NAMM 2024: Audio-Technica Product Announcements

Audio Technica was busy at this year’s NAMM Show making several big product announcements:

• 3000 Series Wireless In-Ear Monitor System
• AT2040USB Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Microphone
• AT2020USB-XP Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
• ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet models
• Limited-edition ATH-M50x wired and wireless headphones in Ice Blue

Audio-Technica Displays 3000 Series Wireless In-Ear Monitor System

Audio-Technica is exhibiting the 3000 Series Wireless In-Ear Monitor System, designed to bring professional sound quality and features to all levels of performers and performance venues. Designed for use by musicians, system integrators, HOW technical personnel and owners of live-performance venues, the ATW-3255 3000 Series Wireless In-Ear Monitor System is a performer in both value and in operation. The durable in-ear monitor system is easy to use and, crucially, delivers high-quality sound with dependable RF across more than three times the tuning bandwidth of competitive models in its price range.

With design elements modeled after A-T’s acclaimed 3000 Series UHF Wireless Microphone Systems, the 3000 Series IEM system features a rack-mount transmitter with front-panel controls and large OLED display, compact body-pack receiver and ATH-E40 professional in-ear monitor headphones. The body-pack receiver’s efficient headphone amp and ATH-E40 headphone’s proprietary dual-phase push-pull drivers combine to provide clear, natural sound quality on any stage.

The 3000 Series Wireless IEM offers exceptionally wide-band UHF coverage for maximum versatility in the increasingly congested RF environment with 138 MHz of tuning range spanning 470 – 608 MHz in frequency band DF2. Its diversity antennas ensure stable reception even in the most crowded RF environments. Additional features include pan/personal mix controls; a cue mode that allows an audio engineer to monitor several IEM channels from a single receiver; a 3000 Link mode that enables compatibility with 3000 Series wireless microphone components; and network monitoring and control via the Audio-Technica Wireless Manager software.

Both the transmitter and receiver include OLED screens for optimal readout of key settings and alerts especially in low lighting situations. The body-pack receiver operates continuously for up to seven hours when powered by NiMH batteries and charged in the optional ATW-CHG3 or ATW-CHG3N charging stations – for compatibility and convenience these are the same chargers used by 3000 Series microphone systems’ UHF body-pack transmitters. The transmitter is equipped with balanced XLR inputs and loop output, plus network port.

“The system and feature set were developed based on market surveys and customer feedback gathered over a number of years,” states Gary Boss, Audio-Technica U.S. Marketing Director. “We can confidently say that the feature-rich 3000 Series Wireless In-Ear Monitor System continues to deliver Audio-Technica’s promise of making high-quality, dependable audio accessible to all.”

Audio-Technica Displays AT2040USB Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Microphone

Audio-Technica is displaying its AT2040USB Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Microphone – a recent addition to A-T’s comprehensive lineup of 20 Series content creation products. The AT2040USB microphone combines the broadcast-quality performance of the AT2040 dynamic microphone with plug-and-play USB Type-C functionality, making it easy for podcasters, streamers, and other content creators to achieve professional results. The microphone connects directly to the user’s computer for immediate use—no audio interface or additional cabling is required.

With its studio sound, the easy-to-use AT2040USB is the ideal microphone for content creators looking to gain a professional edge and increase engagement. The mic has a high-resolution A/D converter with a sampling rate of up to 24 bits/96 kHz for extremely clear and natural sound, and its highly directional, hypercardioid pickup pattern isolates the user’s voice from surrounding noise, ensuring the focus remains on the spoken content. Gamers who stream and chat with followers will appreciate the isolation from common ambient noise, such as the hum of a computer fan.

The microphone’s robust metal body includes an integrated shock mount to attenuate unwanted noise and vibration, while its internal pop filter (a multistage foam mesh windscreen) protects against harsh spoken sounds. Additionally, its low-cut filter eliminates low-frequency sound for additional reduction of vibration and surrounding environmental noise. The AT2040USB is also equipped with a headphone jack to enable real-time monitoring of the audio (with zero latency), as well as a soft-touch mute button for quick, reliable muting at the microphone. A mix control dial adjusts the balance between the microphone audio and a computer sound source. A two-state LED indicator ring lights blue when the mic is powered on and ready to capture audio and lights red when it is muted.

The AT2040USB comes with a USB cable (USB Type-C to USB Type-A) and USB adapter (USB Type-A to USB Type-C) for plug-and-play functionality. The AT8458a shock mount (sold separately) can also be used with the microphone to further reduce any noise, shock, or vibration that might be transmitted through a mic stand, boom, or mount.

Audio-Technica Offers AT2020USB-XP Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone

Audio-Technica is displaying the AT2020USB-XP Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone – a recent addition to A-T’s comprehensive lineup of 20 Series content creation products. Competitive features and studio-quality sound have become the calling card of the 20 Series, and the AT2020USB-XP is no exception, delivering performance for streamers, podcasters and other content creators.

Building on A-T’s most recent USB condenser model, the AT2020USB-X, the AT2020USB-XP includes the same silent touch-sensitive mute switch, built-in headphone jack with volume control and personal mix control to allow for monitoring of the microphone, as well as plug-and-play USB-Type C operation. Additions and improvements for the AT2020USB-XP include a 24-bit 192 kHz sampling rate, three levels of noise reduction (via selector switch with LED indicator), automatic gain control (with LED indicator), and the inclusion of a clip-on pop filter.

The microphone’s directional pickup (cardioid) keeps the focus on your voice or other chosen sound source, while its high-resolution A/D converter ensures extremely clear, natural sound reproduction. A two-state LED indicator ring lights blue to indicate that microphone is receiving USB power and lights red when audio is muted at the microphone. The LED indicator also blinks when peak audio level is reached.

The microphone comes with a custom desk stand and clip-on pop filter, 3/8″-16 to 5/8″-27 threaded adapter, and 10-foot (3.1 m) USB-C to USB-A cable with a USB-A to USB-C adapter. The AT8455 shock mount, to effectively absorb vibration noise, is sold separately.

Audio-Technica Exhibits ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet Models

Audio-Technica is exhibiting its ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet streaming headsets. These models are the world’s first headsets specifically developed to address the needs of live-streaming content creators. Based on the critically acclaimed ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones and incorporating technology from the iconic 20 Series microphones, the ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB deliver full-spectrum, studio-quality for users and listeners on the receiving end.

The headsets are equipped with the same 45 mm large-aperture drivers to provide exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. The streaming headsets come with two sets of distinct earpads: M50x earpads that stress audio quality and sound isolation; mesh and leatherette earpads that emphasize breathability and comfort.

Both models use a cardioid condenser capsule on a flexible boom arm, allowing for ideal positioning even with head movement. The result is a studio-quality vocal presence without background noise and output at a consistent level. The headsets’ microphone can be muted quickly and efficiently simply by flipping the boom arm into the up position.

The ATH-M50xSTS uses a 2-meter (6.6-foot) permanently attached cable with 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) headphone input (plus 6.3-mm [1/4-inch] adapter) and XLR microphone output. The ATH-M50xSTS-USB uses a 2-meter (6.6-foot) permanently attached cable with USB-A connection (and USB-A to USB-C adapter) for plug-and-play connectivity to PCs and Macs. In addition, the ATH-M50xSTS-USB includes an A/D converter with a sampling rate up to 24-bit/96 kHz and sidetone circuitry that lets vocals be heard in the headset (with volume controlled by a dial on the earcup) for a more natural, conversational feel.

Audio-Technica Offers Limited-Edition ATH-M50x Wired and Wireless Headphones in Ice Blue

Audio-Technica offers the ATH-M50xIB Professional Monitor Headphones, a limited-edition “Ice Blue” color version of A-T’s popular ATH-M50x. This model is the result of a global crowd-sourcing campaign, where end users voted on their favorite color of the next ATH-M50x model. Also being introduced is the wireless ATH-M50xBT2IB iteration.

From the 45 mm large-aperture drivers to its sound-isolating earcups and robust construction, the ATH-M50xIB provides an experience for the most critical audio applications, including recording, live sound, broadcast, DJ and personal listening. The headphones incorporate technology drawn from Audio-Technica’s long history in the field of high-performance professional audio, providing natural, accurate sound with impactful bass and high-frequency extension. With professional-grade earpad and headband material and a collapsible design with detachable cable, the ATH-M50xIB headphones transport easily and remain comfortable throughout long monitoring sessions.

The wireless ATH-M50xBT2IB delivers the same listening experience as its wired counterpart, offering clarity and deep, accurate bass response. Additional features include premium internal audio components and a dedicated internal headphone amp; compatibility with multiple audio codecs (SBC, AAC and LDAC); sidetone circuitry that allows users to hear their voice in the headphones when making calls on most smartphones, and access to voice assistants (Amazon Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant, Siri); a “Fast Pair” feature, enabling users to quickly pair the ATH-M50xBT2IB headphones with Android OS smartphones and devices with a single tap on the device; a detachable 1.2-meter (3.9-foot) cable for optional wired connection; and compatibility with the A-T Connect app, allowing control of the low latency mode, EQ, L/R volume balance, choice of voice assistant, misplaced headphone location, change of codecs, and more. Multipoint pairing lets users connect wirelessly to two Bluetooth devices at once, and a low-latency mode improves synchronicity between audio and video for smooth streaming and gaming. Battery life is approximately 50 hours of continuous use on a full charge and up to 3 hours of use on a 10-minute rapid charge via USB-C connection. A USB charging cable and a handy carrying pouch are also included.