Instead of overwhelming you with choices, I decided to focus on 2 of the best budget large diaphragm condenser microphones.
To be more specific, we’ll be talking about the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE and the Rode NT1.
Both of these large-diaphragm condenser microphones cost less than 300$ and are actually some of the best microphones I’ve ever heard.
If you know me, you know that I never compromise quality for budget.
Alright, here’s what’s on the agenda for today…
- Lewitt LCT 440 PURE Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- RODE NT1 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- Lewitt LCT 440 PURE vs RODE NT1
- The problem with most budget large-diaphragm condenser microphones
- Summary: 2 of the Best Budget Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Lewitt LCT 440 PURE Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Let’s start with my personal favourite, the Lewitt LCT440 PURE.
Here’s what you can expect from this condenser microphone:
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- 1” Transducer
- 140 dB SPL
- 133 dB Dynamic Range
- 7 dB of Self-Noise
- 2-Year Warranty
Here’s what’s included in the box:
- Shock-Mount (with ⅜” to ⅝” adapter)
- Pop-Filter
- Windshield
- Carrying Pouch
It’s been gaining some popularity recently and with good reason! Some of its owners have gone as far as comparing this budget condenser microphone to the esteemed Sennheiser MKH 416.
Of course, I wouldn’t personally compare a condenser microphone to a shotgun microphone.
Technically speaking, the Sennheiser MKH 416 is also a condenser microphone, but it’s MUCH more directional than the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE.
The similarity between these two microphones is in their frequency response.
However, what impressed me the most was that the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE produces LESS self-noise than the Sennheiser MKH 416 (7dB vs 13dB).
That’s amazing considering the HUGE price difference.
Don’t get me wrong though, the Sennheiser MKH 416 is LEGENDARY which is why the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE is adored by so many.
The frequency response is perfect for voice-over work and pretty much anything else!
There’s just a little boost in the high-end, but everything else is FLAT.
It’s also one of the few budget large-diaphragm condenser microphones that doesn’t roll-off any of the high-frequencies. It’s very transparent and has LOTS of clarity.
The Lewitt LCT 440 PURE is also incredibly durable. It’ll last you MANY years!
I still prefer my Sennheiser MKH 416 for outdoor recording though.
RODE NT1 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
In my opinion, the second-best budget large diaphragm condenser microphone is the RODE NT1 (not to be confused with the RODE NT1-A).
Here’s what this LDC microphone’s got under the hood:
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- 1” Transducer
- 132 dB SPL
- 128 dB Dynamic Range
- 4.5 dB of Self-Noise
- 10-Year Warranty
Here’s what you’ll get in the box once it arrives:
- Dust Cover
- Shock-Mount (with Pop-Filter)
Now, it’s important to make the distinction between the RODE NT1 and the RODE NT1-A. Although these two microphones share many similarities, there’s ONE major difference that made me go with the NT1.
Once it again, it all comes down to frequency response.
The RODE NT1 sounds much more neutral and balanced because it doesn’t boost the higher frequencies. The RODE NT1-A actually sounds quite harsh in the top-end.
However, both of these microphones share the same high-frequency roll-off.
That could come in handy if you’re recording instruments like the electric guitar, but I personally prefer the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE because it remains flat even in the top-end.
That’s why I say that the RODE NT1 is less versatile, but more specialized.
Another thing that the RODE NT1/NT1-A share is their LEGENDARY self-noise.
Coming in at 4.5 dB of self-noise, that’s an all-time low.
The RODE NT1-A’s is slightly higher coming in at 5 dB of self-noise.
Lastly, the industry-leading 10-year warranty offered by RODE is also something to consider. However, all of the microphones we’ve talked about so far (especially the Sennheiser MKH 416) are incredibly durable and should last you MANY years.
So, if you want natural… Go with the RODE NT1.
If you want more harshness… Go with the RODE NT1-A.
Lewitt LCT 440 PURE vs RODE NT1
To summarize the differences between the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE and the RODE NT1, I’ve gone ahead and created this table…
| Lewitt LCT 440 PURE | RODE NT1 | |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Transducer Size | 1″ | 1″ |
| Maximum SPL | 140 dB | 132 dB |
| Dynamic Range | 133 dB | 128 dB |
| Self-Noise | 7 dB | 4.5 dB |
| Warranty | 2-Year | 10-Year |
| Included Accessories | Shock-Mount, Pop-Filter, Windshield, Case | Dust Cover, Shock-Mount w/ Pop-Filter |
I also recommend checking out this session I created on Audio Test Kitchen.
You’ll actually be able to HEAR and compare these microphones side-by-side.
If you want my personal opinion though, I’d go with the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE. It’s much more versatile and the fact that it sounds anything like the Sennheiser MKH 416 at this price is GOLD.
I also prefer the included accessories much more than the RODE NT1’s.
The problem with most budget large-diaphragm condenser microphones
Alright, I just wanted to talk about some of the problems with “budget” large-diaphragm condenser microphones.
Of course, this is assuming that you won’t be following my recommendations.
Even if you will, I still recommend reading this section.
Actually, the RODE NT1 is a perfect example of what more affordable condenser microphones can produce in regards to frequency response.
Maybe that high-frequency roll-off was intentional, but…
Most of the other budget LDC microphones I’ve heard share this feature.
I think most will agree with me that the strength of a condenser microphone lies in its ability to capture high-frequencies with crystal-clear response.
If you wanted bottom-end, you’d go with ribbon microphones.
That being said, the reason you’d pay more for a condenser microphone is for the TOP-END and the fact that these more “budget” microphones compromise on that isn’t acceptable to me.
The RODE NT1 passes the test, but you will lose some “air” after 18 kHz.
In retrospect, the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE is flat up to 20 kHz.
If you’re going to be looking at other budget large-condenser microphones, make sure to keep this in mind. Another important drawback is the noise-floor.
Of course, you’ve noticed that NEITHER of these microphones share that problem.
In fact, it’s one of the reasons I chose these two microphones.
It’s rare to find microphones (not just condensers) that have such LOW self-noise.
So, I hope that better explains the reasoning behind why I nominated the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE and the RODE NT1 as the best budget large-diaphragm condenser microphones.
Summary: 2 of the Best Budget Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
The Lewitt LCT 440 PURE and the RODE NT1…
You DEFINITELY want to have one of these in your microphone locker!
I’ve already expressed my opinion though, so now I’d like to hear your thoughts. Which of these two microphones do you nominate as the best budget large-diaphragm condenser microphone?
Is there another microphone that you would’ve added to this list?
I’m listening… Share your thoughts and feel free to ask me any questions in the comment section down below.
I appreciate your time today, thanks for reading. Until next time!
Sources:
https://www.lewitt-audio.com/microphones/lct-recording/lct-440-pure
http://www.rode.com/microphones/nt1
8 thoughts on “2 Best Budget Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones”
for voice over and and other vocals …would you prefer rode nt1 or the lewitt? and is the audient id 14 mk2 a good choice?
Hey Karim,
For VO, I would personally go with the Lewitt.
Audient makes great audio interfaces, but I personally work with UAD (Universal Audio). If you can afford a bit more, I think the Apollo Solo will give you much more to work with.
Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks!
– Stefan
Thanks for this. To my ears, the Rhodes is a lot more balanced and the full mix sounds fatter and more “produced”. I love midrange and kind of hate high frequencies when they have too much definition/harshness. I guess that the Lewitt is a “modern mic” with a more clinical (realistic) sound. Objectively, it has a better response. The Rhodes sounds a bit more “vintage”, adds colour and rolls off the highs but (to me) in a good way. This confirmed my first impressions when listening to Youtube test vids. Another advantage is that if there are less high frequency spikes, you can push the volume a little higher for platforms with normalising algorithms…
Hey Dyonissis,
That’s a great description of the Rode NT1, I agree. It’s one of the “milder” condensers when it comes to high-end.
The Lewitt will most likely have more issues when it comes to sibilance, but it’s definitely one of the most balanced (in regards to frequency response) condensers on the market. That’s why I think it’s better used for recording instruments and sound effects.
That being said, the Rode NT1 is definitely a better choice for vocals (especially female vox).
Thanks for your input, hope you’re getting a lot out of your mic!
All the best,
– Stefan
Hi Stefan, thanks for the review. One of my favorite mics on my acoustic guitar was a TLM-103 (back when I had a home studio about 10-20 yrs ago), and I also loved the TLM-103 on drums. Alot of reviews at the time thought the TLM-103 was too bright, esp for acoustic guitar, but I just loved it – especially the detail and the amount of gain/low noise. If you’ve tried both mics (both the NT1 and Lewitt 440) on other sources I’d wonder if you had a preference on other instruments like acoustic guitar or drums, and if you felt it compared in any way to the TLM103? I’m looking at rebuying some mics, and quite interested in both that you’ve reviewed. fwiw, I also have used a KSM32 in the past and felt it was sometimes a bit dull compared to the TLM103, and I know many people describe that mic as having a very flat response – and I think you used that phrase to describe the Lewitt – so I guess also wondering if maybe the KSM32 is more similar to the kind of mic you like than the TLM103? I mention these because of familiarity with them, and general disappointment with cheaper condensers (but this was 15 yrs ago probably) as the more expensive mics at the time were just so much better imho in ways not apparent in sound tests that I hear on youtube. Thanks for comments
Hey Michael,
I’ve never had the pleasure of working with a Neumann TLM-103 or a Shure KSM32, but based on the data collected on these microphones…
– The 440 would actually sound brighter than all of them
– The NT1 would be a little smoother in the top-end (much smoother than the NT1-A)
– The KSM32 would sound relatively dark, or “flat” as some have described it
Personally, I prefer condensers that sound bright and modern. That being said, the KSM32 isn’t the type of microphone I’d choose over the TLM-103, that’s for sure!
However, if I had the choice between all 4… I’d go with the Lewitt. That’s partly because the TLM-103 has a high-frequency roll-off after 16 kHz.
That’s probably why you liked it so much on drums (as overheads, right?), it’s great for taming the harshness of cymbals! Same thing for the KSM32.
That being said, the 440 definitely wouldn’t be your best choice for overhead drum mics! It’ll sound best on acoustic guitar and vocals (specifically, male vocals).
The 440 actually has a very similar curve to the Sennheiser MKH 416 (which I use all the time). Both of these mics are known to increase sibilance though, so keep that in mind!
I hope that gives you a better idea of where to place these mics.
If you have more questions, feel free to reply! Thanks for stopping by, great comment!
– Stefan
Thank you for the comparison, and again taking a stance with your personal recommendations. It is difficult over the internet to hear subtle audio differences, so you doing the heavy-lifting is very helpful.
Hello Michael,
I’m happy to hear that you found the article useful!
It’s true that many reviews you’ll find online compare WAY too many products. That’s why I wanted to provide more focus with these “2 of” product reviews.
Microphones/Headphones are some of the most difficult products to review online. Even with audio examples, you just gotta try something out for yourself.
Let me know if you end up going with one of these mics!
What are you planning to record with it?
– Stefan