Aktiv Audio SC 20ST User manual

SC 20ST
Small Condensers
Matched Stereo Pair

SC 20ST
Small Condensers
Matched Stereo Pair
In spite of its low cost, this stereo pair is ideal
for use in many live or studio situations. The
wide frequency response and the high SPL
capability makes them perfect for use as;
overheads for drums, on hi-hats, for miking
choirs, as room ambience mics and for miking
electric and acoustic stringed instruments. The
microhpones have external switches for Pad
and High Pass Filter.
Using the SC 20ST
The SC 20ST can be used with any standard
preamp or mixer. Use either a XLR to XLR or
XLR to 6,3 mm TRS jack standard banlanced
microphone cable. Please note that the micro-
phones need 48V phantom power and for op-
timum preformance, let them warm up for a
few minutes before use. The SC 20ST can be
used in different stereo congurations using
the supplied stereo bar.
One technique is the ORTF system (Ofce de
Radiodiffusion-Television Francaise).
The ORTF system is formed by spacing two
cardioid microphones so that their diaphragms
(capsules) are 17 cm apart and with an angel
of 110 degrees between the forward facing
patterns. This spacing and angel is similar to
the way our ears are positioned on our head
and simulate our listening experience. The
overall angel of pickup for the ORTF is 180
degrees with a minus 3 db loss at the center.
Another stereo conguration is the NOS sys-
tem (Nederlandsche Omroep Stichting). This
system uses two cadioid microphones at an
angel of 90 degrees with a spacing of 30 cm
between the diaphraghns (capsules). This
adds even more of an apparent openness to the
sound and the overall angel of coverage for
the NOS system is 160 degrees, and it there-
fore is very useful with smaller ensembles.
Notice that the further apart you move the
microphones, the smaller the angel between
them becomes in order to maintain the overlap
at minus 3 db at the center of the stereoeld,
and the narrower the overall angel of coverage
becomes. As we reach a distance of 120 – 150
cm a “hole in the middle” will appear.
X-Y is a technique where you put the two dia-
phragms (capsules) close to each other with an
angel of 45 degrees off center for both micro-
phones. This technique is often used along
with anking microphones because of its nar-
row stereo image.
And of course you can use the microphones
separately, on hi-hats, shakers, bells, acoustic
guitars and stringed instruments of all kinds.
Precautions
Always use a pop-lter for close up vocals to
protect the capsule from mouth spray. Avoid
to expose the microphones to direct sunslight
or extreme humidity for long periods of time.
Handle the microphones with care and don’t
drop them or subject them to shock, as this
can damage the electronics or the capsule. Al-
ways store the microphones in the case when
not in use and never try to service them your-
self, since this will void the warranty.
Warranty
Aktiv Audio warrants the product to be free
in normal use of any defects in workmanship
and materials for two years from the date of
purchase. This warranty does not cover abuse
or misuse of the product, use contrary to the
instruction, accident, ordinary wear and tear
or unauthorized repair.
Should it ever need service, please contact
your dealer.
Congratulations with the SC 20ST matched stereo pair of small condenser microphones!

Included accessories
- 2 pcs plastic shockmount
- 3 pcs thread (3/8” to 5/8”)
- Metal stereo bar
- User manual
- Plastic carrying case
Specications
- 22 mm 5 micron goldplated capsule
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 30 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: - 40 db
- Self noise (EIN): 22 db (A weighted)
- S/N ratio: 76 db
- Max. SPL: 130 db / 140 db (pad engaged)
- High Pass Filter: 100 Hz / 6 db octave
- Pad: - 10 db
- Output impedance: 250 Ohm
- Net weight: 135 g
- Body dimensions: Ø 23 mm x 152 mm
- Power requirement: 48V phantom power
The SC 20 ST is a pair of high performance
FET condenser microphones. These compact
and durable microphones have Class-A elec-
tronics and a transformerless design and they
have been stereo matched within 1 db. An
unifom cardioid pattern controls feedback and
makes them a good choice for both studio and
live use.

Postboks 138, Laksfjord
N-9370 SILSAND
NORWAY
www.aktivaudio.no