Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,599
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Earthworks QTC50". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the unparalleled clarity and precision of the Earthworks QTC50, a small-diaphragm omnidirectional condenser microphone that sets a new standard for studio recording gear. Perfectly crafted for capturing the subtle nuances of quieter sources such as vocals, strings, and distant orchestras, the QTC50 shines in environments where detail is key. Its extended frequency response from 3Hz to 50kHz ensures that every sonic event is captured with pristine accuracy, making it a favorite among professionals who demand nothing but the best.
The QTC50’s Time Coherent Response technology addresses one of the most challenging aspects of sound capture — the time domain. Unlike traditional microphones that can smear sound over time, this Earthworks model maintains the original timing of the sound, providing a true-to-life audio representation. With an impressive maximum SPL handling of 142dB, this mic performs exceptionally well across a wide range of sound levels, all without introducing proximity effect or handling noise. Whether you're recording a delicate choir passage or the robust resonance of a grand piano, the QTC50 delivers a pure, uncolored sound that remains faithful to the source.
For those who prioritize tonal purity and low noise, the Earthworks QTC50 is an essential addition to your recording arsenal. Its whisper-quiet operation and super-flat frequency response make it the microphone of choice for capturing the essence of sound in its most authentic form.
Key Features:
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Frequency response: 3Hz to 50kHz
- Time Coherent Response for accurate sound capture
- Handles sound levels up to 142dB
- Requires +48V phantom power
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Omni |
| Frequency Response | 3Hz-50kHz |
| Max SPL | 140dB |
| Output Impedance | 65 ohms |
| Self Noise | 20dB (A weighted) |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the primary application for the Earthworks QTC50 microphone?
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The Earthworks QTC50 is designed for high-resolution studio recording, capturing detailed and accurate sound, making it ideal for critical applications like acoustic instruments and orchestral recordings.
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What polar pattern does the Earthworks QTC50 use?
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The Earthworks QTC50 features an omnidirectional polar pattern, which captures sound equally from all directions, providing a natural and open sound ideal for ambient recording.
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How does the frequency response of the Earthworks QTC50 benefit recordings?
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With a frequency response of 3Hz to 50kHz, the Earthworks QTC50 captures a full range of audio detail, ensuring clarity and precision, particularly beneficial for high-fidelity and critical listening applications.
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Is the Earthworks QTC50 suitable for high sound pressure level environments?
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Yes, the Earthworks QTC50 can handle a maximum SPL of 140dB, making it suitable for recording loud sources without distortion, such as drums or amplified instruments.
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What is the self-noise level of the Earthworks QTC50, and why is it important?
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The Earthworks QTC50 has a self-noise level of 20dB (A weighted), which is low enough to ensure clean and clear recordings, especially important for capturing quiet or subtle sounds in a studio setting.
Videos
Free To Use Sounds
Earthworks QTC50: Is it Worth the $1500 for Sound Design
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Earthworks QTC50.
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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Earthworks QTC50 is contrasted with dynamic mics like SM57 or SM7b for layering loud samples, highlighting its distinct bass capabilities.
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A user contrasts the QTC50 with handheld recorders like Zoom for in-studio use, suggesting the QTC50 excels in controlled environments with precise mic placement.
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Features and functionality
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Earthworks QTC50's omnidirectional nature makes it suitable for capturing a fuller ambient sound, unlike cardioid or shotgun mics which focus narrowly.
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The QTC50's design supports studio use, as it may require external phantom power and a good preamp, unlike integrated mics in portable recorders.
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User experience
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A professional field recordist prefers the Earthworks QTC50 for its bass handling in sound effect recording, suggesting reliability in professional settings.
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One owner mentions the QTC50's effectiveness in recording a wide range of sounds, from hand claps to natural percussion, showcasing its broad application potential.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
76
Best overheads I have used.
These microphones are overall great mics. I use them to mic the drums, room mics, mic violins or other string instruments, horns, large groups of vocalists. They are durable and can be used to pick up the entire drum set without other microphones.
Artist usage
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"Tobin soon got his hands on a Nagra IV-S portable reel-to-reel tape deck — the latter-day descendant of the ever-reliable and rugged unit that has been used for decades on remote film shoots to capture ambient sound and dialog while on location. Supplementing that with a pair of high-definition microphones by Earthworks Audio, Tobin and Cousins were ready to dive in, criss-crossing the country on a quest to amass as many animal and machine-made sounds as they could get in roughly a nine-month period."
Will Champion uses the Earthworks QTC50 microphone for drum recording, as noted in the Earthworksaudio press release about Coldplay's world tour.
Neeraj Khajanchi utilizes the Earthworks QTC50, an omnidirectional condenser microphone known for its flat frequency response and ability to capture sound with high fidelity. This microphone excels in recording low-volume sound sources, such as acoustic instruments, and is ideal for both studio and outdoor settings. Neeraj's engagement with this microphone is evident from his Twitter post, where he discusses his ongoing music production activities.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Earthworks QTC50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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