Musikmesse 2013: Audio-Technica Unveil New USB Mic and More…

Audio Technica have today announced details of three new products that are due to be showcased at Musikmesse over the next few days. First up the AT202uUSB – Those who are looking for a first mic for podcasting, vocals, or any other type of recording on a tight budget might like this mic:

– here is what AT have to say about it:

Audio-Technica is to show its new AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser Microphone – the successor to its popular, easy-to-use AT2020USB model – at Prolight+Sound for the first time between 10-13 April 2013. Equipped with a USB output, the microphone is designed for digitally capturing music or any acoustic audio source employing users’ favourite recording software. The AT2020USB+ offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting and voiceover use.

The AT2020USB+ features a built-in headphone jack with volume control that allows users to directly monitor their microphone signal in real time, and a built-in high-output internal headphone amplifier that delivers superior clarity. The microphone also offers a mix control that can blend the microphone’s signal with pre-recorded audio (perfect for DJ/karaoke use). The unit’s cardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent off-axis rejection, while its A/D converter – with a 16-bit 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate – ensures extremely articulate sound reproduction.

The microphone is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP and 2000, and Mac OS X. It is powered from a USB Bus and includes a tripod desk stand, stand mount, USB cable and soft protective carrying pouch.

The AT2020USB+ has a recommended retail price of £169 inc VAT/€169 ex VAT and will be available from April 2013.

Audio-Technica have also announced details of some other products, the ATH-M50 professional monitoring headphones look very snazzy and deliver superior comfort and audio quality:

Audio-Technica has launched an eye-catching red limited-edition version of its ATH-M50 professional monitoring headphones, and will be showing the new addition at Prolight+Sound 2013. Based on input from end users looking for an alternative to the headphone’s existing color schemes, the ATH-M50RD offers the same levels of comfort and superior audio quality for monitoring and mixing as their standard counterparts. Just 3000 pairs of the ATH-M50RD will be released in Europe.

Harvey Roberts, Audio-Technica UK marketing manager said, “The new red finish of the ATH-M50RD allows producers and musicians the chance to inject a little extra colour into recording and mixing sessions. The M50 is already renowned for its accuracy and natural sound – and now it offers a choice of colours to suit users’ musical moods.”

Employing Audio-Technica’s latest transducer technology, the ATH-M50 headphones offer the highest level of sonic accuracy. The ATH-M50’s innovative design was engineered to provide hours of maximum comfort in applications ranging from broadcast to studio/recording uses. The ATH-M50 headphones feature an efficient collapsible design ideal for easy portability and convenient storage. Featuring proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems and CCAW voice coils, the ATH-M50 headphones have exceptional power handling and very high SPL capabilities while delivering clear, natural, accurate sound with impactful bass and high-frequency extension

The headphones also feature a closed-back cushioned earcup, providing exceptional clarity and superior isolation in high-volume listening situations. In addition, the circumaural earpieces swivel a full 180 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring. The ATH-M50 has a lightweight and adjustable cushioned headband for maximum listening comfort. An OFC litz wire cable at the left earpiece terminates to a gold-plated 1/8″ connector with included professional screw-on 1/4″ adapter. The ATH-M50RD joins the current line-up of ATH-M50 in black and ATH-M50WH in white.

Last but not least is Audio-Technica’s new System 10 Wireless:

Audio-Technica is to show its new high-fidelity System 10 Digital Wireless in Europe for the first time at Prolight + Sound 2013. Perfect for a wide range of applications – houses of worship, singers and guitar players, karaoke, corporate/presentation etc – the System 10 wireless offers reliability and ease of use at an economical price point, along with features and functions comparable to those of systems costing considerably more.

Operating in the 2.4 GHz range, immune to TV and DTV interference, System 10 makes frequency hunting a thing of the past. System 10 offers amazingly accurate sound and extremely easy operation with instantaneous channel selection, sync and set-up. Up to eight channels may be used together without any frequency coordination problems or group selection issues. System 10 receivers and transmitters offer an easy-to-read digital ID display.

System 10 wireless ensures clear communications by providing three levels of diversity assurance: frequency, time, and space. Frequency Diversity sends the signal on two dynamically allocated frequencies for interference-free communication. Time Diversity sends the signal in multiple time slots to maximize immunity to multipath interference. Finally, Space Diversity uses two antennas on each transmitter and receiver to maximize signal integrity.

The single-channel System 10 includes the ATW-R1100 single-channel receiver and either a body-pack transmitter or handheld microphone/ transmitter. The ATW-R1100 is a diversity digital receiver offering volume control along with AF Peak and Pair indicator lights.

Recommended retail prices for the new System 10 are as follows:

ATW-1101 Single channel beltpack digital wireless system: £239 (inc VAT)/€239 (ex VAT)

ATW-1102 Single channel dynamic handheld digital wireless system: £259 (inc VAT)/€259 (ex VAT)

We’re looking forward to getting our hands on all three, Audio Technica can be found at Hall 8, Stand B32 at Musikmesse