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Description 

     Earthworks TC30K is an omnidirectional 

(pressure) prepolarized condenser microphone 

directly coupled to a dedicated wideband, low 
output impedance preamplifier. The TC30K 

requires a standard 48V phantom power supply. 
It features a linear free-field frequency response 
from 9Hz to 30kHz (Fig. 2), fast impulse 

response (Fig. 3), very low handling noise, uni-
form 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 

     Earthworks  TC30K  is  easy  to  operate. 

Connect the microphone to a microphone 
preamplifier supplying 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  TC30K  is  an  excellent  general-purpose 

omni. It is an ideal choice for close-miking 
louder sources like guitar, bass, piano, horns, 
and percussion. The TC30K 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 performance yields remarkably 
transparent sound. The TC30K 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 Microphones 

     Earthworks  TC30K  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 TC30K: 

• 

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 TC30K in its case 

Specifications 

Frequency response: 

9Hz to 30kHz +1/-3dB 

Polar Pattern:   

Omnidirectional (Fig. 4) 

Sensitivity:   8mV/Pa 

(Typical) 

Power Requirements:  48V Phantom, 10mA 
Peak Acoustic Input:  150dB SPL 

Output: 

  XLR 

(Fig. 

1) 

Output Impedance: 

100

, balanced 

 

 

 

(50

 ea. pin 2 & 3) 

Minimum Load: 

600

 btw. pins 2 & 3 

Noise: 

  27dBA 

equivalent 

Dimensions L x D 

229 x 22 mm 

   (9 

.860 

in.) 

Weight: 

  225g 

(.5lb) 

 
      Compliant 

 
 

 

Fig. 1. XLR Output Connector Assignment of TC30K 

 
 

 

Fig. 2. Frequency Response (Typical) of TC30K 

 

 

 

Fig. 3. Impulse Response (Typical) of TC30K 

 
 

 

Fig. 4. Polar Response (Typical) of TC30K, 1dB/div. 

 

Specifications are subject to change without 

notice. 

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