Earthworks SR20 Instruction Manual

Technical Support
Should you have any questions regarding your
SR20 microphone please contact us:
e-mail: [email protected]
phone: [phone] (9a.m. – 5p.m. ET)
For warranty and product return/exchange
information please refer to the back of the
enclosed Calibration Chart.
Earthworks, Inc.
37 Wilton Rd.
Milford, NH 03055 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.EarthworksAudio.com
Made in U.S.A.
SR20 Cardioid Microphone
Owner’s Manual

Description
Earthworks SR20 is a directional prepolarized
condenser microphone with a first-order cardioid
pickup pattern directly coupled to a dedicated
wideband, low output impedance transformerless
preamplifier. The SR20 requires a standard 48V
Phantom Power supply. It features a flat
frequency response from 50Hz to 20kHz (Fig. 2),
fast impulse response (Fig. 3), very low handling
noise, uniform polar pattern, and high SPL
handling capabilities. It provides excellent
uncolored rejection of sounds arriving off-axis.
The SR20 is protected by US Patent No.
6,091,829.
Applications
Earthworks SR20 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 SR20 is designed for vocals and
incorporates a screw-on windscreen. It will
accurately capture a voice with the same precision
up to 90° off-axis. This means the same pristine
sound quality is available at the front and side of
the microphone. Up close the SR20 is warm, not
“boomy”, while its unique windscreen assembly
eliminates the popping of P’s. Its uniform polar
response will provide more gain before feedback
than other mics. Make sure to bring the mixer’s
gain down before plugging the SR20 in for the
first time as it has much higher output than
dynamic mics.
To remove the windscreen unscrew it from the
main body. Never use force! Without the
windscreen the SR20 becomes a versatile
instrument mic, outstanding for piano, guitar,
drums, bass, woodwinds, and other instruments.
A mounting clip and a screw-on windscreen
are included with the microphone. This
microphone has no removable parts other than
the windscreen.
Care of Microphones
Earthworks SR20 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 SR20:
• 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 SR20 in its case.
Specifications
Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz ±2dB at
6 inches (15cm)
Polar Pattern: Cardioid (Fig. 4)
Sensitivity: 10mV/Pa (-40dBV/Pa)
Power Requirements: 48V Phantom, 10mA
Peak Acoustic Input: 145dB SPL
Output: XLR (Fig. 1)
Output Impedance: 100Ω, balanced
(50Ωea. pin 2 & 3)
Minimum Load: 600Ωbtw. pins 2 & 3
Noise: 22dBA equivalent
Dimensions L x D 212 x 22 mm
(8.4 x .860 in.)
Weight: 135g (.3lb)
Compliant
Fig. 1. XLR Output Connector Assignment of SR20
Fig. 2. Frequency Response (Typical) of SR20
Fig. 3. Impulse Response (Typical) of SR20
Fig. 4. Polar Response (Typical) of SR20
Specifications are subject to change without
notice.