Earthworks
Earthworks TC20-MP Time Coherent Series Microphone Matched Pair
Best precision instruments for critical audio capture.
This pair of omnidirectional condenser microphones is engineered for capturing loud sound sources with exceptional accuracy. They are ideal for instruments like drums and amplified guitars, as well as detailed sound effects. Featuring a time-coherent design and an extremely flat frequency response, these microphones deliver a natural, uncolored sound. They can handle very high sound pressure levels up to 150dB without distortion, ensuring pristine audio capture for close-miking, overheads, and stereo recording applications.
$798.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
274
/ 3367
#274 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+57%
Above average
Brand
Earthworks
/ Earthworks
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and musicians prioritizing pristine, uncolored sound reproduction.
- Recording artists and producers creating detailed, spacious stereo soundscapes.
- Studio professionals and classical ensembles recording diverse acoustic sources.
Who should skip it
- Home studio users or live sound engineers needing high isolation.
- Budget-conscious producers or hobbyists seeking affordable microphone solutions.
- Rock vocalists or electric guitarists seeking a more characterful, directional sound.
Performance breakdown
High SPL Handling
Handles extreme volume levels without a hint of signal distortion.
Transient Accuracy
Time-coherent design captures fast attacks with surgical, lifelike precision.
Frequency Neutrality
Flat response ensures your recordings sound exactly like the source material.
Stereo Imaging
Factory-matched pairs provide a perfectly balanced and cohesive stereo field.
Detail Retrieval
Picks up subtle nuances even when recording aggressive, loud sound sources.
Build Integrity
Rugged construction designed to withstand the rigors of professional studio environments.
Key Specs
Brand
Earthworks
Model
TC20MP
Type
Microphone Matched Pair
Microphone Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
Max SPL
150dB SPL
Frequency Response
up to 20kHz
Power Source
Phantom Power
Know before you buy
The TC20-MP is designed to handle extremely high sound pressure levels up to 150dB, allowing you to place the microphones close to loud drums or cymbals without distortion. Its omnidirectional polar pattern also captures a natural, full-room sound that avoids the proximity effect common in directional mics.
These microphones require standard 48V phantom power to operate. Because they are highly accurate and have a flat frequency response, they pair well with clean, transparent preamps that won't color the signal before it reaches your interface.
A matched pair ensures that both microphones have nearly identical frequency response and sensitivity characteristics. This consistency is critical for stereo imaging, as it prevents one side of your recording from sounding louder or tonally different than the other.
While they excel at handling high SPL, they are also highly detailed and accurate. However, because they are designed for high-volume applications, they may have a higher self-noise floor compared to specialized studio vocal mics, making them less ideal for extremely quiet, delicate acoustic sources.
Time-coherent technology ensures that the microphone captures sound waves with minimal phase distortion, meaning the transient response is incredibly fast and accurate. This results in a sound that feels more 'real' and immediate, as the microphone reproduces the attack of an instrument exactly as it occurs.
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$798