AES 2019: Audio-Technica Flaunts Massive Presence in NYC

Over at the Javits Center in New York, AES 2019 is in full swing, and for Audio-Technica, it has been a busy couple of days. With the show running through Saturday, here is what the company is showcasing.

25th Anniversary of AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica (booth 422), a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 50 years, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of one of its most acclaimed and ubiquitous microphones, the AT4050 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone.

Since its introduction 25 years ago, the AT4050 has been a go-to tool for professional and aspiring recording engineers worldwide. It was designed for the studio, but due to its consistency and durability, it was quickly adopted by live engineers as well and continues to be employed for all manner of live applications. For many engineers, the AT4050 makes the shortlist of “desert island mics,” or the very top essential tools that they need in order to do their work.

The AT4050 has the reputation as a studio condenser that captures every nuance. With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its 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.

“In a market flooded by new and updated microphone models, it’s gratifying to have this versatile legacy mic stand the test of time,” stated Gary Boss, Audio-Technica Marketing Director, Professional Markets. “The AT4050’s sound hasn’t changed for 25 years, and to this day, it remains a first-call studio workhorse.”

Bundles for Content Creators
Audio-Technica is displaying four bundles catered to content creators, including podcasters, videographers, live-streamers, YouTubers, and beyond. Developed in direct response to customer input, these highly cost-effective bundles provide turnkey microphone/headphone solutions for all aspects of content creation. Two bundles feature USB outputs to directly connect with computers, while two feature XLR outputs for more flexibility to connect with professional mixers or digital interfaces. All bundles feature a microphone with mount, ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones and a new custom boom arm with desk mount. The boom arms are pre-threaded with the appropriate USB or XLR microphone cable compatible with the included microphone for a sleek, clutter-free appearance.

The AT2005USBPK bundle includes an AT2005USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone with ATH-M20x headphones and custom boom arm. The AT2020PK bundle includes an AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, ATH-M20x headphones, and custom boom arm. The AT2020USB+PK bundle includes an AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone, ATH-M20x headphones, and custom boom arm. The AT2035PK bundle includes an AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, ATH-M20x headphones, custom boom arm, and shock mount.

“All four of these bundles offer a high level of value, with microphone models that have proven to be a hit with all manner of content creators in recent years,” says Gary Boss, Audio-Technica Marketing Director, Professional Markets. “Whether your setup uses a separate digital interface or if you prefer to connect the mic direct via USB, we have you covered with these cost-effective bundles.”

TEC ATH-M60x Professional Monitor Headphones
Audio-Technica is displaying the ATH-M60x On-Ear Professional Monitor Headphones, the latest addition to A-T’s critically acclaimed M-Series line. These headphones were the recipient of the NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the “Headphone/Earpiece Technology” category at the 34th TEC Awards, held earlier this year.

Designed for studio, broadcast, and mobile applications, the ATH-M60x is a low-profile, on-ear professional headphone model that utilizes the same proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers found in the ATH-M50x (with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils), delivering exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with accurate bass response.

The ATH-M60x’s low-profile, closed-back, on-ear design provides excellent sound isolation and a great fit, which is enhanced by the exceptional comfort and durability of the memory foam earpads and headband. The headphones come with three interchangeable cables (1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled, 3.0 m straight, and 1.2 m straight – each with a 3.5 mm (1/8″) mini-plug), a 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter, and a protective carrying pouch.

ATH-M60x features:

• Low-profile, closed-back, on-ear design provides excellent isolation and fit
• Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers (the same used in the critically acclaimed ATH-M50x) with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
• Carefully crafted using key metal components for lasting durability
• Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with accurate bass response
• Low-impedance design delivers high output level from any headphone output
• Premium, memory foam earpads and headband allow headphones to be worn comfortably for hours on end
• Earpads and headband detach for easy replacement
• Ideal for studio, broadcast and mobile applications
• Detachable cables (includes 1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled cable, 3.0 m straight cable and 1.2 m straight cable)

Audio-Technica’s ATH-M60x On-Ear Professional Monitor Headphones are now available with U.S. pricing of $199.00.

50 Series Premier Condenser Microphones
Audio-Technica is exhibiting models from its popular 50 Series line of premier studio microphones. The 50 Series delivers remarkably musical high-fidelity performance, with profound realism and depth, presence and purity of sound. Every 50 Series microphone is individually tested and inspected for 100 percent quality assurance.

The series’ most recent introduction is the AT5047 Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone. In 2018, the AT5047 received a NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the “Microphones – Recording” category. The AT5047 is a premier studio microphone that is equally at home capturing instruments and vocals. Boasting an exceptionally wide dynamic range, the AT5047 captures the full, expressive character of a sound source, no matter how loud or how soft. And since it is equipped with a transformer-coupled output, the microphone maintains a constant load output impedance, even when capturing sources at extreme SPL, resulting in a stable relationship between the mic and a mic preamp or console input.

Joining the AT5047 on display at Audio-Technica’s booth are the AT5040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone and the AT5045 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone.

Featuring an extremely smooth top end with controlled sibilance, the AT5040 is Audio-Technica’s premier studio vocal microphone. Large-diaphragm characteristics and fast transient response also make it ideal for recording acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, strings, and saxophone. Four exquisitely matched ultra-thin diaphragms function together (with outputs proprietarily summed) as Audio-Technica’s largest-ever element, providing combined surface area twice that of a standard one-inch circular diaphragm. By using four diaphragms in a single capsule, the AT5040 delivers the benefits of an exceptionally large diaphragm – along with an extremely low noise floor – without increased weight, decreased transient response or other drawbacks that typically restrict diaphragm size.

Available as a single mic or as a stereo pair, the AT5045 is Audio-Technica’s premier condenser instrument microphone, offering the performance of a large-diaphragm, side-address condenser in a convenient, stick-type body. In fact, despite the space limitations imposed by its housing, the AT5045 boasts Audio-Technica’s largest single diaphragm. The instrument microphone’s circuitry has been honed to the essentials, allowing the AT5045 to achieve an unprecedented dynamic range that’s one of the widest of any microphone on the market.

Third-Generation 5000 Series Wireless System 
Audio-Technica is displaying its third-generation 5000 Series Frequency-agile True Diversity UHF Wireless System. Designed for use on professional tours, in stadiums, concert halls, festivals, houses of worship and other demanding audio environments, the Audio-Technica 5000 Series provides incredible audio quality and proven, critically acclaimed performance for artists, broadcasters and presenters worldwide.

The third-generation, dual-receiver 5000 Series continues to offer the highest-quality wireless live sound, with dual-compander circuitry that processes high and low frequencies separately and True Diversity operation. But now the receiver features a tuning bandwidth of 144 MHz: DF1 470–608 MHz and 657–663 MHz (duplex gap). And you have the option of selecting a standard receiver (ATW-R5220) with two balanced XLR outputs or a receiver (ATW-R5220DAN) that also includes a Dante output. Also new is an antenna cascade output that connects up to eight receivers so a single pair of antennas can feed up to 16 channels of wireless, an auto squelch feature that automatically adjusts the squelch setting to maximize operating range while minimizing potential interference, and a backup frequency that can be quickly swapped by pressing the transmitter’s multifunction button in the event of unexpected interference. Software enables remote monitoring and control of the wireless system.

Two transmitters are available for use with the 5000 Series: ATW-T5201 body-pack transmitter and ATW-T5202 handheld transmitter. Both transmitters feature rugged, ergonomic metal bodies, highly visible OLED screens (switchable between standard and performance views to highlight key metering), programmable features, soft-touch controls, and switchable RF power (2 mW/10 mW/50 mW). They are available in two different frequency ranges – DE1 (470–590 MHz) and EF2 (580–608 MHz, 657–663 MHz) – to provide complete coverage of the receiver’s bandwidth. The compact ATW-T5201 is equipped with Audio-Technica’s new rugged cH-style screw-down 4-pin connector for secure connection to A-T’s cH-style lavalier and headworn microphones, or cables. The ATW-T5202 includes a high-pass filter and an industry-standard thread mount that allows for the use of six interchangeable A-T microphone capsules, as well as other compatible capsules. 5000 Series components and compatible accessories are offered as individual, à la carte products to give users the greatest possible flexibility in constructing a system that fits their needs.

Complementing the 5000 Series is A-T’s Wireless Manager software, a Mac OS/Windows application for centralized remote configuration, control and monitoring of Audio-Technica wireless systems in sound reinforcement or installed sound applications. With connectivity for A-T 5000 Series wireless microphone system, the software package offers a broad range of control and management functions of networked receivers, grouped into three Function Windows: Device List, Frequency Coordination and Monitor.

A-T’s Wireless Manager software is available for download from Audio-Technica’s website.

Complete Range of Studio Headphones
Audio-Technica is displaying its entire range of studio headphone solutions, including the complete acclaimed M-Series and ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones.

Audio-Technica’s M-Series consists of the following models: ATH-M70x, ATH-M60x, ATH-M50x, ATH-M40x, ATH-M30x, and ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones. Critically acclaimed M-Series professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. Contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. And the pro-grade materials are durable, yet comfortable. Top audio engineers agree: M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and build-quality that gets the job done, hour after hour, year after year.

The ATH-R70x is Audio-Technica’s first pair of open-back reference professional headphones. Together with the ATH-M70x, they stand as a flagship model in A-T’s lineup of professional studio headphones. Featuring specially designed drivers and acoustically transparent housings fashioned from aluminum honeycomb mesh, these headphones provide an accurate and natural open-back sound. They also incorporate a new, improved design of A-T’s popular 3D wing support system to provide even greater comfort during the prolonged use often required in professional settings. Robust yet lightweight, and equipped with a unique, dual-sided detachable cable that automatically maintains proper stereo orientation (no matter how it’s attached), the R70x headphones are built for lasting comfort, convenience, and audio purity.