Earthworks TC20 User Manual - page 2
Description
Earthworks TC20 is an omnidirectional
(pressure) pre-polarized condenser mi-
crophone directly coupled to a dedicated
wideband, low output impedance pream-
plifier. The TC20 requires a standard 48V
phantom power supply. It features a linear
free-field frequency response from 10Hz
to 20kHz (Fig. 2), fast impulse response
(Fig. 3), very low handling noise, uniform
polar pattern, and very high SPL handling
capabilities. It exhibits no proximity effect.
Applications
Earthworks TC20 is easy to operate. Con-
nect the microphone to a microphone pre-
amplifier supplying 48V phantom power
using a standard XLR microphone cable.
Please allow up to one minute for the mi-
crophone to settle. Plugging in the mi-
crophone “hot” (phantom power already
present at the input) will not damage the
microphone, and is actually preferred for
faster settling. It is normal for any phantom
powered mic to “pop” when plugged in or
powered up. Make sure to mute the signal
to speakers or headphones when phantom
power is first applied.
The TC20 is our least expensive general-
purpose omni. It is a good choice for close-
miking louder sources such as instrument
amps, drums, or close-miked brass. The
TC20 under the strings of a stand-up bass
or inside a kick drum will produce amaz-
ing sound. It is popular for drum overheads.
A pair of TC20s connected to a stereo re-
corder will provide excellent results for re-
cording rehearsals and performances. The
TC20 is great for general studio use and
is an exceptional value. It has no handling
noise, no proximity effect, and is very for-
giving in terms of placement. A mounting
clip is included with the microphone. This
microphone has no removable parts.
Care of Microphones
Earthworks TC20 microphone is a precision
instrument designed and built to provide
years of top performance. Following these
simple rules will help to protect your invest-
ment in the TC20:
•Avoidtouchingthefrontprotectivescreen.
•Neverattempttodisassemblethemicro-
phone – it cannot be opened.
•Avoidextremeheatandcondensinghu-
midity. Allow the microphone to warm up
in the case when bringing it in from the
cold weather.
•Roughhandlingmaydamagethemicro-
phone even if no visible marks are left.
•WhennotinusekeeptheTC20initscase.
Specifications
Frequency response: 9Hz - 25kHz +1/-3dB
Polar Pattern:
Omnidirectional
(Fig. 4)
Sensitivity:
8mV/Pa (Typical)
Power Requirements: 48V Phantom, 10mA
Peak Acoustic Input: 145dB SPL
Output:
XLR-3 (Fig. 1)
Output Impedance: 100
Ω, balanced
(50
Ω ea. pin 2 & 3)
Minimum Load:
600
Ω btw. pins 2 & 3
Noise:
27dBA equivalent
Dimensions L x D: 6.5 x .860 in.
(165 x 22 mm)
Weight:
.35lb (160g)
Compliant
Fig 1. XLR Output Connector Assignment of TC20
Fig 3. Impulse Response (Typical) of TC20
Fig 4. Polar Response (Typical) of TC20
Fig 2. Frequency Response (Typical) of TC20
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Version 4, July 7, 2011