Review: Lewitt MTP 740 CM for spoken word

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Review: Lewitt MTP 740 CM for spoken word

Welcome to "Dark Side of the Mic." Today, we're diving into the Lewitt MTP 740 CM, a handheld condenser microphone. This review is more freewheeling and unscripted, aiming to stay under 10 minutes, unlike our 15-minute Aston Starlight review. Here's hoping for a coherent and concise review.

What you hear is the unprocessed audio of the Lewitt MTP 740 CM recorded through my Antelope Audio Zen Go. This mic is unique because it houses a one-inch capsule, unusual for handheld condensers which typically feature half or three-quarter inch capsules. This is more common in large diaphragm condenser mics, resulting in a big, robust sound with significant low-end presence.

Initially priced at £400-£500 upon its 2016 release, it can now be found for less than half that price. For example, I paid £191 on eBay. Even with a £50 VAT charge, the total was about £240-£245, still roughly half the original price. Despite being out for several years, there's sparse information or samples online. Lewitt's website offers some audio samples, but there's barely any detailed review content available.

To explore this mic's potential for spoken word applications, we'll conduct multiple tests and comparisons. Notably, handheld condensers like this are often engineered for better off-axis rejection to minimize bleed from other sounds during live performances.

Off-Axis Rejection Test

This test involves a noisy computer situated directly in front of me under the desk. Here’s the mic from various angles:

• Front: [Audio Sample]
• 90 Degrees: [Audio Sample]
• 180 Degrees: [Audio Sample]

The Lewitt performs reasonably well in off-axis rejection, though not quite as good as the Rode M2 which behaves almost like a dynamic mic with super cardioid patterns.

Comparative Tests

Here's how the Lewitt MTP 740 CM holds up against several other industry-standard mics for voice-over work. Each comparison will have the respective mic first, followed by the Lewitt for context:

• Rode M2: Smaller capsule, behaves like a dynamic.
• Reading Sample 1: Lewitt
• Shure KSM 32: Known for its soft and airy high-end.
• Reading Sample 2: Lewitt
• sE Electronics X1 S: Noticeably brighter but smooth in the high-end.
• Reading Sample 3: Lewitt
• Sennheiser MKH-416: The gold standard for voice-over, lauded for smoothness.
• Reading Sample 4: Lewitt
• Shure SM7B: The only dynamic mic in this test, with a DM1 Dynamite stick for adequate level.
• Reading Sample 5: Lewitt
• Aston Starlight (Vintage Voicing): Provides a comparative tone.
• Reading Sample 6: Lewitt

Final Thoughts

Listening back, the Lewitt MTP 740 CM offers a "meaty" sound, akin to an "Old 96er" if we're using food analogies. While the high end is smooth and the sibilance is controlled, it lacks the airiness of the KSM 32 or the X1 S. However, it brings considerable weight and girth to the low end, making it suitable for applications like sports podcasts that require an aggressive, punchy sound.

Thank you for listening, and feel free to share your thoughts on the samples and comparisons. The Lewitt MTP 740 CM is a unique-sounding mic and a worthwhile addition to any mic locker.

Keywords

• Lewitt MTP 740 CM
• Handheld condenser microphone
• Large diaphragm
• Low-end presence
• Off-axis rejection
• Rode M2
• Shure KSM 32
• sE Electronics X1 S
• Sennheiser MKH-416
• Shure SM7B

FAQ

Q: What makes the Lewitt MTP 740 CM unique among handheld mics?
A: The Lewitt MTP 740 CM houses a one-inch capsule, which is typically found in large diaphragm condenser mics rather than handheld condensers.

Q: How does the off-axis rejection of the Lewitt MTP 740 CM compare to other mics?
A: It performs reasonably well, better than some but not as good as the Rode M2, which has superior off-axis rejection due to its super cardioid pattern.

Q: What type of applications is the Lewitt MTP 740 CM best suited for?
A: Its robust low end and substantial sound make it ideal for spoken word applications like podcasts, particularly those requiring an aggressive, punchy sound.

Q: How does the Lewitt MTP 740 CM compare to the Sennheiser MKH-416 for voice-overs?
A: While the Sennheiser MKH-416 is the gold standard for its smooth high end, the Lewitt offers a bigger low-end presence, making it a complementary option depending on desired tonal qualities.

Q: Can the Lewitt MTP 740 CM be considered a good value?
A: Given its reduction in price from the initial £400-£500 to about half, along with its unique sound characteristics, it offers a good value for those looking to expand their mic collection.