Intro
Contents
At Alpha-Audio, we have already reviewed a number of ATC products, but somehow the SCM20A slipped through the Alpha-Audio net. Finally, we have had this popular studio monitor in the studio for a while, and here are the results.
In 1974, pianist and jazz lover Billy Woodman started ATC as a manufacturer of loudspeaker drivers. First in the PA market (live concerts), gradually moving more and more into studios. The 3-inch mid-range driver SM75-150 saw the light of day in 1976, a so-called ‘soft dome mid driver’. Its great success led to the first loudspeaker in 1979, the S50, and about 10 years later the active version of this was released, the SCM-50A. As with so many ATC products, the SCM50A is still in production, as is the preamplifier SCA2 that we previously reviewed. In many areas of studio monitoring, ATC offers reference products in the top of the market.
ATC SCM20A
The SCM20A was introduced in 1990. The abbreviations with which the model was subsequently labelled tell us something about its iterations. SL refers to the upgrade of the bass driver in 1996, the mk2 marked the new high driver in 2014. In terms of technology and casing, the SCM20A is comparable to the passive SCM19 V2, the consumer model that colleague Geoffrey reviewed. The SCM20A is ATC’s ‘entry-level’ model. With active speakers, it is always good to remember that it is an ‘all-inclusive’ package. Amplifier, drivers, filters, speaker cables; it’s all there. Just connect a good source with a volume control and you’re ready to listen to the music.
The SCM20A is a 2-way active speaker with a 6.5 inch/150mm mid/low driver and a 1 inch/2.5mm high driver, developed by ATC itself, of course. The crossover frequency is 2,100 Hz. A bi-amp amplifier delivers 200W to the mid/bass driver and 50W to the high frequency driver. Sound pressure level (SPL) is 108 dB at a distance of 1 metre.
It is a closed system and the cabinet is very solid, rigid and heavy, weighing 23.5kg. We have rarely had to lift a monitor of a relatively modest size (45x25x29cm) with such a high ‘specific gravity’ into place! On the back we see a bass boost control, an input sensitivity adjustment and an XLR input. Above that are the amplifier’s cooling fins. The back is also equipped with two metal brackets that protect the electronics and connections and also serve as handles.
ATC SCM 20A Pro. You wrote under Cons:
“Everything is audible
Poorly mixed tracks are mercilessly exposed”
Aren’t those the point for a Pro studio speaker?
Yes, you are right that this is the point to pro monitor speakers.
Nevertheless, you would be surprised how many of these speakers perform differently compared to the ACM20A.
We have reviewed quite some professional monitors, please read these and this review. The list of pros and conservatorium does not cover the full story.
Happy reading!