QTC50 - Microphone Earthworks - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Omnidirectional High Definition Condenser Microphone
Brand	Earthworks
Model	QTC50
Frequency Response	3Hz to 50kHz (+1/-3dB)
Polar Pattern	Omnidirectional
Sensitivity	34 mV/Pa (typical, at 1kHz into 1kΩ)
Power Requirements	24-48V Phantom Power, 10 mA
Maximum Acoustic Input	140 dB SPL peak
Output Connector	XLR-3 balanced
Output Impedance	65 Ω between pins 2 & 3
Minimum Load Impedance	600 Ω between pins 2 & 3
Equivalent Noise Level	20 dB A-weighted
Dimensions (Length x Diameter)	229 x 22 mm (9 x 0.860 in.)
Weight	225 g (0.5 lb)
Included Accessories	Calibration chart (individual frequency response curve), mounting clip
Special Features	Extended linear free-field response, fast impulse response, no proximity effect, low handling noise, uniform polar pattern
Applications	Quiet sources: vocals, strings, woodwinds, distant-miked orchestras/choirs; classical location recording
Care Instructions	Avoid touching protective screen; store in case when not in use; avoid extreme heat/humidity; allow warm-up in cold conditions
Safety Precautions	Do not disassemble; mute signal when connecting/disconnecting phantom power; handle with care
Spare Parts / Repairability	No user-serviceable parts; contact Earthworks Service & Repair ([e-mail]) for service
Warranty	Limited warranty on parts and labor (register online at earthworksaudio.com/register)

Frequently Asked Questions - QTC50 Earthworks

What phantom power does the QTC50 require?

The QTC50 requires standard 24-48V phantom power, drawing 10 mA. Ensure your preamp or mixer supplies this voltage.

Can I plug the QTC50 in while phantom power is already on?

Yes, plugging in 'hot' will not damage the microphone and is actually preferred for faster settling. Expect a pop sound; mute your speakers or headphones when doing so.

What is the frequency response of the QTC50?

The frequency response is 3Hz to 50kHz with a tolerance of +1/-3dB, providing extended high-frequency reproduction and deep bass.

Is the QTC50 suitable for recording vocals?

Yes, it is excellent for quieter vocal sources, capturing detail without coloration. Its low self-noise and fast impulse response make it ideal for studio and classical work.

Does the QTC50 have a proximity effect?

No, the QTC50 is an omnidirectional microphone and exhibits no proximity effect (bass boost when close). This ensures a natural sound regardless of distance.

How should I clean or maintain the QTC50?

Avoid touching the protective screen. Do not attempt to disassemble the microphone. Store it in its case when not in use and avoid extreme heat, cold, or humidity.

Can I use the QTC50 for outdoor recording?

Yes, but protect it from condensing humidity and extreme temperatures. Allow the microphone to acclimate in its case when moving between hot/cold environments.

What is the output impedance of the QTC50?

The output impedance is 65 Ω (balanced between pins 2 and 3), and it requires a minimum load of 600 Ω. It works well with most microphone preamps.

Does the QTC50 come with a carrying case?

Yes, the manual recommends storing the microphone in its case when not in use, implying a case is included. It also comes with a mounting clip and an individual calibration chart.

How do I register my QTC50 for warranty?

Register your product online at earthworksaudio.com/register. This helps you receive warranty support and product updates.

USER MANUAL QTC50 Earthworks

All Earthworks microphones carry a limited warranty (parts and labor).

Product Registration

To help you get the most out of your Earthworks purchase, please take a moment and register your product with us online at earthworksaudio.com/register.

Service & Repair

If you have any problems with your Earthworks products, please contact our Service & Repair Department.

Email: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone], ext. 119

QTC50

Omni High Definition

Microphone

for Quiet Sources

User's Guide

Description

The Earthworks QTC50 is an omnidirectional (pressure) pre-polarized condenser microphone directly coupled to a dedicated wideband, low output impedance preamplifier. The QTC50 requires a standard 24-48V phantom power supply. It features an extended linear free-field frequency response from 3Hz to 50kHz, extremely fast impulse response, low self-noise, very low handling noise, uniform polar pattern, and high SPL handling capabilities. It exhibits no proximity effect.

Each microphone is delivered with its own calibration chart providing the individually measured frequency response curve. A mounting clip is included with the microphone.

Applications

The Earthworks QTC50 is easy to operate. Connect the microphone to a microphone preamplifier supplying 24-48V 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 first applied.

The QTC50 is a premium microphone designed for recording quieter sources such as vocals, strings, woodwinds, and distant-miked orchestras or choirs. For classical location recording a matched pair will provide spectacular results. The QTC50 will faithfully reproduce sound with impeccable detail and does not exhibit the typical problems and limitation exhibited with conventional microphones. Its impulse response and diaphragm settling time is extraordinary, resulting in the most pure and uncolored sound.

This microphone has no removable parts.

Care of Microphone

The Earthworks QTC50 High Definition Microphone™ is a precision instrument designed and built to provide years of top performance. Following these simple rules will help to protect your investment in the QTC50:

• 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 QTC50 in its case.

Specifications

Frequency response: 3Hz to 50kHz +1/-3dB

Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional

Sensitivity: 34mV/Pa (Typical)

Power Requirements: 24-48V Phantom, 10mA

Peak Acoustic Input: 140dB SPL

Output: XLR-3

Output Impedance: 65Ω, balanced between pins 2 & 3

Minimum Load: 600Ω between pins 2 & 3

Noise: 20dB, A equivalent

Dimensions L x D: 229 x 22 mm (9 x .860 in.)

Weight: 225g (.5lb)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

XLR Output Connector Assignment of QTC50

Frequency in Hz
Frequency Response of QTC50 (typical)

Impulse Response of QTC50 (typical)

Polar Response of QTC50 (typical)