Audio-Technica marks 50th anniversary with limited edition microphones and headphones

This year sees Audio-Technica celebrate its 50th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, the company has released six limited edition microphones and a pair of professional headphones.

To herald ‘50 Years of Passionate Listening’ the company introduces the AT4050URUSHI and AT4050/LE multi-pattern condensers, AE6100/LE hypercardioid dynamic, AE5400/LE cardioid condenser, AE4100/LE cardioid dynamic and ATM25/LE hypercardioid dynamic microphones, as well as the ATH-M50/LE and ATH-PRO700Mk2ANV headphones, all of which feature 50th Anniversary design and colour schemes, with the AE5400/LE and 4050 models being supplied in hand-crafted wooden carrying cases.

The LE models come with a silvered metallic ‘Anniversary’ finish with blue accents, while the AT4050URUSHI is possesses a traditional Japanese Urushi lacquer finish with hand-painted maple leaves. The DJ-specific PRO700Mk2ANV features a black-and-gold finish for its Anniversary incarnation.

Furthermore, the ATM25/LE, a re-emergence of the ATM25 hypercardioid dynamic mic, was brought back as a special edition following direct input from end-users and dealers. The new ATM25/LE is intended for use with kick drums, toms and other dynamic instruments. It is also designed to handle very high SPL at close range and to provide warm, low frequency response. It is also aimed at offering a full sound on close-up vocals and dialogue, and features a multi-level grille and rugged construction.

Founded by Hideo Matsushita in 1962, Audio-Technica garnered a reputation for producing award-winning phono cartridges for some of Japan’s leading electronics companies. In the 70s and 80s, the company broadened its line-up to include products such as its VM Series dual-magnet phono cartridges, its ATH Series high-fidelity headphones, its first professional microphones and a host other innovations.

The 90s saw Audio-Technica continue to develop its product range, as well as introduce its 40 Series microphones, which continue to be used by some of the world’s leading producers and engineers. This philosophy of continually developing and refining its products is something that has carried through to the present day, with Audio-Technica seen as the first choice for a variety of high-profile artists, including Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Metallica, Linkin Park and Evanescence to name but a few.

Furthermore, the company’s products are regularly used across the globe in a number of professional applications, such as live concert tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate, government and house-of-worship venues, as well as at high-profile events, such as the presidential debates, the Grammy Awards, CMA Awards and the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.