PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Neilson/Clyne
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUDIO-TECHNICA EXHIBITS ARTIST ELITE® 
AE2500 DUAL-ELEMENT CARDIOID KICK DRUM MICROPHONE

— The revolutionary AE2500, a combination condenser/dynamic model, 
is the ultimate mic for kick drums —

NAMM WINTER SESSION, ANAHEIM, CA, January 15, 2004 — Leader in transducer technology Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. is showing the AE2500 dual-element cardioid kick drum microphone as part of its expanding line of Artist Elite® microphones. The innovative AE2500 has rapidly won favor in the most demanding live performance settings, receiving praise from critics and artists alike, with today’s most respected front-of-house engineers voicing their appreciation, as well.

Representing a groundbreaking achievement in transducer technology, the AE2500 features Audio-Technica’s unique dual condenser/dynamic element design. This revolutionary concept combines condenser and dynamic capsules within a single housing, positioned in a perfect phase relationship — something that would be nearly impossible to accomplish with separate microphones. Ideal for kick/bass drum applications, the microphone will survive extreme SPLs while providing uncompromising audio quality. The AE2500’s dynamic element cleanly captures the attack transients of the beater, while the condenser element renders the internal tonalities of the shell and the instrument as a whole. The AE2500 features robust construction for extended life and maximum durability on the road, and includes the new AT8471 isolation clamp. The microphone also has an integral 80 Hz high-pass filter switch and 10 dB pad.

The AE2500 is part of Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite Series of microphones, which are designed to provide a higher level of audio quality and consistency to extend the performance capabilities of today’s most sophisticated live sound systems. Continuing to draw on its vast experience in the live sound market, as well as its ongoing research with performers and sound personnel, Audio-Technica has developed three high-performance instrument microphones to complement its Artist Elite Series of four handheld vocal mics. Along with the acclaimed AE2500, this distinguished line of microphones includes the AE5100 large-diaphragm end-fire cardioid condenser and AE3000 large-diaphragm side-address cardioid condenser instrument mics, in addition to the AE5400 large-diaphragm cardioid condenser, AE3300 cardioid condenser, AE6100 hypercardioid dynamic, and AE4100 cardioid dynamic vocal mics.  

Since its launch, the AE2500 has accompanied a number of prominent artists on tour. While the AE2500 is widely regarded as the ultimate kick drum mic, it is also noted for excelling in miking guitar cabinets and a range of other applications. Having already built a solid reputation on the road with such leading acts as Saliva, Metallica, Queensryche, Linkin Park, Kenny Chesney, Phil Vassar, and Creed, the AE2500 continues to gain recognition for its outstanding reliability and sonic characteristics. 

The Audio-Technica AE2500 Condenser/Dynamic Microphone is currently available with an MSRP of $699.00.

Photo Files: AE2500_1.JPG, AE2500_2.JPG, AE2500_3.JPG

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Celebrating over 40 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry.

—For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact 
Karen Emerson, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224. 
Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752; Web: www.audio-technica.com

—For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, please contact Denise Turner, marketing, Audio-Technica Ltd., Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England. 
Tel: +44 (0) 113 277 1441, Fax: +44 (0) 113 270 4836

Audio-Technica is exhibiting at Booth #6740 during the 2004 NAMM Winter Session in 
Anaheim, CA.