Mic Archive
Earthworks TC20
Photo: Earthworks, from its manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Earthworks Audio

Earthworks TC20

Omnidirectional (pressure) prepolarized condenser for loud sources, small-diameter tip on a tapered steel body

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Omni
Sensitivity
−41.9 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
26 dB(A)
Max SPL
150 dB SPL
Impedance
65 Ω
Rated range
9 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2. Fig. 2 "Frequency Response (Typical) of TC20" in the 2005 owner's manual; relative dB, 3 dB per division. A smooth "typical" curve; the text calls the response "free-field". Distance and room not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

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All specs

From the user guide
Sensitivity−41.9 dBV/Pa (8 mV/Pa), typical. Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "8mV/Pa (Typical)" (20 log10 0.008); the 2005 manual gives the same 8 mV/Pa.p. 4
Self-noise26 dB(A), equivalent, A-weighted; also 27 dB(A), 2005 manual: "27dBA equivalent". "26dB SPL (A weighted)".
Max SPL150 dB SPL, peak acoustic input; also 145 dB SPL, 2005 manual. "Peak Acoustic Input: 150dB SPL"; the 2005 manual says 145dB SPL.
Output impedance65 ohm, balanced between pins 2 and 3; also 100 ohm, 2005 manual: "100Ω, balanced (50Ω ea. pin 2 & 3)"
Rated load impedance600 ohm, minimum, balanced between pins 2 and 3. The 2005 manual agrees.
Rated frequency range9 Hz to 20 kHz, +1/-3 dB; also [10, 20000], ±2 dB (2005 manual). "9Hz to 20kHz +1/-3dB".
Poweringphantom, 24-48 V. "24-48V Phantom, 10mA"; the 2005 manual says "48V Phantom, 10mA".
Current draw10 mA
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Output: XLR-3".
Weight160 g. "160g (.31b)"; the 2005 manual says "160g (.35lb)", which matches 160 g.
Dimensions165 × 22 mm. Length × diameter ("165 x 22 mm (6.5 x .860 in.)").
Supplied accessoriesMicrophone clip. "YOUR PURCHASE INCLUDES: 1 Earthworks TC20, 1 Microphone Clip".p. 2
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Applications (Earthworks)Close-miking louder sources: instrument amps, drums, close-miked brass; under the strings of a double bass, inside a kick drum; drum overheads; a pair for recording rehearsals and performancesp. 2
Free-field response"A linear free-field frequency response from 10Hz to 20kHz"; no proximity effect, very low handling noise
Settling timeAllow up to one minute after phantom power is applied; plugging in "hot" is preferred for faster settling
ConstructionNo removable parts; cannot be opened
CalibrationA calibration chart is enclosed (warranty details on its back)p. 1
OriginMade in U.S.A.

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Earthworks Audio, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on earthworksaudio.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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