ATC SCS70 Pro and SCS70iW Pro
ATC announces the availability of the SCS70 Pro and SCS70iW Pro - inaugurating its Professional Series Subwoofer range as high-performance 12”/300mm active model variants integral to partnering with the specialist British loudspeaker drive unit and complete sound reproduction system manufacturer’s range of active studio monitors, making them ideally suited to stereo, multi-channel surround, and immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos to deliver the exceptional levels of performance demanded by audio and music professionals, with the SCS70 Pro designed for free-standing use while the SCS70iW Pro is optimised with features for flush/in-wall mounting - as of July 18…
Advancing ATC’s proven philosophy of developing products from component level upwards, the SCS70 Pro features a new sub-bass driver developed by the specialist British loudspeaker drive unit and complete sound reproduction system manufacturer’s in-house R&D (Research and Development) team that is painstakingly optimised for reproduction of the lowest four octaves of the audio band. By featuring a 30mm magnetic gap that is 50% longer than any other offered by the manufacturer in question, this long gap and short-coil configuration takes a longstanding ATC design feature to its limit, ensuring distortion is minimised while simultaneously delivering the high excursion required to generate accurate, dynamic low frequency output. Over to ATC R&D Manager Richard Newman, who states, “Generating high magnetic flux over such a long gap required extensive FEA [Finite Element Analysis] modelling, with the resultant 6”/150mm N48M neodymium magnet representing the most powerful ever assembled by ATC - and a first for the company.” Combining to minimise distortion, the long gap and short-coil configuration also ensures that the voice coil remains surrounded by the steel motor structure - even at high drive levels, maximising cooling, reducing power compression, and improving reliability. Richard Newman continues: “Turbulent air noise within the driver itself was minimised via a large, flared vent running through the centre of the motor structure, which has the added benefit of increasing voice coil and motor cooling.”
Consequently, the SCS70 Pro delivers an extended low frequency response without the use of electronic equalisation - unlike most subwoofers available today, instead relying on a more elegant combination of exceptional transducer engineering and a marginal increase in cabinet volume. It is the simplicity of this approach that reduces phase shift and group delay, aiding integration of the sub with the partnering monitor loudspeakers to ultimately deliver a more balanced and coherent experience for the listener while extending the low frequency response without masking details in the upper bass/lower mid-range.
Duly drawing upon 34 years of experience in amplifier design and development, the SCS70 Pro’s driver is partnered with a new 300W Class AB power amplifier, hand built by ATC at its UK facility and optimised to the requirements of the drive unit to deliver fast, dynamic bass with minimal colouration. The two balanced Inputs provide connectivity for use in both stereo and multi-channel/immersive audio systems while two buffered balanced Outputs provide connection to monitor loudspeakers and/or to ‘daisy-chain’ multiple subs. The 4th order Linkwitz-Riley low-pass filters involved in the power amplifier’s crossover are analogue, and filter Frequency options ensure optimal integration with a wide range of studio monitors, including ATC’s own critically-acclaimed range, with an industry-standard 80Hz low-pass and an Off option (for use with external processing) provided. Additionally, a Pol. (Polarity) switch plus a continuously variable - 180° through to 0° - Phase adjustment allows for further subwoofer crossover optimisation and a stepped attenuator with a 21dB range provides precise level matching.
Output of the SCS70 Pro can be muted via a single latching footswitch connected via the Input 1⁄4”/6.35mm jack; additional subs can be muted via connection to the Thru 1⁄4”/6.35mm jack using the same single footswitch.
But best of all, though, the SCS70 Pro’s size and performance makes it the perfect partner to ATC’s - SCM20ASL Pro, SCM25A Pro, SCM45A Pro, and SCM50ASL Pro - Professional Series Monitor range. Moreover, multiple subs can be employed to elevate performance, to fill larger rooms, and also when partnering with larger active studio monitor models. It is recommended that Dolby’s DARDT (Dolby Audio Room Design Tool) should be used to aid the design of ATC monitoring systems for Dolby Atmos.
Alternatively, the SCS70iW Pro active model variant is dedicated to flush mount/in-wall applications, simplifying install, and ensuring optimal performance. Put it this way: with a shallower cabinet and recessed input connector panel, it maximises floor space while the accompanying R1-300 Pro remote-mounted 7U/19” amplifier affords the user flexibility to install the amplifier in-wall, close to the sub, in a control room rack or in a machine room. Connection between the in-wall sub and remote amp is via NL4 speaker cable and 5-pin XLR cable (sold separately and available in multiple lengths).
Whichever way anyone chooses to use ATC’s active SCS70 Pro (free-standing) or SCS70iW Pro (flush/in-wall mounting) models marking the inauguration of its Professional Series Subwoofer range, both are sound investments that offer the exceptional performance demanded by audio and music professionals, encouraging fast, accurate decision-making that translates into high-quality recordings, mixes, and masters.