NAMM SUMMER SESSION — Once again, Audio-Technica microphones are the leading selection on the biggest tours, with numerous acts relying on A-T mics to ensure the best sound possible at their shows. Many of these performers are long-time Audio-Technica users and have recently updated their microphone requirements to utilize the acclaimed new Artist Elite® Series of wireless and hard-wired microphones to achieve their signature sound. Artists employing A-T Artist Elite mics for front-line vocals include the Foo Fighters (AE6100), Jewel (AE5400), Kenny Chesney (5000 Series UHF Wireless System), Linkin Park (5000/4000 Series UHF Wireless Systems), and Metallica (5000 Series UHF Wireless System). Front Of House Engineer Laurie Quigley, whose clients include Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, and Van Halen, is currently on tour with Saliva using a wide selection of Audio-Technica microphones. These include the Artist Elite 4000 Series UHF Wireless System (vocals), AE6100 (hard-wired vocals), AE2500 (kick drum and guitar cabinets), ATM23HE (rack toms, snare top and bottom), AE5100 (hi-hat and ride cymbals), ATM25 (floor toms and bass guitar cabinets), and AT4050 (overheads and guitar cabinets). “The AE2500 is possibly the best mic ever made,” exclaims Quigley. “It’s an incredible kick drum mic, but I also use them on guitar cabinets. The first time I used the AE2500, I shoved it in front of a guitar cabinet just to see what it would do, and I was frightened by the sound — it was that good. Currently I use a combination of the AT4050’s for the rhythm sound and the AE2500 for guitar solos with added punch. Using the AE2500 on guitars is the equivalent of taking two microphones, putting them in perfect phase and then placing them in front of a Celestion — it sounds brilliant. The AE2500 gets me the most incredible guitar solo sound I’ve ever had — you just turn the slider (fader) up and the solos just jump straight in your face. I also use the new 4000 Series UHF Wireless System for main vocals. Because of the two companders, one for the top and one for the bottom, it’s the closest radio mic I’ve ever heard to a hard-wired microphone. I can’t get the system to distort and it actually doesn’t collapse when it’s hit with high SPLs. Since the 4000 Series is so accurate, some vocalists I’ve used them with have been very surprised. They are so accustomed to using other manufacturers’ wireless systems, whose capsules do collapse when they scream into them, that they question the A-T system because it just won’t. They scream, and the Audio-Technica system just reproduces it! It’s brilliant.” Other artists experiencing the quality and reliability of Audio-Technica Artist Elite Series microphones on the road include Alan Parsons, Billy Joel, Breaking Benjamin, Def Leppard, Good Charlotte, Hootie and the Blowfish, Journey, Lisa Loeb, Michael W. Smith, Oak Ridge Boys, Phil Vassar, Powerman 5000, Randy Travis, Steven Curtis Chapman, Ted Nugent, Trust Company, and Zakk Wylde. Photo Caption: Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters is pictured using Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite® AE6100 Hypercardioid Dynamic Microphone. Photo by Brook Ismach/WireImage. (This photo is the property of Brook Ismach/WireImage and may be used by the press only for the purpose of one-time reproduction. Unauthorized use or alteration of this image is strictly prohibited.) Photo Caption: Jewel is shown using the Audio-Technica Artist Elite® AE5400 Cardioid Condenser Microphone. Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage. (This photo is the property of Theo Wargo/WireImage and may be used by the press only for the purpose of one-time reproduction. Unauthorized use or alteration of this image is strictly prohibited.) 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, Ohio 44224. Tel: 330/686-2600; Fax: 330/688-3752. www.audio-technica.com Audio-Technica is exhibiting at Booth #1228 during the 2003 NAMM Summer Session in Nashville, TN.