TC30 - Microphone Earthworks - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Measurement Microphone
Brand	Earthworks
Model	TC30
Frequency Response	30 Hz – 30 kHz (±2 dB)
Polar Pattern	Omnidirectional
Connector	3-pin XLR, balanced output
Power Requirement	Phantom power 12–48 V
Dimensions (Length x Diameter)	200 mm x 19 mm
Weight	100 g (3.5 oz)
Sensitivity	10 mV/Pa at 1 kHz
Equivalent Noise Level	20 dB SPL (A-weighted)
Maximum Sound Pressure Level	142 dB SPL (<1% THD @ 1 kHz)
Output Impedance	60 Ω balanced
Minimum Load Impedance	1 kΩ
Included Accessories	Windscreen, microphone clip, carrying case
Construction Material	Machined brass body, stainless steel grille
Use Cases	Acoustic measurement, live sound, recording, RTA
Care and Maintenance	Store in dry environment; clean grille with soft brush; avoid moisture
Safety Precautions	Do not expose to extreme temperatures or humidity; disconnect phantom power before connecting/disconnecting
Repairability	Not user-serviceable; contact authorized service center

Frequently Asked Questions - TC30 Earthworks

What is the frequency response of the Earthworks TC30?

The TC30 has a frequency response of 30 Hz to 30 kHz, with a tolerance of ±2 dB, ensuring accurate measurements across the audio spectrum.

Does the TC30 require phantom power?

Yes, the TC30 requires 12–48 V phantom power, typically provided by audio interfaces or mixing consoles with XLR inputs.

What type of connector does the TC30 use?

It uses a standard 3-pin XLR balanced output, compatible with professional audio equipment.

Can I use the TC30 for live sound reinforcement?

Yes, the TC30 is suitable for live sound as well as recording and measurement due to its high SPL handling (142 dB) and low noise.

What accessories come with the TC30?

The TC30 includes a windscreen, a microphone clip, and a protective carrying case.

How do I clean the TC30 microphone?

Use a soft brush to gently clean the grille. Avoid liquids or compressed air. Store in a dry, dust-free environment.

What is the polar pattern of the TC30?

The TC30 has an omnidirectional polar pattern, picking up sound equally from all directions, ideal for acoustic measurements.

What is the maximum SPL the TC30 can handle?

The TC30 can handle sound pressure levels up to 142 dB SPL with less than 1% THD at 1 kHz.

Is the TC30 suitable for measuring subwoofers?

Yes, with a frequency response extending down to 30 Hz, it is capable of measuring subwoofer performance accurately.

How do I connect the TC30 to my audio interface?

Connect the TC30 XLR output to a balanced XLR input on your interface and ensure phantom power (48V) is enabled.

USER MANUAL TC30 Earthworks

Omni High Definition Microphone™ for Loud Sources

User's Guide

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

Description

The Earthworks TC30 is an omnidirectional (pressure) pre-polarized condenser microphone directly coupled to a dedicated wideband, low output impedance preamplifier. The TC30 requires a standard 24-48V phantom power supply. It features a linear free-field frequency response from 9Hz to 30kHz, fast impulse response, very low handling noise, uniform polar pattern, and very 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 TC30 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 TC30 is an excellent general-purpose omni microphone. It is an ideal choice for close miking louder sources like guitar, bass, piano, horns, and percussion. The TC30 is very popular for drum overheads. It is incredibly clean and distortion-free up to 150dB SPL while simultaneously capturing subtle details. Its fast, clean impulse response yields remarkably transparent sound. The TC30 is an excellent room mic for ambiance in the studio and for recording rehearsals and performances. It has no handling noise, no proximity effect, and is very forgiving in terms of placement.

This microphone has no removable parts.

Care of Microphone

The Earthworks TC30 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 TC30:

• 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 TC30 in its case.

Specifications

Frequency response: 9Hz to 30kHz +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: 229 x 22 mm (9 x .860 in.)

Weight: 225g (.5lb)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

XLR Output Connector Assignment of TC30

Frequency in Hz
Frequency Response of TC30 (typical)

Impulse Response of TC30 (typical)

Polar Response of TC30 (typical)