Audio-Technica

ATH-M50 headphones

Audio-Technica was established in 1962 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, by Hideo Matsushita as a phonograph cartridge manufacturer. Its first products were the AT-1 and the AT-3 MM stereo phono cartridges. Business rapidly developed, and Audio-Technica expanded into other fields. The headquarters and factory moved in 1965 to the current address in Naruse, Machida, Tokyo.[1] In 1969, the company began exporting phono cartridges worldwide and launched the first microcassette recorders.[2]

In 1972, Audio-Technica established its US arm in Fairlawn, Ohio, and started shipping VM phono cartridges to European manufacturers. In 1974, the company developed its first headphones, the AT-700 series, launched the same year. The AT-800 series of microphones were introduced in 1978, and in the same year, the UK establishment in Leeds began operation.[1]

In the 1980s, with the growth in digital music formats threatening their core business of phonograph cartridges, Audio-Technica begun a period of diversification. Employee suggestions were solicited, with sushi machines among the ideas selected for further development.[3]

In 1984, Audio-Technica introduced the ASM50 Nigirikko, a nigiri-forming appliance for home kitchens, which incorporated a turn-table like mechanism to deposit the nigiri onto.[3][4] The market success of this product led the company to develop a range of sushi machinery for commercial and industrial use.[3] Audio-Technica remains one of the largest manufacturers of sushi machines globally today, with products marketed under the brand AUTEC.[3][4]

In 1986, the company developed RCA cables with high-purity copper produced from the continuous metal casting process (PCOCC), invented and developed between 1982 and 1985 by Atsumi Ohno.[5] In the same year, the company launched the AT33ML/OCC phono cartridge, the first made with PCOCC materials. In 1988, another Audio-Technica subsidiary is founded in Taiwan.[1]

In 1990s, Audio-Technica introduced several large-diaphragm condenser microphones for studio use: the AT4033 cardioid microphone in 1991,[1] the AT4050 multi-pattern in 1995,[6] and the AT4060 vacuum tube cardioid microphone in 1998;[7] the AT895, a DSP-controlled five-element microphone array providing adaptive directional audio acquisition, was introduced in 1999.[1] In 1996, the Southeast Asian establishment began operation in Singapore.[1]

In 2008, the company celebrated the 20th anniversary of supplying microphones for US Presidential Debates. For their 50th anniversary, Audio-Technica celebrated at Consumer Electronics Show 2012, debuting their AT-LP1240-USB USB DJ Turntable[8] and ATH-CKS55i.[9]

In 2017, Audio-Technica Pure Digital Drive Wireless Headphone ATH-DSR9BT received CES Innovation Honoree Awards[10] by using Trigence Dnote Technology.[11]

In 2020, the company released several new products, including the ATH-CK3TW true wireless earbuds and the AT-XP7 DJ cartridge. The ATH-CK3TW earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a compact design, while the AT-XP7 cartridge is designed for use by professional DJs and features a durable design and excellent sound quality.

In 2021, Audio-Technica continued to expand its product line, releasing the ATH-CKR7TW true wireless earbuds and the AT-VM95E/H turntable cartridges. The ATH-CKR7TW earbuds feature a high-fidelity audio experience with the convenience of true wireless connectivity, while the AT-VM95E/H cartridges are designed for use with turntables and feature excellent tracking and audio reproduction.

Looking forward to 2022 and 2023, Audio-Technica has announced several upcoming releases, including the ATH-AWKT Kokutan and ATH-AWAS hybrid wood headphones. These headphones feature a combination of rare wood and high-quality audio technology for a unique listening experience. Additionally, Audio-Technica has announced the release of the AT-ART1000 Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Cartridge, which is designed to provide the ultimate audio performance for vinyl enthusiasts.

Since the late 1990s, Audio-Technica supplied microphones and headphones for US television shows such as the Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions and several international events:

An Audio-Technica AT815a shotgun microphone

An Audio-Technica AT95E moving magnet phono cartridge, commonly distributed with inexpensive turntables

AT3035 microphone

One of their most famous products was a battery-operated, portable record player called Mister Disc that was sold in the U.S. in the early 1980s.

In 2005, Audio-Technica developed "Uniguard", a method for making microphones resistant to radio frequency interference from cell phones, Bluetooth devices, wireless computer networks and walkie-talkies. 13 patents were involved in bringing the feature to fruition, as company engineers modified many different elements of microphone construction and operation. Over 50 existing Audio-Technica microphone models have been upgraded with the new RFI-resistant technology.[15][16][17]

• Sound Burger
• Audio Engineer
• List of microphone manufacturers
• Audio-Technica Headphones
• List of phonograph manufacturers

• Media related to Audio-Technica at Wikimedia Commons
• Official Website