Earthworks SR20, M30, FM500 User Manual

About Earthworks

Earthworks was formed by David Blackmer, the brilliant inventor and founder of
dbx™, where he invented new technologies in VCAs and true RMS detectors
for companders and compressors. At Earthworks his passion focused on
inventing new technologies for microphones, preamplifiers and monitor
speakers. These new advanced, patented technologies provide Earthworks
with the ability to manufacture the “next generation” of professional audio
products that will significantly outperform any other quality professional audio
equipment on the market.

Those who use Earthworks microphones, amplifiers and monitor speakers refer to
them as “stunning,” “most impressive” and “life changing.” This is because
Earthworks advanced technologies provide a dramatic increase in audible quality. Reviews of Earthworks products
in the press have been superlative. We are much more excited by the excellent results people get using our equipment.

Earthworks is a New Hampshire, U.S.A. based company that is dedicated to quality and sonic excellence. Each
Earthworks product is made with great care, meticulous attention to detail and a strong emphasis on quality. We
pride ourselves in making only the very best in professional audio equipment and it is all made right here in the U.S.A.

Warranty

We view our products as creative tools and understand the importance of reliability in the field. Earthworks provides a
two year warranty on parts and labor, unless the unit is damaged by abuse or modification.

If you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way, please contact us by email or phone from 9am to
5pm EST. We also invite you to visit our website for additional information.

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.EarthworksAudio.com

Earthworks, Inc.
37 Wilton Road
Milford, NH 03055
USA

E arthworks

PRECISION AUDIO

The Earthworks Difference

Most sound recordings don’t live up to the sonic experience of listening to live music. We have discovered that audio equipment with
extended high frequency response and better time domain performance will yield a substantial audible improvement and more life-like
results. The time resolution of human hearing is 10 microseconds or better, which corresponds to frequencies beyond 80 kHz. People
continue to be astonished and amazed when they use our products with extended high frequency response. While you may not be able
to hear pure tones beyond 15kHz, you will hear the difference in the time domain and impulse response of live music. If you don’t
believe us, then listen to one of our Demo CDs, or better yet, try out one of our microphones, amplifiers, or monitor speakers. The
proof is in the listening.

Why Earthworks Microphones?

Earthworks microphones are not just another version or variation of existing microphone technology — they utilize proprietary, patented,
and advanced design technologies that are not available in other microphones. There is an incredible, audible difference. Here are the
reasons why:

™

Superior Impulse Response

- the speed and accuracy in which a microphone responds to a signal with
fast rise times such as percussion, guitar and brass. This helps retain the attack, punch and excitement in recorded
music and sounds.

Fast Diaghragm Settling Time

- how long it takes a diaphragm to return to rest. If a microphone’s
diaphragm is still vibrating from previous sounds while it is trying to pick up new sounds, it adds coloration and
smearing of low-level signals that contain important minute details.

Pick-up Pattern Technology

- maintaining accuracy and uniform frequency response throughout the
pick-up pattern. With this improved uniformity there is no spotlighting, less off-axis phase problems and more
gain before feedback.

Extended Frequency Response

- capturing high frequency details and overtones is a clear advantage
when using today’s higher sampling rates for recording. Also, in most cases the higher the frequency response,
the better the impulse response and time domain accuracy.

Technological innovation
provides dramatically
superior performance.

You will be astonished when you first
use an Earthworks Microphone. You
will hear more clarity, detail and
transparency than you have ever heard
from a microphone. Musical instruments
and vocalists will sound more real,
vibrant and alive. Earthworks micro­phones have superior performance
because of their advanced pick-up
patterns; they work better than
conventional cardioid and omni
microphones. Our microphones come
in 20kHz, 25kHz, 30kHz, 40kHz
and 50kHz models with a variety
of advanced pick-up patterns. You
can choose the microphone that best
suits your requirements and pocket­book. Remember, the higher the
frequency response, the better the
impulse response.

Earthworks
TC

25

Earthworks
SR

25

Impulse

Response

Graph

Omni

Polar

Pattern

Cardioid

Polar

Pattern

Four times

the price

of TC

25

Competitive
Microphone

at two and
a half times

the price

of TC

25

Competitive
Microphone

at two and
a half times

the price

of SR

25

“Using your gear, I can hear what color the King's
shoes are as he sings in my studio.”

— Sonny Ryan

1

OMNI

MICROPHONES

E arthworks

™

For Quieter Sources

QTC

50

QTC

40

The QTC series (Quiet Time Coherent) has been designed for recording
quieter sources such as vocals, strings and distant miked orchestras or choirs. Earthworks’ reputation for realism is based on these distinctive omnis.
Their degree of clarity is unparalleled. Our claim of Time Coherent Response means these models do not smear the time domain as most microphones
do. Earthworks microphones have exceptional impulse response and diaphragm settling time. They handle sound levels up to 150dB SPL with no
proximity effect or handling noise.

(see page 12 for microphone specifications)

TIME COHERENT OMNI MICROPHONES

QTC50 50kHz omni

The QTC50 is an exciting new addition to the Earthworks microphone line. It has
all of the exceptional attributes of our popular QTC1
QTC50 has an extended high frequency response to 50kHz and better impulse
response. This microphone is for the sterling purist who wants something better
than a QTC40. This new top of the line microphone has exceptional performance.

(same as QTC40). The

QTC40 40kHz omni (same as QTC1)

QTC

QTC40

30

The Quiet Time Coherent One (same as QTC40) has been called “the most accurate
recording microphone available.” For classical location recording a matched pair will
provide spectacular results. It is ideal for quieter, more detailed sources and doesn’t
have most of the problems and limitations generally associated with competitive
microphones. Its impulse response and diaphragm settling time is exceptional. Its
sound is uncolored and it has no handling noise. The QTC40 will change the way
you think about microphones.

QTC30 30kHz omni

QTC40

The QTC30 has an excellent cost/performance ratio. With a frequency
response to 30kHz and excellent impulse response, it will reproduce
sounds with incredible detail that are true and life-like, making it an ideal
and affordable choice for recording applications. Its smaller stainless steel
body is 6.5 inches long and has no handling noise.

All matched pairs
come in beautiful
wood boxes.

“In our tests, the QTC1* omnis were obviously more open, detailed, spacious,
and had a ‘realism’ for lack of a better word, that blew the B&K’s off the stage.
It is no exaggeration to say that it was no contest.”

— Leigh Howard

2

*Same as the QTC40

E arthworks

™

MICROPHONES

OMNI

TIME COHERENT OMNI MICROPHONES

such as drums, percussion, amplified instruments and loud sound effects. The TC Series allows recording of louder acoustic sources without

overloading the preamplifier and with all of the same attributes as the QTC series in impulse response, diaphragm settling time and
extended frequency response. All models in the TC series have a flat frequency response and are time coherent, so they sound natural and uncolored.
They effortlessly handle high sound pressure levels up to 150 dB SPL while simultaneously capturing subtle details.

The TC series (Time Coherent) is designed for recording louder sources

(see page 12 for microphone specifications)

TC30 30kHz omni (same as TC30K)

The TC30 (same as TC30K) is a general-purpose omni. It is an ideal choice for close
miking louder sources like guitar, bass, piano, horns and percussion. The TC30 is
very popular for drum overheads. It is incredibly clean up to 150 dB SPL while
simultaneously capturing subtle details. Its fast, clean impulse performance yields a
remarkably transparent sound. It is an excellent room mic for ambiance in the studio
and for recording rehearsals and performances. It has no handling noise, no proximity
effect and is very forgiving in terms of placement.

TC25 25kHz omni

For Louder Sources

TC

30

TC

25

The new TC25 was designed specifically for drums and is a model that comes in the
Earthworks DrumKit™ System
brother and has the same attributes as the TC30; exceptions being it goes to
25kHz, will handle 145 dB SPL, is smaller in size, weighs less, and costs less.
The performance vs. price ratio of this microphone is excellent. If you want to hear
one in action, get a free DrumKit™ Demo CD (information on pages 6 & 7).

(see pages 6 & 7). The TC25 is the TC30’s little

TC20 20kHz omni (same as SRO)

The TC20 (same as SRO) is our least expensive general-purpose omni with high frequency
response to 20kHz. Its sound and performance is similar to the TC30 or TC25 and
covers the same range of applications. For live sound the TC20 can be used for close
miking stationary sources like instrument amps, drums or close-miked brass. A TC20 under
the strings of a standup bass or inside a kick drum will produce amazing sound. A pair of
TC20s connected to a stereo recorder will provide exceptional results for recording rehearsals

and performances. The TC20 is great for general studio use and is an exceptional value.

QTC30

QTC30

TC

20

“I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that I LOVE those
microphones! I used both SROs* in a near coincident pattern
about 6" from the instrument and it just sounded wonderful.”

— Bill Thompson

*Same as the TC20

3