Audio-Technica has introduced the ES964 boundary array microphone, the latest addition to the brand’s line of Engineered Sound solutions. The simple-to-install table-top ES964 – developed for companies that are concerned about audio quality for small-group online conferences and considering installation or expansion of shared or permanent conference spaces – provides clear audio for multi-person video conference environments, and it serves as an ideal solution for customers whose room cannot accommodate a ceiling/hanging microphone array option. With its low-profile design, the microphone takes up minimal space on a conference table but still provides powerful audio capture and convenient control of two-way calls.

The ES964 employs one omnidirectional capsule and two bidirectional capsules. When combined with an Audio-Technica digital SmartMixer, the ES964 offers directional sound capture via its virtual hypercardioid and cardioid pickups, providing speaker-focused sound capture within a 360-degree radius for clarity difficult to achieve with standard omnidirectional microphones. The ES964 is also compatible with a range of other open architecture DSP’s. Multiple and simultaneous settings can be configured to suit the seating positions of conference participants.

The microphone’s LED ring (programmable with seven different colours) provides immediate indication of the microphone’s mute status (visible in all directions). Three MUTE touch switches located on the array housing allow for quick and intuitive operation of mute/unmute switching. In addition, Touch On/Touch Off, Touch to Talk, Touch to Mute, and Local, Remote, and LED Remote switches are provided on the main unit, allowing users to specify the optimal mute settings for their particular needs.

The ES964 is compatible with 20 to 52 V DC phantom power supplies. Additionally, it features UniGuard proprietary shielding technology that protects the audio signals from radio frequency interference (RFI). Its space-saving design features a small 88 mm (3.5-inch) diameter and 22 mm (0.87-inch) height. It can be fixed to a table with a dedicated jig or with general-purpose screws. It comes standard with two dedicated RJ45 breakout cables necessary for connecting to a mixer.

Note that an Australian ETA and pricing will be announced in 2024.

Audio-Technica, an innovator in transducer technology for over 60 years, is launching the BP3600 Immersive Audio Microphone, a premium broadcast audio tool capable of capturing stable, three-dimensional sound beds at sporting events, concerts, festivals, movie sets, and more. The microphone has eight compact capsule assemblies with excellent high-frequency characteristics integrated into the body while remaining compact and lightweight enough for single-operator usability and easy setup.

Direct routing is also possible, with no need for additional decoding or latency processing with 5.1.4-channel speaker layouts. This practical, state-of-the-art broadcasting solution captures realistic sound that will bring the recording location directly to listeners without the need for extensive equipment.

The BP3600’s eight microphone modules extend from the body to form a cube with 15cm between each microphone assembly. Each microphone assembly in the eight-channel near-coincident array is equipped with a 12mm hypercardioid capsule to produce ideally separated, discrete signals and deliver immersive audio experiences with ample spaciousness.

When used in typical a 5.1.4 immersive scenario, the four upper microphone channels can be assigned to the upper speaker channels, and the four lower channels can be assigned to the lower speaker channels. This eliminates the need for additional decoding or latency processing during routing.

User-friendliness is enhanced with the main unit’s highly visible colour-coded and numbered channel indicator rings that allow for easy identification of channels. To ensure that on-site setup is simple when time is limited, each microphone assembly features a lock that guarantees precise, repeatable positioning and prevents accidental removal. These connector locks additionally protect the microphone terminals from the elements, including rain, and make disconnecting an assembly quick and reliable. Also included is a safety strap that can be connected to drop-prevention wires when used above spectators in stadiums, auditoriums, or other venues.

The end of the microphone’s grip includes a LEMO 2B multi-pin output connector for attaching the included 8x LEMO-to-XLRM breakout cable for routing the eight channels to a mixing console or audio interface. LEMO-to-LEMO 2B multi-pin connector extension cables are available separately for use between the microphone and the breakout cable to increase the cable run length. 48VDC phantom power is required for each channel.

The BP3600 comes standard with eight dedicated windscreens and a microphone stand clamp with a 5/8–inch 27 to 3/8–inch 16 threaded adapter. The microphone can be quickly disassembled and placed in the included case for easy protection during storage or transportation. Additional accessories, including Rycote BBG Windshields for increased noise protection and Rycote BBG Windjammer synthetic fur covers to attenuate extreme wind noise, are sold separately.

Audio-Technica announces the launch of the AT2020USB-XP cardioid condenser USB microphone — the latest addition to A-T’s popular line-up of 20 Series content creation products. Competitive features and studio-quality sound with professional content creators in mind have become the calling card of the 20 Series. The AT2020USB-XP is no exception, delivering ideal performance for streamers, podcasters and other content creators.

Like the AT2020USB-X, the AT2020USB-XP includes a touch-sensitive mute switch, a headphone jack with volume control and personal mix control to monitor the microphone. What’s new is 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 pop filter.

The microphone’s directional cardioid pickup is great at rejecting sound from the sides and back. Its high-resolution A/D converter ensures a high level of clarity and natural sound reproduction. The ring light shines blue to indicate that the microphone is receiving USB power and turns red when audio is muted. The LED indicator also blinks when peak audio level is reached.

The microphone comes with a custom desk stand and clip-on pop filter, 95mm to 16mm threaded adapter, and a 3.1m 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.

Launching alongside the AT2020USB-XP are two new mounting solutions. The first one is the AT8703 microphone desktop stand for A$79 RRP and the AT8700 adjustable microphone boom arm for A$159 RRP.
Included with the boom arm are four USB cable clips, four XLR cable clips, and a table clamp.
The microphone is available in stores and online for an RRP of A$349.

Audio-Technica Australia introduces the next generation of dynamic microphones for content creators, the AT2040USB. The new AT2040USB microphone features a dynamic design for excellent voice capture with added USB connection. Combining the broadcast-quality performance of the AT2040 dynamic podcast microphone with plug-and-play USB functionality makes this the ideal microphone for podcasters, streamers, and other content creators to achieve professional results.

Ensuring a natural frequency response with rich, powerful lows and crystal-clear studio sound, this dynamic microphone also touts its quality with a highly directional, hypercardioid pickup pattern that helps eliminate common ambient noise, like the hum of a computer fan. 

With a narrower pickup angle than a cardioid design, the AT2040USB provides focused vocal capture, which is ideal for creators and gamers who stream and chat with followers. Additionally, the microphone’s robust metal body includes an integrated shock mount to minimise unwanted noise and vibration, while its internal pop filter protects against harsh spoken sounds.

The AT2040USB is equipped with a built-in headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring with no latency. It also features a quick muting function using a silent touch-sensitive mute button. When the mic is recording, a blue ring lights up, which turns red when it is muted.

Features:

• Hypercardioid pickup
• Multistage foam mesh windscreen
• Integrated shock mount
• Built-in headphone jack with high-output amplifier and volume control
• Mix control – silent soft-touch mute button with light indicator
• High-resolution AD convertor with 24-Bit/96kHz sampling rate
• Switchable low-cut filter
• Professional-grade metal body
• Mounting clamp and USB-C to USB-A cable (with USB-A to USB-C adapter) included

To prevent noise, shock, and vibration that may be transmitted through a mic stand, boom, or mount users can purchase the AT8458a shock mount separately.

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB is now available in stores and online, and is priced at RRP A$299.

Audio-Technica is excited to introduce the new ATH-M50xSTS and ATHM50xSTS-USB streaming headsets. These models are the world’s first headsets specifically developed to address the needs of live-streaming content creators. The all-new streaming headsets were launched and displayed along with Audio-Technica’s complete range of consumer products at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Central Hall Booth 18266 (January 5-8, 2023). 

The headsets are equipped with the same 45mm large-aperture drivers that grace the M50x headphones — the monitoring choice of top engineers and audio pros — 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; and mesh and leatherette earpads that emphasise breathability and comfort.

Yet, it’s the microphone design that truly sets these streaming headsets apart. Both models use a cardioid condenser capsule adopted from our popular 20 Series microphone designs on a flexible boom arm, allowing for ideal positioning even as you move your head. The result is rich, studio quality vocal presence without background noise and output at a consistent level. The mic can be muted quickly and efficiently simply by flipping the boom arm into the up position.

The ATH-M50xSTS is uses a 2m permanently attached cable with 3.5mm headphone input (plus 6.3 mm adapter) and XLR microphone output. The ATH-M50xSTS-USB uses a 2m 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 you hear your voice in the headset (with volume controlled by a dial on the earcup) for a more natural, conversational feel.