Lewitt RAY Review: A Game-Changer for Podcasters and Musicians

Headliner takes a detailed look at Lewitt’s RAY microphone and discovers that there is more to this creative tool than meets the eye (and ear, for that matter).

Lewitt has rapidly gained recognition in the audio industry for its innovative approach to microphone technology, and none less so than the unusually named RAY. 

This microphone features something called AURA: a sensor-based system of auto gain and EQ to provide a consistent level of sound no matter how much the performer sways and moves about in front of the mic. While this seems like a simple and obvious concept, it’s something that’s not that easy to do well, even with a bunch of sophisticated plugins.

Like Lewitt’s LCT 440, RAY features the same true condenser, a large one-inch diaphragm capsule with a fixed cardioid pattern. 

For those in the know, the LCT 440 PURE is already considered a very good-sounding microphone in its price bracket (and has a presence not too far removed from AKG’s C214) - but in RAY’s case, the front is not the side with the logo on - which is a bonus, as the AURA and MUTE controls are pointing at you, which makes operation all the easier.

RAY’s AURA

AURA relies on a distance sensor which constantly monitors the distance the performer is away from the mic and, via onboard DSP, adjusts the level and EQ in real-time. 

Above the AURA and MUTE buttons is the distance display, which looks a little like a zebra crossing and lights up to give you an interpretation as to what the sensors are seeing; and the sensors are discreetly located on either side of this display. 

In practice, this arrangement is nothing short of amazing. Normally, when the subject moves into the mic, you would be swamped with low end and pops associated with the proximity effect, and having just adjusted the mic to compensate for this, your talent then takes a pigeon step or two backwards, and their voice very likely disappears from your DAW’s recording. 

AURA is essentially an antidote to inexperience and poor mic technique; likewise, as you move away from the mic, the level stays the same, as does the low end, which is also subtly increased.

AURA is especially useful for podcasters who have a habit of moving about, gesticulating wildly, leaning forward and sitting back in their chairs, and generally doing anything and everything except concentrating on keeping a steady voice and a consistent distance from the microphone. 

And why should you? Podcasting is every bit a performance, and as such, the performance is where the artist’s focus should be, not on keeping one’s head still. Using RAY feels like you’ve got a couple of experienced engineers on hand: one to ride the fader, while the other adjusts the high pass and boosts the low end accordingly. 

There is no need for any attenuation, and no fear of any clipping as this mic looks after everything for you.

In / Out

Next to the AURA button is the MUTE button, but if the thought of leaning forward to mute this every time you want to comment off mic doesn’t appeal, fear not: Lewitt has also utilised the distance sensor so you can simply step or lean back to a specific distance and the mic mutes automatically.

This is an incredibly useful feature that allows you to step back and clear your throat, or comment to a third party during a podcast or broadcast, not to mention practising and checking phrasing before the next take. 

Press and release MUTE, and the display turns red; press and hold, and you enter MUTE by distance, at which point you move to where you would like the mic to mute and wait until the appropriate bar on the display stays red. 

Now, when you move past that distance point, the mic mutes itself, and as you move in closer, it unmutes. All the time, AURA is also actively doing its thing.

Like the LCT 440 PURE, there’s a shock mount cradle for the mic, a magnetic pop shield which attaches to the cradle, and a foam windshield - and you get all this for under £300. 

I have to admit, despite numerous searches, I can’t find anything out there that is a comparable technology.

With RAY, Lewitt has developed a product that is not only unique and the first of its kind, but a product that actually works in real-world scenarios. What’s even more impressive is that Lewitt seems to have got it right first time.