ATC SCM45A PRO ACTIVE LOUDSPEAKER

The recent NAMM Show, back in January, saw a bevy of new products and technology announced, which we furiously covered at the time in our online news (link). Somehow though, we missed reporting on the launch of ATC’s newest high-performance loudspeaker – the SCM45A Pro – something we plan on rectifying… Right now.

The SMC45A Pro is a mid-sized three-way active loudspeaker, which can be used for both near- or mid-field positions and shares a number of the same features of the SMC25A Pro, whilst filling the gap in ATC’s professional active monitoring loudspeaker range. Producing a decent linear response across the midrange, the 45A’s design includes a second woofer for deeper bass response and increased SPL (Sound Pressure Level) capability, combined with a new proprietary dual-suspension tweeter for top-end resolution. The new tweeter is a first for the company and is the result of six years of research and development by Managing Director, Billy Woodman and R&D Engineer, Richard Newman.

“Any body who knows ATC will recognise that we very rarely release a completely new loudspeaker model,” said Newman.

Adding that all of the company’s products “have a very long history, each evolving to become what they are today. The SCM45A Pro is especially exciting since not only is it a completely new addition to the range, but it’s also the first ATC three-way professional monitor to incorporate our new high-performance SH25-76S dual- suspension tweeter. The SCM45A Pro also incorporates a new variant of our existing SB50-164 short-coil bass driver, which we designed and engineered specifically to operate in a parallel wired pair. Given that the efficiency of our three-way models is essentially set by the bass driver, the larger combined radiating area of the two 6.5-inch bass drivers increases system efficiency, putting less demand on each individual bass driver and reducing drive unit excursion for a given SPL and low frequency response. This results in further reduced non-linear distortions in the bass drivers’ 20Hz to 380Hz operating band. With the addition of our renowned hand-built, soft dome midrange and the new SH25-76S dual-suspension tweeter, the drive units in the loudspeaker constitute a formidable trio.”

Power to the drive units is provided by the company’s proprietary Amp Pack, a three-channel active MOSFET Class A/B design with 150W, 60W, and 25W for the respective bass, mid, and high frequency ranges. Additionally, the 45A Pro is not mirror imaged, but is physically symmetrical, which (the company says) makes it ideally suited to position as both a centre speaker and/or side speakers.

“Every aspect of the loudspeaker has been laboured over — from the drive units and amplifier design to the cabinet,” said Newman. “The result is a compact, yet high-performance professional monitor worthy of taking its place in our professional monitor range.”

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The SCM45A Pro began shipping in mid-February, 2015, and (per pair) has a price-tag of GBP£7,042.00/US$11,490. For Australian prices, contact distributors directly.

Australian Distribution: CDA Professional Audio, Ph: (02) 9330 1750 Email: [email protected]  Web: www.cda-proaudio.com
For more info, check: www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk