123rd AES CONVENTION — For 20-plus years, The Isaacs have forged an artistic path from the mean streets of New York City to the foothills of Eastern Kentucky and down every stretch of highway in between and beyond — fusing bluegrass, gospel and country — to make an extraordinary mark on three distinctive genres of music. But when the time came to record their 30th album, they were looking to shake up the status quo, to break new ground musically. So with the help of producer Mark Bright, (who also produced Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans and Lonestar) and the opportunity to record at Reba McEntire's Starstruck Studio, The Isaacs set out to show what they're really made of. BIG SKY, the band's second release for Gaither Music Group, is the stunning, eclectic and joyful result — and the microphone of choice to capture The Isaacs instruments and unique vocals was Audio-Technica’s AT4060 Cardioid Condenser Tube Microphone. Ben Isaacs, who wears a number of different hats with the group, including vice president, road manager, son, musician and bass player, recalls his use of the AT4060 in the studio. “The 4060 is the most uncolored mic that I have ever worked with. It doesn’t add anything extra on the top end or on the low end. It’s just really smooth. We used it for both male and female vocals. In fact, it actually sounds even better on females. It’s warm and fuzzy on the guys, but still natural. On the females, it’s so natural sounding that it’s like standing in a great acoustic room with them, and in the studio you have the best of all acoustic surroundings so it’s just going to capture all that. It’s incredible.” Producer Mark Bright echo’s Isaacs remarks. “We put up a lot of mics, did a shoot-out, and the 4060 just seemed to have this open, smooth sound to it. The only thing I care about is how good an instrument or vocal sounds. In many cases, tube mics will be the thing that’ll make something sound smooth and just musically pleasing — so the 4060 became the workhorse during our sessions with the Isaacs.” While on tour, The Isaacs are using Audio-Technica’s acclaimed Artist Elite® 4000 Series UHF Wireless Systems with AEW-T5400 handheld microphone/transmitters for frontline vocals. Ben Isaacs says the 4000 Series is extremely versatile: “When we are on the road with the Gaithers, we’re playing in coliseums, which translates to 15,000 people, two nights a week, nine months a year. Then, when we do our own touring, our average solo concert is probably 1,500 people. Audio-Technica performs great from a small venue to a concert hall — it’s a great system.” Celebrating over 45 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 Audio-Technica is exhibiting at Booth #608 during the 123rd AES Convention in New York, NY.