SHHH ...

0 dB (A) SELF NOISE

The world’s quietest studio
condenser microphone

User Manual
// LCT 550

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 // Index
Intro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features and top applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Saftey Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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3
 // Intro
Thank you for choosing the LEWITT LCT 550! The LCT 550 is the first and only large-diaphragm studio
microphone ever to achieve 0 dB (A) self-noise*, and thus the world’s quietest. But the Austrian-developed
LCT 550 sets new standards in terms of more than just self-noise.

Its dynamic range of 140 dB (A) guarantees the best-possible results even in challenging settings. Its three pre-
attenuation levels (0 dB, -6 dB and -12 dB) increase maximum SPL to as high as 155 dB (A) but at the same
time, it‘s meant to be your tool of choice when it comes to recording the most fragile and quiet sound sources
with great detail and dynamic range. The LCT 550 also offers a clipping history as well as an auto-attenuation
mode that automatically switches to the next level of attenuation if the signal is too strong.

The LCT 550 is indeed a very versatile large-diaphragm microphone, and its excellent attributes stand out in
a wide variety of applications. Try it for capturing ambient sound, percussion instruments, ambitious vocal and
choral tracks, and even classical ensembles.

Manufacturing tolerances have been minimized thanks to highly precise calibration of the capsule and the
electronics – which means that any two LCT 550, set identically, will always form a matched pair at +/- 0 dB ...
so it‘s about time to get another one for superb stereo recordings!

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// Features
// 0 dB-A self-noise from electronics and circuitry* // Illuminated user interface for quick and easy handling
// A perfect match: highly precise calibration of the in dark environments
capsule and the electronics means that any two // Clipping history, automatic attenuation and key-lock
microphones from this series will always form a make for error-free recording and unparalleled ease
matched pair at +/- 0 dB of use
// Precise transient response due to the 1-inch, ultra- // Gold-plated 3-pin XLR output connector
thin, gold-layered low-mass diaphragm
// Extraordinary sensitive: capture even extremely
weak signals with great precision and detail
// Maximum SPL of 143 dB (155 dB with 12 dB pad) // Top applications
for an impressive total dynamic range of 140 dB (!)
// Immune to electromagnetic interference thanks to // Classical instruments and ensembles
transformerless preamplifier circuitry // Ambitious stereo recording techniques (XY, ORTF)
// 3 switchable pads (0dB, -6dB, -12dB) for handling // Lead and background vocals
high sound pressure levels // Acoustic instruments (strings, guitars, piano, etc.)
// 2 switchable low-cut filters: 80Hz (12dB/Oct), // As a classic drum & percussion overhead
160Hz (6dB/Oct )
// Noiseless pushbuttons for attenuation and HPF * 0dB-A electronics only, 3 dB-A according to IEC 60268-1 due
selection to Brownian motion (in simple words: the sound made by the
// Cardioid polar pattern for effective sound rejection movement of air molecules...)

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 // User Interface
1 Status Indicator // Indicates different active settings such as key lock, automatic
attenuation, clipping history ... see below for details.

2 Low-cut filter // Use to reduce unwanted low frequency noise caused by wind,
footsteps, structure-borne noise or likewise. The low-cut filters at 80Hz or 160Hz
affect the microphone input by 6 and 12dB per octave and can be set by pressing
the left pushbutton (4).

3 Pre-Attenuation // Use this pad function to prevent clipping when recording

very loud sources. Choose between 6 and 12 dB of attenuation. Change settings
with the right pushbutton (6).

1 4 Left push button // Push to change low-cut settings. It also activates the
2 3 Clipping History.

4 5 6 Clipping History // Pressing the left pushbutton for more than two seconds
activates and deactivates the Clipping History. If clipping occurred since you
have checked previously, the Status Indicator (1) blinks red, the manually
set level of pre-attenuation blinks and the suggested attenuation setting is
illuminated. The history will be cleared after leaving the Clipping History.

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5 Center pushbutton // Pressing the center pushbutton for more than two seconds activates (Status Indicator
(1) not illuminated) and deactivates (Status Indicator (1) turns white) the key lock.

6 Right pushbutton // Push to change attenuation settings. Also activates Automatic Attenuation.

Automatic Attenuation // Pressing the right push button for more than two seconds activates (Status
Indicator (1) turns red) and deactivates (Status Indicator (1) turns white) Automatic Attenuation. In this
mode the microphone adjusts the attenuation setting automatically when clipping has occurred.

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 // Tech Data
Acoustical operating principle // Pre-attenuation pad //
pressure gradient transducer, externally polarized 6 dB / 12 dB, switchable
Transducer Ø // Bass cut filter slope //
25.4 mm / 1 in 12 dB / octave at 80 Hz
Polar pattern // 6 dB / octave at 160 Hz
cardioid Rated impedance //
Frequency range // < 150 ohms
20–20,000 Hz Rated load impedance //
Sensitivity // > 1,000 ohms
36 mV / Pa (-29 dBV) Supply voltage //
Signal / noise ratio // 48 V +/- 4 V
91 dB-A Current consumption //
Equivalent noise level // 5.5 mA
0 dB-A, electronics only, Connector //
3 dB-A according to IEC 60268-1 due to gold plated 3-pin XLR
Brownian Motion Dimensions //
Dynamic range of FET Mic. Amp. // 158 x 52 x 36 mm, 6.22 x 2.04 x 1.42 in
140 dB-A Net weight //
Max. SPL for 0,5 % THD // 425 g, 14.9 oz
143 dB, 0 dB pre-attenuation
149 dB, 6 dB pre-attenuation
155 dB, 12 dB pre-attenuation

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// Safety Guidelines
// The capsule is a sensitive, high precision component. Make sure you do not drop it from high heights and
avoid strong mechanical stress and force.

// To ensure high sensitivity and best sound reproduction of the microphone, avoid exposing it to moisture, dust
or extreme temperatures.

// Keep this product out of the reach of children.

// Do not use force on the switch or cable of the microphone.

// When disconnecting the microphone cable, grasp the connector and do not pull the cable.

// Do not attempt to modify or fix it. Contact qualified service personnel in case any service is needed. Please do
not disassemble or modify the microphone for any reasons as this will void users warranty.

// The casing of the microphone can be cleaned easily using a wet cloth, never use alcohol or another solvent
for cleaning. If necessary the foam wind stopper can be washed with soap water. Please wait till it is dry before
using it again.

// Please also refer to the owner’s manual of the component to be connected to the microphone.

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 // Warranty
All products manufactured by LEWITT GmbH feature a limited two-year warranty. This two-year warranty is
specific to the date of purchase as shown on your purchase receipt.

LEWITT GmbH shall satisfy the warranty obligations by remedying any material or manufacturing faults free of
charge at LEWITT’s discretion either by repair or by exchanging individual parts or the entire appliance. Any
defective parts removed from a product during the course of a warranty claim shall become the property of
LEWITT GmbH.

While under warranty period, defective products may be returned to the authorized LEWITT dealer together
with original proof of purchase. To avoid any damages in transit, please use the original packaging if available.
Please do not send your product to LEWITT GmbH directly as it will not be serviced. Freight charges have to be
covered by the owner of the product.

For further information please visit www.lewitt-audio.com or check your warranty card.

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// Regulatory Information

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Manufacturer Details

the party responsible for compliance could void the LEWITT GmbH
user‘s authority to operate the equipment. Burggasse 79
1070 Vienna, Austria

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause DI Roman Perschon
undesired operation. CEO LEWITT GmbH

Declaration of conformity can be requested at

[email protected].

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