Lewitt Pure Tube: A Valve Microphone for Those Who Seek Tone Without Noise

When it comes to microphone design, Lewitt Audio has made a name for itself in Vienna, Austria. The company's flagship LCT 1040 was a game-changer, offering a range of sonic options by blending valve and FET signal paths. Now, Lewitt has introduced the Pure Tube, a cardioid-only valve capacitor microphone designed for those who require high-quality tone without the added noise.

One of the first things that catches the eye is the design choice to keep the valve visible, housed in a miniature cabinet like a trophy. While it may not serve any practical purpose, it certainly sparks conversation and will likely split opinions. I've asked clients what they think of review mics' appearance, and for what it's worth, I recall hearing words like 'fancy' and 'modern.'

The mic itself has a simple, functional form factor that makes no attempt to mimic vintage designs. This is refreshing, as it offers a clean slate for those who want a microphone that stands out from the crowd. Lewitt also offers both a minimal set and a more fully featured package, which is a better option than cutting corners by supplying lower-quality cases and mounts to all buyers.

I was sent the Studio Set, which comes with a robust Peli-style case housing the mic, compact power supply, and large shockmount that serves as a neat way of attaching the custom pop filter. The Essential Set includes a basic mic mount and even more basic case for keeping the mic dust-free. Lewitt's Pure Tube is available in two bundles: the Studio Set and the Essential Set.

The impressive features of the 1040 come at a cost, but Lewitt has sensibly borrowed some of the R&D that went into that product to produce a more affordable option for engineers who require a valve mic of similar quality without all the bells and whistles. The Pure Tube promises valve tone without noise, making it an excellent choice for those who seek pure music with no audio distractions.

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