ATC SCM20ASL active loudspeaker
The most compact active speaker in the ATC portfolio is being unveiled at the Axpona show in Chicago today. Based on the 50th anniversary Limited Edition design, the SCM20ASL has been created for modestly-sized rooms where outstanding musical reproduction is the goal.
The two-way SCM20ASL continues ATC’s philosophy of combining the best in-house drive units with matched on-board amplification for optimal fidelity. Uniting the benefits of compact size and wider bandwidth with the improved phase coherence, response speed and dynamics of ATC active operation, the SCM20ASL is aimed at small to medium-sized listening environments. In addition, its sealed cabinet design ensures exceptionally well-controlled bass, even in smaller spaces and/or when located close to boundary walls.
Integrating a two-way active system within a 20-litre stand-mount cabinet, the new SCM20ASL features ATC’s proprietary 150mm Super Linear mid/bass driver and 25mm S-Spec’ dual-suspension tweeter, powered by on-board Class A/B MOSFET power amplifiers capable of delivering 200W and 50W continuous power to the bass and HF drivers respectively. The performance and power output of each power amplifier is carefully tailored to driver demands and the musical elements they reproduce.
The mid/bass driver in the SCM20ASL employs a large 75mm voice coil and short-coil/long-gap motor assembly featuring ATC’s proprietary ‘SL’ motor technology, which reduces distortion from the upper bass into the midrange. ATC’s 25mm ‘S-Spec’ soft-dome tweeter features a dual-suspension and very high energy 2.1 tesla motor combining to deliver an extended response well beyond 20kHz with the exceptional reproduction of fine detail.
Crossovers are active, analogue second-order Linkwitz-Riley operating at line-level for maximum efficiency, while an all-pass filter is included to optimise the phase response through the crossover region, resulting in far improved tonal balance and imaging.
Input to the SCM20ASL loudspeaker is via balanced XLR, located on the rear panel and there are user controls for input sensitivity and low-frequency shelf cut and boost. The input sensitivity control allows the user to tailor the input gain to suit their source and pre-amplifier combination for more consistent performance. The low frequency shelf control gives the user the option to subtly adjust the bass response to suit their room.
The SCM20ASL cabinet features a combination of bracing for stiffness and damping to suppress resonance and is available in a wide range of real wood veneers, painted satin finishes and high gloss lacquers. Standard finishes include Cherry, Black Ash, Walnut and Oak veneers, Satin Black or Satin White paint. Premium finishes include Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Burr Magnolia, Pippy Oak, Burr Poplar veneers. The speaker is supplied with a removable grille, wrapped in black, acoustically transparent cloth.
Typical UK Retail Prices (per pair inc. VAT): Standard Finishes: £6,495; Premium Finishes: £7295; Add for High Gloss Lacquer over Veneer: £1,595; Piano Black or White: £7,845.