almost daily listening use in the co-working space I frequent in Chiangmai. The ear pads on my NDH20 got damaged from a dose of brackish water from a mangrove splash, but that’s the only damage I’ve experienced so far. Maybe I’m too careful? Maybe Marcel will manage to break them LOL!
@@FreeToUseSounds The Schoeps in a Cinela Leonard are my favorites at the moment. Very compact and still a good wind noise protection. I'm already saving money. Hopefully next year at the latest...
thanks for another great video! QUESTION- curious as to why you are using the mix pre-10ii now(as I did not see it in this video but is the opening image)- is your setup calling for more inputs and wonder about powering it with your last set up being the mix pre 6ii and the anker? Thanks for your time, cheers, dakota
Hi Dakota! Thank you so much for watching and asking. Yes, we bought the Mix Pre 10ii because we also bought the DPA 5100. We also made another video about how I power my SD Mix Pre 10ii.
They sound very clear , what could i use to record wind blowing through a Electrical Pylon any ideas , i have a MKE 600 with just the foam cover at the moment. Love your work .
Hi and thank you so much! If your goal is to record sounds up close, your this microphone is just fine. Considering strong winds (which I assume you're anticipating), a blimp is crucial. For your microphone, combining a blimp with a mono rig should provide the best outcome. I'd recommend looking into the Rycote Super Blimp. But if you're looking to save a bit, Rycote's Super Softie is an alternative, though it might not be as effective against heavy wind. Or do you want to invest in a stereo kit?
Thank you , I will have a look at those and especially the Blimp as I am after the whistling sound and not the gusting buffeting sounds. I would like to invest in a stereo kit, yes. I do have a Rode NT1 from 1998, but only one . The sounds are originating from about 18 feet up for example. Thank you.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thank-you for your advice , i went with the Rycote Super Blimp NTG 5 Kit and Manfrotto MS0490C Carbon Nanopole Stand in the end i hope i don't loose to much hi freq but it should be much better to record what i am after. ATB great channel.
@@atommachine Sp glad to hear that and we hope you record some great sounds! Also, if its not too windy, having a short windjammer is always great to have as a bonus. Happy Recording :)
There is a very notable low frequency oscillating hum in the Lewitt 540 S recordings here in this video, specifically in quiet scenes, for example at around 2.55 ! What is this, where does it come from? It´s not in PCM D100 recording. Also: what settings was the PCM D100 recorder in? What mic setup? It sounds like X/Y or A/B, not like the Sony´s ORTF-like mic setting. Thanks for explaining the hum origin. Shouldn´t be there with your expensive steup.
Ich hätte einen Videowunsch: Könntet ihr eins machen, in dem ihr noch einmal kurz erklärt welche Art von Mikrofon/Recorder ihr für welche Aufnahmen benutzt und ganz besonders ob und WIE ihr eure Rekorder programmiert bzw vorbereitet? Wie stimmt man Limiter, Filter und Inputpegel etc. auf die jeweilige Aufnahmesituation ab? Ändert ihr diese Einstellungen wenn ihr ein anderes Mikrofon benutzt oder ihr die Aufnahmequelle - oder Position wechselt? Ich liebe euren Content, habe es leider noch nicht geschafft alle eurer Videos durch zu sehen (bin erst vor 2 Tagen auf den Kanal gestoßen) also sorry, falls ihr diese Fragen schon einmal beantwortet habt. Besten Dank und weiter so!! :)
Great work!! I am looking into starting to do some field recording with a Tascam X6 that I just ordered. If I can only get 1 additional mic to start with, would you consider the Lewitt LCT640TS stereo compressor mic? Or would you still recommend the Audio Tecnica 4025 as the better all around stereo mic? Thanks!
Hi Kevin. That's a great question. By the way the time, when we made the video about the 4025, I never considered such microphones but since you have wind protection options, I would still go with the 4025.
@@FreeToUseSounds Yeah, I figured. This might be great Voice Mics, but I feel it would need a bit more humpf in the lower end for better butter-smooth ambience recordings :D. It's my opinion though! Ppl might light the brightness better! I've heard good things regarding the Rode NT1 as well for this purpose.
Hello Marcel and Libby, I absolute love your videos and I've learned a lot from you two and how to record sound. In my opinion you are very friendly people! Nowadays I listen to sound completely different than a year ago. I've managed to order me a pair of LOM basicUcho's. Can't wait to receive them and starting to use them. Questions: Which stereo microphone bar do you have? And is the distance between the mic's (AB-recording) very important?
Hello Hans! The stereo bar featured in the video is from "Stereo Schiene," but it actually belongs to Greg, not me. He's quite fond of it. The placement of the microphones is important as it allows you to adjust the soundfield - to broaden or narrow it as needed. Once you start using the microphones, you'll immediately notice if they are spaced too far apart or too closely.
On a couple of those takes, I developed a sense of space and ambience very similar to what is achieve in a binaural mixdown of, say, Dolby Atmos. Are these tracks 'pure' stereo or are they binaural? Then the word "space" brings up the question of ambisonics: I'd be curious to hear something similar done for comparison with the Rode first order mic and then processed down to a binaural mix. I know binaural is, to some, kind of a fictitious immersive approach but for the vast majority it's as good as it can get with either headphones or pods. (I like that there are less expensive options available for this mic: 440 Pure, even a 240 Pro. Are these comparable enough to consider or is there something about the 540 'Subzero' that puts it by itself for field recording?)
Hey Jean, you might've noticed from our other videos that I typically don't use open-back headphones for field recording. The pair you saw in this video was from our friend Greg that gave it to us for editing purposes. They just happened to be in my bag on this trip so I had to use something. Not the norm, I assure you! :)
I have Zoom f6 32 bit float recorder I want to record nature sound stereo mode I never record nature sound before this is my first time. Which microphone should I choose large diafram or small need suggestions
Considering the numerous options for wind protection available for small diaphragm microphones, it would be beneficial to explore microphones that are compatible with a blimp, or those that offer effective wind protection solutions. These can be crucial for outdoor recording scenarios such as capturing nature sounds, where wind noise can significantly interfere with the recording quality. However, your budget also plays an important role in choosing the right microphone. Could you provide a rough estimate of your budget so we can recommend a couple options within that range?
@@ignasivila1879 It works in moderate winds but eventually, as the windspeed increases, you can hear the wind ‘rubbing’ on the body of the mic. It’s a compact solution that squashes easily into a daypack and works well in many situations, but I wouldn’t be taking it to the Himalaya. All of these things are trade-offs and compromises…
@@ignasivila1879 I have become minimalist philosophical about it. This is what I have with me to use, if it can’t do the job at that moment then it can’t do it. I’m tired of carrying a tonne of gear that is mostly for that rare moment or never gets used because it was always “just in case” stuff. For every 10kg of ‘just in case’ I probably never use more than a kg of two. The rest is ‘just in case’ dead weight…
Closed-back headphones are typically preferred for field recording because they offer better noise isolation and I only use them for editing right now. I only had this pair and in ear microphones with me that day and we thought it would be interesting to wear them during the recordings to see if anyone would notice and comment on it. Congratulations on being observant and catching that detail!
Comparing it with the Sony was such a clever way of letting us hear what these mics sound like. Definite food for thought. If there were a basket and wind muff, it would be a real contender for me
Thanks for stopping by! I had the same thought, but carrying two massive cyclones in the bag could be cumbersome as well. Let's see if someone creates a version specifically designed for these kinds of microphones in the future. :)
Hi Marcel, I enjoy your videos and your content is in fact precious, and these Lewitt’s are very good, but I fail to understand in what way are these mics “quite affordable”??? 645€ for each mic (1290€ for the pair) is affordable to you??? I think that an affordable mic (in terms of price quality criteria) should be considered the Line Audio CM4, or the Rode NT1 (which BTW has the exact same self noise of the L 540s, 4dBA). With all due respect, I think one should be more strict when using these adjectives, as this is not an affordable mic. (At best it's a very good mic that doesn’t come with a price tag of an expensive Neumann, but it is in no way affordable). Keep up the good work. Best Regards
Thank you for your insightful comment. I appreciate your perspective on the Lewitt microphones' pricing and can understand why you might question the use of the term "affordable." When I describe these mics as "affordable," I'm comparing their price to their performance and quality. When it comes to professional audio equipment, a heftier price tag often correlates with better sound quality, increased durability, and more advanced features. Viewed from this angle, the Lewitt mics represent considerable value. However, I agree that "affordable" is a relative term. It can vary greatly from person to person, as everyone has different budgets and priorities. These Lewitt mics might seem more financially attainable for someone upgrading from beginner equipment or for a professional accustomed to investing in higher-end gear. Your feedback is invaluable, and it inspires me to strive for clearer communication in the future. I'll aim to provide more context when using such relative terms. Interestingly, your comment aligns with a conversation I'm planning to have with a friend who's a sound engineer and owns these microphones. We intend to create more content together, where he can share his technical expertise and delve deeper into why these microphones, particularly when only one is needed, could still be considered "affordable." Thanks again for engaging with our content and sharing your perspective.
@@FreeToUseSounds Hi Marcel, thanks also for your reply. When I saw the video, I understood what you meant, which in my view translates that you wished to convey that this Lewitt mic is a bang for the buck, that's what I meant with "At best it's a very good mic that doesn’t come with a price tag of an expensive Neumann, but it is in no way affordable" and also with the examples of "Line Audio CM4, or the Rode NT1" which are both amazing mics for the price and have great specs / sound, and considering both these cases, they are in fact affordable, or as you said in the video "quite affordable". These Lewitt's are a bang for the buck but aren't "quite affordable", despite difference of budgets, or positions of more amateur or professional field recordist standpoint. I've been working with field recordings professionally since the mid 90's and thus I am generally informed of most of the best mics, audio recorders, brands and specs, that is why I think it isn't adequate to qualify these mics as "quite affordable". They are, in fact, very good for the price tag, and in that way they don't come as huge "bank destroyers", as several Neumann, Schoeps or Sennheiser high end models do, but they're certainly not "quite affordable". This was the reason I made the point to comment, because there are in fact quite affordable mics that can compete with high end level mics and that are, in an objective sense, quite affordable (other examples are, as you know, the Clippys XLR EM272Z1 or LOM's Uši Pro, for lav omni mics that can compete with the DPA models, and are indisputably quite affordable, if one compares performance / sound + specs). That being said, Marcel, keep up the great work and all the best!
I have a pair of these microphones and I'm looking for wind protection. I have a pair of furries from a company called Gutman but I'm looking for something better. Are any of you here using wind protection for these? Does Bumblebee industries make anything I could use?
Hey there! I too have a Bumblebee Industries windjammer for the PCM D100, but mine falls a bit short at the bottom. The team at Bumblebee Industries are really responsive to feedback. I'd suggest getting in touch with them via email or Instagram - maybe show them this video or mention the specific microphone model and see if they have any solutions for wind protection. Also, did you notice the part in the video about the Rode Windjammer?
Just checked and wow, the AKG microphone comes with a switchable polar pattern feature. Plus the self-noise level is only at 6dBA. Now I'm curious too.
Sorry, the waterfall sounds like sh*t. Don't know if it's a setting you use... Maybe comb filtering or something due to the distance and angle between the microphones?
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Man, the motorbike passing by, I thought it was passing right; behind me, I even turned around. It wasn't until you said it that I didn't understand. Amazing
I went to school for audio engineering. Large diaphragm mics are much more sensitive and typically have a lower noise floor than smaller diaphragm mics. This makes them ideal for capturing quiet nature sounds as they will capture more subtleties. The down side is that they are not very robust and the elements will take a toll on them. I purchased a pair of Rode NT1’s (5db self noise) for nature recording. At $200 a piece if one gets damaged they are more easily replaced. I’ve always wondered why people spend thousands on small diaphragm mics for nature recordings. With noise floors around 18-20db you’ll hear that in the recording when raising the levels in post. Thanks for all the content!
Hi Greg! You're absolutely right, and thank you for your feedback. The Rode NT1 is indeed known for its impressively low noise floor. Using this for field recording could be another affordable alternative. I've also checked out the Nevaton Ambisonic microphone, which boasts a self-noise of just 4dbA.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thanks for that suggestion. That ambisonic mic is very intriguing indeed. It’s now on my future purchase list. I picked up 2 Triton Audio FetHead Phantom In-line Microphone Preamps to test out on my drop rig mic setup. I’m curious to to see if it helps drop the noise floor a bit. If it does I’m planning to order another pair along with Rode’s ambisonic mic and run it with the FetHeads. By the way, how did that setup work for you?
@@GregAllen2 Oh, I don't use that one anymore. We had considered doing one-pack travel, so we brought all our gear back to the US and purchased the DPA 5100, intending to use it in 2023. However, we encountered several issues with this unit and had to cancel our travel plans for NZ and Australia. We brought back the Schoeps DMS kit, but not the Rode Ambisonic.
One downside for large diaphragms is poor off-axis response. It’s just physics…
I have been using the Shure MV88+ stereo condenser mic with windjammer and switch between manfrotto pixi tripod (small) and a larger tripod I have that I got with a camera years ago. The app you use with it changes the polar patterns. And unless I’m not doing ASMR or a
Closeup of any kind where I use mono cardioid; it’s always stereo between 22db and 33db. I can increase sound later if recorded too low but if you clip it’s a ruined recording. I will share sometime soon, some of my work. Swiss Army Knife of a Mic. Thanks for all the info you provide! Audiophile forever!
I love field recording with large diaphragm condensers. My current favorite setup is a stereo pair of AKG C214's with a MixPre-6 ii. I have added the Lewitt 540 to my wishlist and can't wait to try them out at some point in the near future!
Horray! New video :) Much appreciated. Thank you
Thank you for watching!! :)
Those cicadas sound like an army of belt sanders. 😄 BTW, those mics are amazing! I have a 440 Pure - which I adore - and have been considering the 540.
These cicadas are incredibly intense right now! Greg and I went back a day later, and we recorded from sunset all the way into the night. It was truly amazing to witness the cacophony of cicada sounds slowly fading away, giving way to the sounds of the night. :)
They sounded like saws to me.
These are very sensitive mics with very low noise which is a great combo. But in an outdoor setting the natural ambient sound level far exceeds the mic self noise and the MixPre preamp self noise combined. So a super quiet mic like the 540 doesn’t really have a chance to show off that much. I use 8040 and 8050 mics for outdoor ambience recordings. It is difficult to compare noise specs between mics, but I can say that even in the quietest locations I have never heard the 8040 mics self noise.
Ahhhhhhhh!!!! What I wanted the most happened! A test with Lewitt microphones on your channel! I recently ordered an LCT 040 Match pair, but the unpaired model arrived at the store, so I had to cancel the sale. I still intend to acquire to record videos for the channel, although it is intended for record instruments, I liked the result in the videos I watched
The water sounded like white noise. Without seeing it, you'd have no idea what it was.
Yes, busy waterfalls are just like noise, especially when recording from a distance - I have often thought this myself, actually...
The trick is to find a location that allows you to get close enough to capture the detail of the water to make it obvious that it’s a waterfall, but far enough away to also capture an overall sense of ‘size’. Some waterfall locations don’t provide the kind of access needed to capture that balance, unfortunately - at least not with a single pair of mics!
My electroacoustic composition lecturer swears that you can use white noise (or was it pink?) with granular synthesis to produce wave-like textures
Haven't cracked the settings yet, but I've also not given it much effort so. Well, there's a fun fact.
Yes, you can definitely do that. I've done it a few times with other recordings. You can throw almost anything into a granular synth and create some amazing sounds with it. You can even select different frequencies within the recordings. There are endless possibilities when it comes to sound manipulation and design using granular synthesis.
@@FreeToUseSounds What is the bracket that you have the Sony and Lewitt's attached to?
@@thethirdrailchannel This is a Stereo Bar. If you search for Mic Bar or Stereoschiene you can find several options.
The quality of both microphones Lewitt 540 is impressive, You made a beautiful recording, Waiting for more.
The cicadas sound so fascinating! Thanks for the test. Very interesting to hear how good the Sony D100 can compete. As others also wrote, in my opinion the self noise of mics becomes more or less irrelevant as soon there are hissing sound sources. Even slight wind in the trees of a forest often covers the hiss from the mics and / or preamps.
sounds amazing, it's a whole 'nother level of fidelity comdaper to the comparison mic.
Fantastic video, Lewitt Mics are all amazing!!!!!! I have several and they never disappoint!
Thank you for watching! :) Having great microphones is crucial for your voice-over work. I'm glad you're enjoying them, and who knows - maybe you'll be inspired to take them out for a spin in the forest and record some beautiful nature sounds! :)
My biggest challenge with LDCs in the field is effective wind protection. I've tried to build cages for them, but nothing I've really been happy with yet.
I have been looking for a solution for a long time that would allow me to record deeper ambient sounds. After hearing these amazing sounds from these microphones, I think I will make such an assembly for myself in the future. This may not be the best use of funds for a beginner, but the depth of the sound struck me.
What a nice place. Work and meditation can no longer be separated here 🙏😀 Large diaphragm microphones are sensitive to moisture. But if you store them dry after recording, there shouldn't be any problems (silica bags). I think these mics are great for room tones. I'm curious if you buy them.
The D-100's recordings are really good here too. They sound different, of course, but by no means bad. In the end it's all a question of what the sound designer is looking for. Have fun and many greetings also to Libby - Til.
Hi Til! We won't be buying them mainly due to the extra gear, weight, and the lack of a proper wind solution. However, this is only because we're traveling. If we had a home base, we would definitely own them, especially for recording interior ambience and sound effects. Libby says hi too! :)
Hi Marcel, if you can live without the shockmounts, the Rycote Mini Windjammer Special 105 will fit perfectly on these mics. I use them on my 440 pure wich have the same width and depth. The 540 Sub is just 2cm longer.
HI! Oh thats great advice! I just looked them up. That will work for sure!
I am doing mostly whispering ASMR. Now I have 440 pures.
These + Lewitt 640 TS for omni recording are basically the best for the price and it works on everything - nature sounds, whispering, singing. I would not take them out of the studio though 😁
Great vídeo, Marcel. I loved this microfone sounds
Thank you for all the amazing information!
Thank you for watching!
Great video! I love my 540s it’s an amazing microphone
Thank you for watching Ed!
This setup sounds insane. It's like my headphones aren't even there.
Amazing microphones.
I also used pair NT1A . But that wasn't my idea, one field recordist from youtube does it 10 years ago and for wind protection he made custom "blimp" from office mesh basket for paper
You always take on wonderful challenges.
Thank you!! :)
Love your videos. I used to record nature sounds for a living and your videos have gotten me back into nature sound recording. I am wondering where I can find the microphone mount bar you used? It looks long enough to hold two blimps side by side
love how crisp and clear the ambient nature sounds are!
I´m not a sound engineer so don´t have to much knowledge about sound recordings but I try to record ambient nature sounds for my own video making to help tell the story and captivate the viewer but I´m clearly missing something listening to this haha..
What would you recommend to get better ambient sounds for my recordings, I currently use a zoom h5 with the xyh-5 capsules. I´m liking it but I feel like they aren´t picking up enough and the sounds clearly and long enough, would love some input if you have the time! Have a great day!
Amazing, I have a 440 pure and it’s amazing, thank you for share I definitely will test the capture
Great to hear that! Try it out and let me know what you think of them!
@@FreeToUseSounds sure I will!
I've been following your chennel, and it's really really really really helpful. Thanks man!
I'm using a similar setup for field recording with a pair of Rode NT1 microphones and a Zoom F3 - works beautifully! Thanks for the video Marcel!
Oh yes, I looked at the specs and it has also an impressive low noise ratio of just under 5dbA. Maybe I get my hands on it!
My dream is to become a nature sound ASMR TH-camr. Your tutorial is helping me a lot. Thank you!
Hi! For ASMR , these microphones are perfect. Crystal clear audio. We will show you this in another video.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thanks, looking forward to the video!
I needed this video, thanks
The Lewitt mics sound good for sure, but your comparaison with the D100 isn't absolutly fair, since the volume between the two are not realy matched. The cicadas are incredible !
As I mentioned in the video, this is NOT a comparison, its for reference. You may have missed that part…
@@FreeToUseSounds Indeed I commented before the part where you mention that point, sorry. Anyway, a matched volume between the two recordings could have been more informative, even for reference or curiosity.
Ah I didn't answer the question at the begining of the vid.
Yes I have ever since I was 18. 18 year old me so wanted a stereo matched pair of Rode NT1-A's and a Sound Devices 744-T. Nothing sounded better to 18 year old me. What a dream team. Double ORTF NT1-A and 744-T.
Very interesting. But I think I like your ORTF set up with the sennheiser mics more. More compact and with wind protection. The lewitt mics sounded incredible though.
Absolutely! When it comes to a lightweight and easily portable closed setup, the Cinela ORTF system is definitely one of the best options available.
Whow. 😅
Amazing difference between those. Remarcable crisp Sound with those you did catch.
Next one what deivice would be good enough for record those mics. MixPre3/6/10 ? Todays recommedation for ?
Why not use a JecklinDisc for dual mic stereo?
Yeap... for example I love using a pair of Austrian audio OC818s for foley AND field recording when i have the chance!
Hi Marcel. Enjoyed that as usual, and the Lewitts sound great. Will you be buying some ? Thanks as always. Say Hi to Libby, and hope you are both well.
Hi Simon! Libby says hi too! We'd love to get them, but we won't be purchasing them right now.
@@FreeToUseSounds OK, they are reasonably expensive at 600 Euros each, so I hope you get the DPA problem sorted soon. I'd love to hear them.
Large diaphragm condenser mics are the way to go if you want high fidelity ambient sound. Sadly, the system you are using here is not very compact, and portability can quickly become an issue in busy environments, or when setup time is constrained. If you want something slightly more compact to fit on the shoe of your camera, take a look at the Rode Stereo VideoMic X. It uses large diaphragm condensers and produces comparable sound quality to what is being demonstrated here, though at £500+, is not a cheap option.
Bonjour. I wonder how it compares to the C414 XLS. I know the question was exposed once here... but it's a little "up" to it ! It is a lot of money to me, so I cannot mistake and can afford only one mic yet. I'm about to go for a solution, mostly for video purpose (field recording, FX, low ambiances and theatre recording...), but for brass and other instruments also. Hence : a swiss-army tool to join an oktava 012, a rode NTG3, a SE Z5600 and... T Bones SCT140. Thanks for considering !
I'm also looking for a wind protection of LCT540s.
For the time being, I'm using a RYCOTE Special 105 Mini Windjammer but cannot use a shock mount included in the package of LCT540s.Therefore, I'm using a RYCOTE InVision USM shock mount instead.
Thank you so much for sharing! These seems like a great solution.
I thought there was an annoying pulsing sound and realised it was my own dam heart. Serious!
Hey you two,
At first: Thanks a lot for your content.
Second: Do you have any recommendations for wind protection for the 540s. Is a dead Cat enough, is there need for a basket or is there any basket out there suitable for a ORTF/AB Set Up with the Lewitts? Thanks I advance.
Hah. Selfnoise test with watefalls is quite funny 😂
:))))
It feels like I'm there with my in-ear headphones 😮
A big difference! I didn't like either but clearly the Sound Devices plus mic is the way to go.
Erstaunlich klar. Da klingt der 100 schon stark staubig im Vergleich 😊
Mal schauen ob ich ein paar Beispiele online finde :)
Thanks for this! I wish they were closer in level to be able to compare fairly
Hi! Just to clarify, our initial video wasn't intended as a comparison, but merely for reference. However, we're preparing another video where we'll use $5000 worth of Sennheiser microphones, all while maintaining the same level settings on the MixPre. So stay tuned for that - it promises to be exciting! :)
Such a beautiful place. Where is this?
As always amazing video guys! Thanks for sharing! Marcel just some fyi on the Neumann headphones, be careful with them. I had two in the past on both broke, because they were in my travel bag. 😢 the hinges that make the headphones turn, are made from plastic.
Hi Francois! Thank you so much for watching and for your feedback about these headphones. I'm just trying them out right now, but I'll be giving them back to Greg as well and won't be traveling with them.
I will watch out for that damage, however… The NDH30s have the same hardware there as the NDH20s and they have travelled with me folded into their black fabric drawstring bag, jammed into a backpack on planes and overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiangmai and back again 4x, buses/jeeps from Chiangmai to Chiangrai 2x, plane and ferry return from Bangkok to the island of Koh Phayam 1x, trekked in and out villages, motorbike rides, and numerous local forays around ChiangmaI, and almost daily listening use in the co-working space I frequent in Chiangmai. The ear pads on my NDH20 got damaged from a dose of brackish water from a mangrove splash, but that’s the only damage I’ve experienced so far. Maybe I’m too careful? Maybe Marcel will manage to break them LOL!
Ha Ha Ha! I hope not :))
6:08 there is wind protection made by Gutmann Berlin.
Do you have a video field testing the Sennheiser Ambeo mic?
Not yet sorry.
I could save up on a trip to an exotic waterfall and just record some old TV static; most would probably hardly notice a difference
They sound great! I'm sometimes using the Lewitt LCT040 small condenser microphones but I don't like them. They sound somehow muffled.
Hi! Big fan of Schoeps and Sennheiser's microphones. You may want to give them a try?
@@FreeToUseSounds The Schoeps in a Cinela Leonard are my favorites at the moment. Very compact and still a good wind noise protection. I'm already saving money. Hopefully next year at the latest...
thanks for another great video! QUESTION- curious as to why you are using the mix pre-10ii now(as I did not see it in this video but is the opening image)- is your setup calling for more inputs and wonder about powering it with your last set up being the mix pre 6ii and the anker? Thanks for your time, cheers, dakota
Hi Dakota! Thank you so much for watching and asking. Yes, we bought the Mix Pre 10ii because we also bought the DPA 5100. We also made another video about how I power my SD Mix Pre 10ii.
@@FreeToUseSounds ok thanks.... I will have to have a look at that video as I was uncertain about using the anchor for the 10....cheers
@@dakotafilms Oh yes because it won’t work the same way like on the MixPre 6ii
They sound very clear , what could i use to record wind blowing through a Electrical Pylon any ideas , i have a MKE 600 with just the foam cover at the moment. Love your work .
Hi and thank you so much! If your goal is to record sounds up close, your this microphone is just fine. Considering strong winds (which I assume you're anticipating), a blimp is crucial. For your microphone, combining a blimp with a mono rig should provide the best outcome. I'd recommend looking into the Rycote Super Blimp. But if you're looking to save a bit, Rycote's Super Softie is an alternative, though it might not be as effective against heavy wind. Or do you want to invest in a stereo kit?
Thank you , I will have a look at those and especially the Blimp as I am after the whistling sound and not the gusting buffeting sounds. I would like to invest in a stereo kit, yes. I do have a Rode NT1 from 1998, but only one . The sounds are originating from about 18 feet up for example. Thank you.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thank-you for your advice , i went with the Rycote Super Blimp NTG 5 Kit and Manfrotto MS0490C Carbon Nanopole Stand in the end i hope i don't loose to much hi freq but it should be much better to record what i am after. ATB great channel.
@@atommachine Sp glad to hear that and we hope you record some great sounds! Also, if its not too windy, having a short windjammer is always great to have as a bonus. Happy Recording :)
Which Stereo Bar do you recommend for field recording in combination with the NanoPole Stand?
There is a very notable low frequency oscillating hum in the Lewitt 540 S recordings here in this video, specifically in quiet scenes, for example at around 2.55 ! What is this, where does it come from? It´s not in PCM D100 recording. Also: what settings was the PCM D100 recorder in? What mic setup? It sounds like X/Y or A/B, not like the Sony´s ORTF-like mic setting. Thanks for explaining the hum origin. Shouldn´t be there with your expensive steup.
Do you run the line out from your recorder to your DSLR when filming these?
Ich hätte einen Videowunsch: Könntet ihr eins machen, in dem ihr noch einmal kurz erklärt welche Art von Mikrofon/Recorder ihr für welche Aufnahmen benutzt und ganz besonders ob und WIE ihr eure Rekorder programmiert bzw vorbereitet? Wie stimmt man Limiter, Filter und Inputpegel etc. auf die jeweilige Aufnahmesituation ab? Ändert ihr diese Einstellungen wenn ihr ein anderes Mikrofon benutzt oder ihr die Aufnahmequelle - oder Position wechselt?
Ich liebe euren Content, habe es leider noch nicht geschafft alle eurer Videos durch zu sehen (bin erst vor 2 Tagen auf den Kanal gestoßen) also sorry, falls ihr diese Fragen schon einmal beantwortet habt.
Besten Dank und weiter so!! :)
Great work!! I am looking into starting to do some field recording with a Tascam X6 that I just ordered. If I can only get 1 additional mic to start with, would you consider the Lewitt LCT640TS stereo compressor mic? Or would you still recommend the Audio Tecnica 4025 as the better all around stereo mic? Thanks!
Hi Kevin. That's a great question. By the way the time, when we made the video about the 4025, I never considered such microphones but since you have wind protection options, I would still go with the 4025.
Ah, yes, Lewitt... I have got LCT440 Pure and I'm soooo happy because of low self-noise! :) Rode NT1 5th is also amazing.
Did you post-process these examples? Or are these this bright with no low-end at all?
Hi Vitor. They are presented exactly as they were recorded, without processing the files.
@@FreeToUseSounds Yeah, I figured. This might be great Voice Mics, but I feel it would need a bit more humpf in the lower end for better butter-smooth ambience recordings :D. It's my opinion though! Ppl might light the brightness better! I've heard good things regarding the Rode NT1 as well for this purpose.
Hello Marcel and Libby, I absolute love your videos and I've learned a lot from you two and how to record sound. In my opinion you are very friendly people! Nowadays I listen to sound completely different than a year ago. I've managed to order me a pair of LOM basicUcho's. Can't wait to receive them and starting to use them.
Questions: Which stereo microphone bar do you have? And is the distance between the mic's (AB-recording) very important?
Hello Hans! The stereo bar featured in the video is from "Stereo Schiene," but it actually belongs to Greg, not me. He's quite fond of it. The placement of the microphones is important as it allows you to adjust the soundfield - to broaden or narrow it as needed. Once you start using the microphones, you'll immediately notice if they are spaced too far apart or too closely.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you for your reply, very helpful.
On a couple of those takes, I developed a sense of space and ambience very similar to what is achieve in a binaural mixdown of, say, Dolby Atmos. Are these tracks 'pure' stereo or are they binaural? Then the word "space" brings up the question of ambisonics: I'd be curious to hear something similar done for comparison with the Rode first order mic and then processed down to a binaural mix. I know binaural is, to some, kind of a fictitious immersive approach but for the vast majority it's as good as it can get with either headphones or pods. (I like that there are less expensive options available for this mic: 440 Pure, even a 240 Pro. Are these comparable enough to consider or is there something about the 540 'Subzero' that puts it by itself for field recording?)
4dBA self noise is the selling point here…
Have you tried the teenage engineering CM15?
Any budget xlr for loud sound out side like engine sound from inside back while riding motorcycle?
What polar pattern does they have, if the have multible which did you use in these recordings?
Hi! This is a cardiod polar pattern.
hello do i need two mics or one of those mic?
Very nice video Marcel! I'm curious to know why you are using open back headphones for field recording?
Hey Jean, you might've noticed from our other videos that I typically don't use open-back headphones for field recording. The pair you saw in this video was from our friend Greg that gave it to us for editing purposes. They just happened to be in my bag on this trip so I had to use something. Not the norm, I assure you! :)
@@FreeToUseSounds haha yes because I know you always use closed back or your iems so that is why it was so strange 😄
@@jean-pierredupreez4413 Yeah but also tried the closed back from Neumann. Amazing headphones but oh boy the price :)
Sound quality
I have Zoom f6 32 bit float recorder I want to record nature sound stereo mode I never record nature sound before this is my first time. Which microphone should I choose large diafram or small need suggestions
Considering the numerous options for wind protection available for small diaphragm microphones, it would be beneficial to explore microphones that are compatible with a blimp, or those that offer effective wind protection solutions. These can be crucial for outdoor recording scenarios such as capturing nature sounds, where wind noise can significantly interfere with the recording quality. However, your budget also plays an important role in choosing the right microphone. Could you provide a rough estimate of your budget so we can recommend a couple options within that range?
Does anyone make any good wind protection for these mics?
Try this one: "GRAS 40HF 1'' Lownoise Microphone System"
Very Nice!!! Thanks. Which stereo bar do you use for the mics?
Hi! The one I have here is from Mic Bar. com but it will bring you to a German website.
Thanks!!!
Is that a good wind protection solution for the Lewitts?
@@ignasivila1879 It works in moderate winds but eventually, as the windspeed increases, you can hear the wind ‘rubbing’ on the body of the mic. It’s a compact solution that squashes easily into a daypack and works well in many situations, but I wouldn’t be taking it to the Himalaya.
All of these things are trade-offs and compromises…
@@gregsimmons1709 Thanks! Yes this keeps me in doubt because you never now what kind of wind do you find...
@@ignasivila1879 I have become minimalist philosophical about it. This is what I have with me to use, if it can’t do the job at that moment then it can’t do it. I’m tired of carrying a tonne of gear that is mostly for that rare moment or never gets used because it was always “just in case” stuff. For every 10kg of ‘just in case’ I probably never use more than a kg of two. The rest is ‘just in case’ dead weight…
Neumann NDH 30? Open-back headphones for field recording? Don't you think it's a little bit weird?
Closed-back headphones are typically preferred for field recording because they offer better noise isolation and I only use them for editing right now. I only had this pair and in ear microphones with me that day and we thought it would be interesting to wear them during the recordings to see if anyone would notice and comment on it. Congratulations on being observant and catching that detail!
Comparing it with the Sony was such a clever way of letting us hear what these mics sound like. Definite food for thought. If there were a basket and wind muff, it would be a real contender for me
Thanks for stopping by! I had the same thought, but carrying two massive cyclones in the bag could be cumbersome as well. Let's see if someone creates a version specifically designed for these kinds of microphones in the future. :)
Can't wait. As soon as someone does it I will buy 2 Lewitt@@FreeToUseSounds
Hi Marcel, I enjoy your videos and your content is in fact precious, and these Lewitt’s are very good, but I fail to understand in what way are these mics “quite affordable”??? 645€ for each mic (1290€ for the pair) is affordable to you??? I think that an affordable mic (in terms of price quality criteria) should be considered the Line Audio CM4, or the Rode NT1 (which BTW has the exact same self noise of the L 540s, 4dBA). With all due respect, I think one should be more strict when using these adjectives, as this is not an affordable mic. (At best it's a very good mic that doesn’t come with a price tag of an expensive Neumann, but it is in no way affordable). Keep up the good work. Best Regards
Thank you for your insightful comment. I appreciate your perspective on the Lewitt microphones' pricing and can understand why you might question the use of the term "affordable."
When I describe these mics as "affordable," I'm comparing their price to their performance and quality. When it comes to professional audio equipment, a heftier price tag often correlates with better sound quality, increased durability, and more advanced features. Viewed from this angle, the Lewitt mics represent considerable value.
However, I agree that "affordable" is a relative term. It can vary greatly from person to person, as everyone has different budgets and priorities. These Lewitt mics might seem more financially attainable for someone upgrading from beginner equipment or for a professional accustomed to investing in higher-end gear.
Your feedback is invaluable, and it inspires me to strive for clearer communication in the future. I'll aim to provide more context when using such relative terms. Interestingly, your comment aligns with a conversation I'm planning to have with a friend who's a sound engineer and owns these microphones. We intend to create more content together, where he can share his technical expertise and delve deeper into why these microphones, particularly when only one is needed, could still be considered "affordable."
Thanks again for engaging with our content and sharing your perspective.
@@FreeToUseSounds Hi Marcel, thanks also for your reply. When I saw the video, I understood what you meant, which in my view translates that you wished to convey that this Lewitt mic is a bang for the buck, that's what I meant with "At best it's a very good mic that doesn’t come with a price tag of an expensive Neumann, but it is in no way affordable" and also with the examples of "Line Audio CM4, or the Rode NT1" which are both amazing mics for the price and have great specs / sound, and considering both these cases, they are in fact affordable, or as you said in the video "quite affordable". These Lewitt's are a bang for the buck but aren't "quite affordable", despite difference of budgets, or positions of more amateur or professional field recordist standpoint. I've been working with field recordings professionally since the mid 90's and thus I am generally informed of most of the best mics, audio recorders, brands and specs, that is why I think it isn't adequate to qualify these mics as "quite affordable". They are, in fact, very good for the price tag, and in that way they don't come as huge "bank destroyers", as several Neumann, Schoeps or Sennheiser high end models do, but they're certainly not "quite affordable". This was the reason I made the point to comment, because there are in fact quite affordable mics that can compete with high end level mics and that are, in an objective sense, quite affordable (other examples are, as you know, the Clippys XLR EM272Z1 or LOM's Uši Pro, for lav omni mics that can compete with the DPA models, and are indisputably quite affordable, if one compares performance / sound + specs). That being said, Marcel, keep up the great work and all the best!
I have a pair of these microphones and I'm looking for wind protection. I have a pair of furries from a company called Gutman but I'm looking for something better. Are any of you here using wind protection for these? Does Bumblebee industries make anything I could use?
Hey there! I too have a Bumblebee Industries windjammer for the PCM D100, but mine falls a bit short at the bottom. The team at Bumblebee Industries are really responsive to feedback. I'd suggest getting in touch with them via email or Instagram - maybe show them this video or mention the specific microphone model and see if they have any solutions for wind protection. Also, did you notice the part in the video about the Rode Windjammer?
Why would you want to record in such a noisy environment with a low noise microphone?
design reminds me of the AKG 414 XII, wondering how they compare Vs This
Just checked and wow, the AKG microphone comes with a switchable polar pattern feature. Plus the self-noise level is only at 6dBA. Now I'm curious too.
Sorry, the waterfall sounds like sh*t. Don't know if it's a setting you use... Maybe comb filtering or something due to the distance and angle between the microphones?