Earthworks
Earthworks Audio TC 20
Best accurate sound capture for critical recording applications.
This small diaphragm condenser microphone is engineered for exceptional clarity and natural sound reproduction. Its omnidirectional polar pattern and wide frequency response capture every sonic detail, making it ideal for intricate instrument recording and acoustic environments. Designed for professional applications, it requires standard phantom power and boasts impressive SPL handling for loud sources. The microphone's robust construction ensures reliability in demanding studio or live settings, offering a truly high-resolution audio capture experience.
$399.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
274
/ 3367
#274 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-21%
Below average
Type
Small diaphragm condenser microphone
/ Small diaphragm condenser microphone
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and musicians prioritizing faithful, detailed sound capture
- Recordists seeking realistic room tone and spacious acoustic instrument recordings
- Professionals recording dynamic sources like drums, brass, or loud ensembles
Who should skip it
- Users needing focused sound capture in untreated or live performance spaces
- Aspiring home studio owners or hobbyists with limited equipment budgets
- Engineers preferring in-mic controls for immediate signal shaping
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Lightning-fast capture ensures every percussive detail remains crisp and articulate.
SPL Handling
Easily manages intense sound sources without introducing unwanted harmonic distortion.
Frequency Accuracy
Delivers a remarkably flat, honest representation of the original acoustic source.
Build Integrity
Rugged metal construction withstands the rigors of professional studio and stage environments.
Self-Noise Floor
Higher noise floor requires careful gain staging for extremely quiet recordings.
Off-Axis Consistency
Omnidirectional pattern maintains tonal balance regardless of the microphone's physical orientation.
Key Specs
Type
Small diaphragm condenser microphone
Prepolarised
Frequency range
10 to 20,000 Hz ± 2dB
Polar pattern
Omnidirectional
Sensitivity
8 mV / Pa (typical)
Power
48 V phantom power required
Current draw
10 mA peak
Max SPL
145 dB SPL
Know before you buy
The omnidirectional pattern captures sound equally from all directions, which provides a very natural, open sound. It is particularly effective for recording acoustic instruments or capturing the ambient character of a room without the proximity effect associated with directional microphones.
Yes. With a maximum SPL handling of 145 dB, the TC 20 is designed to capture high-volume sources cleanly without distortion, making it a reliable choice for loud instruments.
Yes, this microphone requires standard 48V phantom power to operate. Ensure your audio interface or preamp is capable of providing this power via the XLR connection.
The TC 20 features a wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This allows it to capture the full spectrum of an instrument's detail with high resolution and a neutral, uncolored sound profile.
While it is a professional studio condenser, its robust construction makes it durable enough for demanding live settings. It comes with a protective carry case, which helps keep the microphone safe during transport.
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