ATC unveils compact active stand-mount loudspeaker

Loudspeaker specialist ATC has announced its most compact active speaker to date. Debuting at this year's Axpona show in Chicago, the SCM20ASL delivers hallmark ATC performance in a sleek, stand-mount format.

Derived from ATC’s celebrated 50th anniversary limited edition design, the SCM20ASL is a 2-way active stand-mount speaker housed in a modest 20-litre sealed enclosure. Built for high-fidelity applications in environments such as intimate mastering rooms, premium residential media systems, and reference-grade nearfield setups, the SCM20ASL balances a compact footprint and full-bandwidth performance.

At the heart of the SCM20ASL is ATC’s proprietary 150mm Super Linear Mid/Bass driver, paired with a 25mm S-Spec soft-dome tweeter, both designed and hand-built in the UK. The mid/bass unit employs a substantial 75mm voice coil and features a long-gap, short-coil motor system using ATC’s signature SL technology, effectively minimizing distortion from the upper bass through the midrange.

The high-frequency driver, the latest evolution of ATC’s revered dome tweeter, uses a dual-suspension system and a 2.1 Tesla motor for a detailed and extended treble response. These drivers are powered by a pair of class A/B MOSFET amplifiers embedded in the speaker’s rear panel, delivering 200W to the mid/bass driver and 50W to the tweeter.

For ATC, the decision to pursue an active design is a deliberate one. By eliminating the limitations of passive crossovers, active systems provide greater dynamic range, driver control, and amplifier efficiency. With each driver paired to a dedicated amplifier and filter network, the SCM20ASL offers precise integration and unparalleled transparency, a configuration that remains rare in the high-end stand-mount category.

Connectivity is straightforward with a balanced XLR input, and installation flexibility is boosted by user-accessible controls for input sensitivity and low-frequency shelf adjustment. These allow for fine-tuning to source characteristics and room acoustics. aiding integration into bespoke systems and acoustically varied spaces.

The braced and damped cabinet is available in a broad array of finishes, from classic real wood veneers such as Cherry, Black Ash, Walnut, and Oak, to premium options including Rosewood, Burr Poplar, and Pippy Oak. Satin Black and White paint finishes are standard, while high-gloss lacquered veneers and Piano Black/White elevate the cabinet to a visual statement piece.

Hand-built in England and backed by ATC’s 6-year warranty, the SCM20ASL will retail in the UK at £6495 per pair in standard finishes. Premium finishes are priced at £7295, with high-gloss lacquer upgrades available for an additional £1595. The Piano Black or White variants are priced at £7845 per pair.