British loudspeaker manufacturers ATC have announced the release of the SCS70 Pro and SCS70iW Pro subwoofers. Inaugurating their Professional Series Subwoofer range, the two new models are both active designs featuring 12-inch drivers, with the SCS70 Pro intended for free-standing use, and the SCS70iW Pro optimised for flush/in-wall mounting applications.
Both units feature a newly developed sub-bass driver optimised for reproduction of the lowest four octaves of the audio band. The driver features a 30mm magnetic gap and short-coil configuration that ATC say ensures minimal distortion whilst delivering the high excursion required to generate accurate, dynamic low frequency output. This configuration also ensures that the voice coil remains surrounded by the steel motor structure, which helps to maximise cooling, reduces power compression and improves the unit’s reliability.
“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.” - Richard Newman, ATC R&D Manager
The SCS70 Pro has been designed for free-standing applications, and features a built-in amplifier.The manufacturer also says that the driver and cabinet designs mean that the extended low frequency response of the units is delivered without the use of electronic equalisation, unlike the majority of subwoofers available today.
The driver is partnered with a new 300W Class AB amplifier, which is hand-built at ATC’s UK facility and optimised to the requirements of the driver in order to deliver fast, dynamic bass with minimal colouration. Two balanced inputs provide connectivity for use in both stereo and multi-channel surround or immersive audio applications, whilst a pair of buffered balanced outputs allow direct connection to monitor loudspeakers or give users the ability to ‘daisy-chain’ multiple subwoofers.
The amplifier’s crossovers are analogue, employing forth-order Linkwitz-Riley low-pass filters with filter frequency options ensuring optimal integration with a wide variety of studio monitors, including ATC’s own critically-acclaimed range. The filter can also be bypassed for applications using external bass management solutions. Further optimisation is provided in the form of a polarity switch and continuously variable phase control, with a stepped attenuator with a 21dB range offering precise level matching.
The SCS70iW Pro is optimised for flush/in-wall mounting, and is powered by the remote R1-300 Pro amplifer. The SCS70 Pro amplifier is built into the back of the cabinet, whilst the SCS70iW Pro features a reduced cabinet depth and a remote, 7U rack-mountable amplifier. Both units can be muted via a foot-switch connected via a quarter-inch jack socket, and a second socket provides a thru output to enable multiple units to be muted with a single switch.
ATC say that the size and performance of the SCS70 Pro / SCS70iW Pro make them a perfect partner to their SCM20ASL Pro, SCM25A Pro, SCM45A Pro, and SCM50ASL Pro monitors in either stereo, surround, or immersive audio applications.
Both models are available now, with the SCS70 Pro priced at £3125 excluding VAT, and the SCS70iW Pro and accompanying RI-300 Pro remote amplifier priced at £3750 excluding VAT.International availability and pricing information can be found on the ATC website. https://atc.audio/where-to-buy/
