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TC20
Omni Microphone
for Loud Sources
User’s Guide
Printed in USA
MADE IN USA
earthworksaudio.com
July 11, 2018
TC20
Description
The Earthworks TC20 is an omnidirectional (pressure)
pre-polarized condenser microphone directly coupled to
a dedicated wideband, low output impedance pream-
plier. The TC20 requires a standard 24-48V phantom
power supply. It features a linear free-eld frequency re-
sponse from 9Hz to 20kHz, fast impulse response, very
low handling noise, uniform polar pattern, and very high
SPL handling capabilities. It exhibits no proximity effect.
Applications
The Earthworks TC20 is easy to operate. Connect the
microphone to a microphone preamplier supplying
48V phantom power using a standard XLR microphone
cable. Please allow up to one minute for the microphone
to settle. Plugging in the microphone “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 rst
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. It is also
very popular for drum overheads. A pair of TC20s connected to a stereo recorder will provide excellent results
for recording 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
forgiving in terms of placement.
A mounting clip is included with the microphone. This
microphone has no removable parts.
Care of Microphone
The Earthworks TC20 microphone is a precision instrument designed and built to provide years of excellent
performance. Following these simple rules will help to
protect your investment in the TC20:
Avoid touching the front protective screen.
•
Never attempt to disassemble the microphone –
•
it cannot be opened.
Avoid extreme heat and condensing humidity. Allow the
•
microphone to warm up in the case when bringing it in
from the cold weather.
Rough handling may damage the microphone even if no
•
visible marks are left.
When not in use keep the TC20 in its case.
•
Specications
Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz +1/-3dB
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Sensitivity: 8mV/Pa (Typical)
Power Requirements: 24-48V Phantom, 10mA
Peak Acoustic Input: 150dB SPL
Output: XLR-3
Output Impedance: 65Ω, balanced between pins 2 & 3
Minimum Load: 600Ω btw. pins 2 & 3
Noise: 26dB, A equivalent
Dimensions L x D: 165 x 22 mm (6.5 x .860 in.)
Weight: 160g (.3lb)
Specications are subject to change without notice.
XLR Output Connector Assignment of TC20
Frequency Response of TC20 (typical)
Impulse Response of TC20 (typical)
Polar Response of TC20 (typical)