Company ATC Loudspeakers is proud to introduce two new, high-performance 15″/375 mm active studio subwoofers: the SCS120 Pro and the SCS120iW Pro. Designed to support larger ATC mid-field and far-field monitoring systems, these two new 15″/375 mm models offer the same features as the 12″/314 mm SCS70 Pro subwoofer, which was launched in 2022, but with greater dynamic range/headroom and an extended low-frequency response. Their performance and features make them ideal for stereo, multichannel surround sound, and immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos. The SCS120 Pro model is designed for freestanding use, while the SCS120iW Pro model features specifications ideal for recessed or wall-mounted installation.
Both subwoofers are equipped with a new 15-inch/375-mm subwoofer driver, which is an evolution of the 12-inch/314-mm driver used in the SCS70 subwoofer. This unique new driver was developed by ATC’s research and development team and is hand-built at the company’s facility in Gloucestershire, UK. As frequency decreases, more air must be displaced to maintain a given volume level; this can be achieved by increasing the diaphragm area, increasing the driver’s excursion, or a combination of both. As a result, the new driver combines ATC’s latest short-coil, long-gap magnetic system—optimized for sub-bass reproduction—with a new 15-inch/375 mm, delivering increased dynamic range, an extended low-frequency response, and very low distortion from 120 Hz down to below 20 Hz. Thanks to careful optimization of airflow within the motor assembly, noise caused by air turbulence in the driver is minimized, with the added benefit of improved cooling for the voice coil and magnetic system.
The SCS120 Pro subwoofers deliver an extended frequency response in the low-frequency range without the need for complex electronic equalization or processing. Instead, they employ a more elegant combination of a unique driver design and a slightly larger enclosure volume. The simplicity of this solution reduces phase shift and group delay, making it easier to integrate the subwoofer with its paired monitor speakers. Ultimately, this provides the listener with a more balanced and coherent listening experience, offering both extended low-frequency response and exceptional clarity in the upper bass and lower midrange.
The amplifier is a 300-watt Class AB design, hand-built by ATC at its facility in the United Kingdom and precisely optimized for the driver’s requirements, ensuring fast, dynamic bass. Two balanced inputs provide connectivity for both stereo and multichannel/immersive audio systems, while two balanced outputs allow for the connection of monitor speakers or the daisy-chain connection of multiple subwoofers. The low-pass filters are analog, fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley, and the frequency options ensure optimal integration with a wide range of studio monitors. In addition, industry-standard 80 Hz low-pass filters and „bypass” settings (for use with external processing) are also available. A polarity switch and smooth 180° polarity adjustment allow for further optimization of the subwoofer’s crossover, while a 21 dB step attenuator ensures precise level matching. The SCS120 Pro amplifier’s output can be muted using a single footswitch connected to the ¼” / 6.35 mm mute input jack. Additional subwoofers can be muted using the same footswitch connected to the „Thru” mute jack.
The SCS120iW Pro (in-wall) is optimized for in-wall installation and features a shallower enclosure and a recessed input panel to maximize floor space. The included R1-300 Pro 7U/19” remote-mount amplifier gives the user the flexibility to install the amplifier near the subwoofer in a suitable wall, in a control cabinet, or in the machine room. The wall-mounted subwoofer connects to the remote amplifier via an NL4 speaker cable and a 5-pin XLR cable (sold separately and available in various lengths). The size and performance of the SCM120 Pro and SCS120iW Pro models make them natural partners for the ATC SCM100/110/150A Pro studio monitors. To boost performance, fill larger rooms, or pair with larger speaker models—such as the ATC SCM200/300A Pro main monitors—multiple subwoofers can be used. Buffered inputs and outputs make it easy to connect multiple subwoofers, as does the mute circuit. Spatial and immersive audio formats can be particularly demanding on subwoofers, and these two new models offer a wider dynamic range compared to the 12-inch/314 mm SCS70 and the discontinued SCM0.1/15. We recommend using the Dolby Audio Room Design Tool (DARDT) to assist in designing ATC monitoring systems for Dolby Atmos, to ensure compliance with the format’s guidelines and achieve the best possible performance.
Thanks to the use of new, cutting-edge transducer and amplifier technologies, the new SCS120 and SCS120iW Pro subwoofers offer increased dynamic range and extended low-frequency response, further enhancing the top tier of ATC’s professional product lineup. They provide an enhanced solution for users of medium- and large-sized monitors and those working in larger control rooms. The increased dynamic range is particularly useful in immersive audio and post-production applications, where low-frequency effects (LFE) place high demands on subwoofers.