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Audio-Technica Marks 50 Years

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STOW, OH — Audio-Technica is celebrating “50 Years of Passionate Listening” with special events, promotions and commemorative products in 2012. From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of phonograph cartridges, A-T has emerged as a leading manufacturer of a wide range of products for the professional recording, M.I., live sound, broadcast, fixed installation and consumer audio markets. “At Audio-Technica, ‘always listening’ is much more than just a slogan,” said Phil Cajka, Audio-Technica U.S. President and CEO. “It’s how we do business.”

More details from Audio-Technica (www.audio-technica.com):

 

Audio-Technica Marks “50 Years of Passionate Listening”

A historical look back – with a view toward the future – at one of the leading innovators in transducer technology

STOW, OH, — Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology, is marking “50 Years of Passionate Listening” with its yearlong 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2012, including several limited edition commemorative products, special events and promotions for customers. From its early beginnings as a manufacturer of phonograph cartridges, Audio-Technica has expanded over the years to become a leading innovator in the design of microphones, wireless microphone systems, headphones, turntables, phono cartridges and more. A-T continues to advance the art and technology of electro-acoustic design with the manufacture of products for the professional recording, M.I., live sound, broadcast, fixed installation and consumer audio markets. On this historic occasion, Audio-Technica is taking the opportunity to look back, with a view toward the future.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, who introduced the company’s first phono cartridge that year. A-T soon gained a reputation for producing a range of high-quality, award-winning phono cartridges for some of Japan’s leading electronics companies, and expanded its facilities in 1963 and again in 1965 to its current address in Naruse, Machida, Tokyo. In 1969, Audio-Technica began distributing an expanded range of products internationally, and in 1972, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. was established in Akron, Ohio, moving to its current location in Stow, Ohio, in 1980.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Audio-Technica broadened its lineup to include products such as its groundbreaking VM Series dual-magnet phono cartridges; its ATH Series high-fidelity headphones; its first professional microphones, the 800 Series; and other innovations. Of particular note was the launch of A-T’s compact UniPoint microphones, which changed the landscape of business presentations and other installed communications with their sleek profiles and high-fidelity audio. Audio-Technica also established divisions in Europe and Asia during this period.

In the 1990s, Audio-Technica continued to refine and diversify its product range, and its wireless microphone systems, microphones and consumer and professional headphones became industry standards for their exceptional performance, reliability and value. A-T introduced the renowned 40 Series microphones, making the pristine sound of studio microphones affordable for the first time ever. Today, the 40 Series represents a benchmark in studio microphones for leading producers and engineers, as well as high-profile artists in all genres of music, both in the studio and onstage. Additionally, in 1993, Hideo Matsushita took the position of Chairman, and Kazuo Matsushita became President of Audio-Technica Corporation, a position he still holds today.

Since the dawning of the new millennium, Audio-Technica has continued to introduce breakthrough products and systems. In 2008, the company’s noise-canceling in-ear and over-ear headphones set new standards in environmental noise reduction and sound quality. A-T also revolutionized the audio industry with the introduction of its digital SpectraPulse® ultra wideband wireless microphone system. The SpectraPulse products are part of A-T’s Engineered Sound® line of contractor-exclusive offerings, another successful area of focus for the company. Other popular A-T products include the Artist Elite series of performance microphones, its 2000 and 3000 Series Wireless Systems, and its Artist Elite Wireless Systems, the 4000 and 5000 Series.

Today, Audio-Technica is the first choice for a variety of major artists including Kenny Chesney, Gwen Stefani, Jason Aldean, Justin Timberlake, Metallica, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Newsboys, Selena Gomez and many more. Audio-Technica products are used worldwide in numerous consumer and professional applications including live concert tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate, government and house-of-worship venues, and in high-profile events such as the presidential debates, the GRAMMY® Awards, CMA Awards and the Summer and Winter Games, to name a few.

“We are extremely proud to mark Audio-Technica’s 50th anniversary,” said Phil Cajka, Audio-Technica U.S. President and CEO. “Throughout our history, A-T’s growth has been fueled by our customer-focused philosophy. The bottom line is, we are committed to being in tune with our customers and providing them with innovative, compelling products and outstanding customer service. At Audio-Technica, ‘always listening’ is much more than just a slogan. It’s how we do business.”

Audio-Technica Introduces Limited Edition Products Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary

Landmark occasion commemorated with special limited-edition anniversary products

STOW, OH, January 6, 2012 — Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology currently celebrating “50 Years of Passionate Listening,” is introducing a number of limited edition products, all featuring a distinct Audio-Technica 50th Anniversary design and color scheme. The products include ATH-M50s/LE Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, ATM25/LE Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone, AE4100/LE Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone, AE5400/LE Cardioid Condenser Handheld Microphone, AE6100/LE Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone, AT4050/LE Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone and AT4050URUSHI Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone. Representing just some of Audio-Technica’s offerings in their product line, these products are limited-edition versions of A-T’s ATH-M50s, AE4100, AE5400, AE6100, AT4050 and the legacy product ATM25.

The LE/Anniversary limited editions, feature A-T’s classic silver-colored metallic finish with blue accents, and the AT4050URUSHI sports a stunning traditional urushi lacquer finish with hand-painted Japanese maple leaves. The AE4100/LE, AE5400/LE, AE6100/LE, AT4050/LE, AT4050URUSHI and ATM25/LE all feature a unique anniversary serial number etched on the surface of each model. The AE5400/LE, AT4050/LE and AT4050URUSHI come with a specially designed, beautifully hand-crafted wooden carrying case.

Of special note is the ATM25/LE, a re-emergence of the classic ATM25 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone. Based on direct input from end-users and dealers, Audio-Technica chose its 50th anniversary to bring back a special edition of the classic ATM25. The new ATM25/LE is ideal for kick drum, toms and other highly dynamic instruments; handles very high SPL at close range; provides big, warm low-frequency response with excellent presence; offers very full sound on close-up vocals and dialogue; and features a multi-level grille and rugged construction.

The Audio-Technica Anniversary Models are now available with U.S. MRSPs as follows:

ATH-M50s/LE: $209

AE4100/LE: $329

AE5400/LE: $629

AE6100/LE: $329

AT4050/LE: $995

AT4050URUSHI: $2,495

ATM25/LE: $489

Audio-Technica Offers Limited Edition AT4050URUSHI Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Special version of Audio-Technica’s coveted AT4050 marks Audio-Technica’s 50th Anniversary and features a stunning traditional Japanese urushi lacquer finish

STOW, OH — Throughout 2012, Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the company is introducing special limited edition products to help commemorate the occasion. Of particular interest is the AT4050URUSHI, a visually striking version of Audio-Technica’s acclaimed AT4050 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone. The AT4050URUSHI sports a stunning traditional urushi lacquer finish with hand-painted Japanese maple leaves, as well as an etched-on serial number. The microphone also comes with a beautifully crafted wooden carrying case. With its highly collectable design and renowned AT4050 functionality, the new AT4050URUSHI is an inspired commemorative piece, a wonderful example of Audio-Technica’s meticulous engineering and artful design during the past 50 years.

With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm Audio-Technica AT4050URUSHI and its standard AT4050 counterpart exhibit a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. The microphone’s dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity. The AT4050 is ideal for studio use and live sound productions with vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps and more.

The AT4050URUSHI limited-edition Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone is now available with a U.S. MSRP of $2,495.00.

AT4050URUSHI Specifications:

Element: Externally-polarized (DC bias) condenser

Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-of-eight

Frequency Response: 20-18,000 Hz

Low Frequency Roll-Off: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave

Open Circuit Sensitivity: -36 dB (15.8 mV), re 1V at 1 Pa

Impedance: 100 Ohms

Maximum Input Sound Level:

149 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.;

159 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal)

Noise: 17 dB

Dynamic Range (typical): 132 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa

Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 4.2 mA typical

Switches: Polar selection; Flat, roll-off; 10 dB pad (nominal)

Weight: 18.0 oz (510 g)

Dimensions: 7.40″ (188.0 mm) long, 2.10″ (53.4 mm) maximum body diameter

Output Connectors: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

Accessories Furnished: AT8430 stand clamp for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; microphone dust cover; wooden carrying case

Audio-Technica Case Style: R1

Audio-Technica Reintroduces Its Classic ATM25 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone with Limited Edition A-T 50th Anniversary Model

Rugged microphone is ideal for kick drum, toms and other highly dynamic instruments

STOW, OH, January 6, 2012 — This year, Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology currently celebrating “50 Years of Passionate Listening,” is introducing a number of limited edition products featuring a distinct Audio-Technica Anniversary design and color scheme. Of special note is the ATM25/LE, which is a special reintroduction of A-T’s classic ATM25 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone, which A-T is bringing back based on overwhelming requests from loyal users.

The ATM25/LE has the exact same features and functionality as the original ATM25, but sports a silver-colored metallic finish with blue accents and a 50th anniversary graphic. Additionally, a unique serial number is etched on the surface of each ATM25/LE unit. The ATM25/LE is ideal for kick drum, toms, and other highly dynamic instruments, handling very high sound pressure levels at close range and big, warm low-frequency response with excellent presence. It also offers very full sound on close-up vocals and dialogue. The microphone features a multi-level grille and rugged construction, and it comes with a soft protective pouch.

ATM25/LE Specifications:

Element: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid

Frequency Response: 30-15,000 Hz

Open Circuit Sensitivity: -54 dB (1.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa

Impedance: 600 ohms

Weight: 13.8 oz (390 g)

Dimensions:

4.63″ (117.5 mm) long,

1.61″ (41.0 mm) head diameter

Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

Accessories Furnished:

Integral stand clamp for 5/8″-27 threaded stands;

soft protective pouch

Audio-Technica Style Case: R2

The ATM25/LE Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone is now available with a U.S. MSRP of $489.