Audio-Technica Debuts Artist Series Microphones For Drum and Percussion

Jan 24, 2007

Click image for closeup

Audio-Technica is featuring five new drum and percussion mics as part of its next generation of Artist Series microphones. The company has added innovative microphones to the line, while upgrading classic models for a comprehensive selection of vocal, instrument and drum mics. Designed by Audio-Technica engineers for the precise reproduction of drum and percussion instruments, these new Artist Series mics include the ATM450 cardioid condenser microphone, ATM250DE dual-element microphone, ATM250 hypercardioid dynamic microphone, ATM650 hypercardioid dynamic microphone and ATM350 cardioid condenser clip-on microphone.

The new A-T Artist Series was inspired by extensive market research and consultations with leading touring artists and FOH engineers who rely on these microphones onstage every night. Satisfying their foremost concerns, these rugged all-metal microphones are engineered for consistently flawless performance, featuring response and low-distortion characteristics to faithfully reproduce the details of virtually any sound source.

The ATM450 cardioid condenser microphone offers an innovative side-address stick design for endless placement options and minimal obstructions. Designed for overheads, percussion, hi-hat, under-snare or any application where space is at a premium, the ATM450 features a cardioid polar pattern for improved isolation of the desired sound source and is equipped with an integral 80 Hz HPF switch and 10 dB pad. The microphone's extended flat frequency response (40-20,000 Hz) makes it ideal for handling high SPLs while its rugged all-metal design ensures reliability night after night. In addition, the ATM450 comes with an isolation clamp for shock protection, secure mounting and easy positioning.

Audio-Technica built on the legacy of its AE2500 kick drum mic to create the new ATM250DE, a dual-element microphone that combines two perfectly positioned capsules — a cardioid condenser and hypercardioid dynamic — in a single housing. Its neodymium dynamic element provides punch and attack, while the condenser element captures the full audio spectrum. Both elements are positioned in a perfect phase relationship for maximum efficiency. It also has an integral 80 Hz HPF switch and 10 dB pad (condenser element). The ATM250DE is excellent for kick drums, as well as floor and rack toms. The microphone has a frequency response of 40-20,000 Hz (condenser) and 40-15,000 Hz (dynamic). Also designed for kick drum, and other high SPL applications, the ATM250 hypercardioid dynamic offers a rich, warm low-frequency response. Its hypercardioid polar pattern improves the isolation of the desired sound source, while the ATM250's Hi-ENERGY® neodymium magnet provides improved output and transient response. The ATM250 has a frequency response of 40-15,000 Hz and comes with an isolation clamp to provide secure mounting and versatile positioning.

For capturing snare and percussion instruments, Audio-Technica offers the extremely rugged ATM650 hypercardioid dynamic microphone. Featuring a new multi-stage flat grille design for precise positioning close to the sound source, the ATM650 employs an all-metal construction and is equipped with a Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet for high-output performance. The microphone's hypercardioid element has excellent rejection, allowing the mic to be focused on the desired sound such as the "sweet spot" of the drumhead, while maximizing isolation between sound sources. The ATM650 has a frequency response of 80-17,000 Hz with the ability to handle fast transients and high SPLs.

An all-around microphone for toms and percussion, the ATM350 cardioid condenser clip-on is based on the legendary ATM35. Featuring a low-profile clip-on design for minimum visibility and accurate positioning, the ATM350's cardioid polar pattern provides superior sound source isolation with a crisp, clear, well-balanced response even at extremely high SPLs. For further flexibility and miking options, the ATM350 also has interchangeable hypercardioid and omnidirectional elements. In addition, it features an integral 80 Hz high-pass filter, and a new in-line power module for easy connection to a snake or breakout box.

The new Audio-Technica Artist Series microphones are available immediately with U.S. MSRPs as follows:
ATM250 Hypercardioid Condenser Mic — $329.00
ATM250DE Dual-Element Mic — $549.00
ATM350 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Mic — $449.00
ATM450 Cardioid Condenser Side-address Mic — $369.00
ATM650 Hypercardioid Dynamic Mic — $169.00

For more information, visit their web site at www.audio-technica.com.