ATC Launches SCM20ASL

ATC Launches SCM20ASL: Compact Active Loudspeakers Designed for Hi-Fi Performance

ATC has officially announced the launch of the SCM20ASL, a compact two-way active loudspeaker designed to deliver high-resolution audio performance in small to medium-sized listening spaces. The model will make its world debut at AXPONA 2025 in Chicago, starting Friday, April 11.

A Compact Format with Full-Scale Ambition

Inspired by the design of ATC’s 50th Anniversary Limited Edition models, the SCM20ASL stands out as the most compact speaker in the brand’s active lineup. Housed in a sealed 20-liter enclosure, the speaker is tailored for bookshelf or stand-mount setups — ideal for audiophiles working with limited room space but unwilling to compromise on sound accuracy.

Key Features at a Glance

150 mm (6″) ATC Super Linear mid/bass driver in a sealed cabinet
25 mm (1″) S-Spec soft dome tweeter with dual suspension
Built-in 250 W ATC “Amp Pack” active module
Dual Class A/B MOSFET amplifiers (200 W low/mid, 50 W high frequencies)
Balanced XLR input, with adjustable input sensitivity and LF shelf controls
2nd-order Linkwitz-Riley active crossovers and all-pass phase optimization
Designed and hand-built in the UK
6-year warranty

Active Engineering with Studio Precision

Unlike traditional passive loudspeakers, the SCM20ASL features a fully active design, meaning each driver is powered by its own dedicated amplifier. This not only improves the accuracy of crossover filtering but also eliminates power loss and distortion commonly found in passive networks.

The mid/bass driver uses ATC’s proprietary ‘Super Linear’ magnet technology, featuring a 75 mm (3″) voice coil and a long-gap motor system designed to reduce distortion across the upper bass and midrange. Meanwhile, the S-Spec tweeter uses a high-energy 2.1 Tesla motor system and dual suspension to deliver extended high-frequency response well beyond 20 kHz — capturing micro-details with clarity and precision.

The crossovers are analog and operate at line level, enabling finer control over frequency division and better phase alignment across the crossover region. This contributes to more natural imaging and tonal balance, especially in complex musical passages.

Built for Versatility and Customization

On the rear panel, users will find a balanced XLR input, along with manual controls to fine-tune input gain and low-frequency response, allowing for adjustment based on source equipment and room acoustics. These subtle controls help optimize playback for different environments without the need for external DSP.

The speaker cabinet combines internal bracing with damping to minimize resonances. It is available in a wide range of finishes, including real wood veneers (cherry, walnut, black ash, oak) and satin or high-gloss paint options (black, white, magnolia, rosewood, and more). A removable acoustic grille is included.

Why Active? ATC’s Philosophy on Loudspeaker Design

ATC has long championed active loudspeakers as the most efficient and accurate path to audio fidelity. While passive systems remain popular in the Hi-Fi market, active designs offer distinct performance benefits:

Precise crossover filtering thanks to fixed impedance loads
Greater dynamic range, reduced distortion
Better driver control due to direct amplifier coupling
Improved stereo matching via speaker-amplifier calibration
More efficient power usage and consistent output

First Listen at AXPONA 2025

The SCM20ASL will be showcased publicly for the first time at AXPONA, one of North America’s biggest audio expos, running from April 11–13 in Chicago. Attendees will be able to experience firsthand how ATC’s active engineering philosophy translates into a high-impact listening experience in a compact footprint.

Click here for more information