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AUDIO-TECHNICA CONTINUES ITS LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO THE BROADCAST INDUSTRY AT NUMEROUS HIGH-PROFILE EVENTS

— Throughout the GRAMMY® Awards, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony,
State of the Union address, presidential debates and Olympic Games,
broadcasters rely on Audio-Technica microphones to ensure superior sound quality —

NAB CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NV, April 18, 2005 — Audio-Technica microphones have time and again shown their strength across the full spectrum of audio applications. At high-profile broadcast events around the globe, Audio-Technica continues to be the clear choice in terms of technical performance, flexibility, ease of operation and unparalleled support. A-T mics are backed by years of experience outfitting major events, including the GRAMMY® Awards, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, State of the Union address, presidential debates and Olympic Games. Steve Savanyu, A-T Marketing Manager, remarks, “Top audio professionals seek out Audio-Technica because we have a range of solutions available to meet their needs, even in the most demanding broadcast situations. And our on-site technical support assures the pros that we are as committed to delivering exceptional sonic performance to their audiences as they are.“

At the recent GRAMMY Awards ceremony, Audio-Technica was called upon to supply a large complement of mics for the eighth consecutive year. The 47th Annual GRAMMYs, held on February 13, 2005, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, was the most ambitious and complex awards show to date. The HDTV and 5.1 surround sound broadcast benefited from a wide range of A-T’s hard-wired mics, as well as many of the acclaimed Artist Elite® 5000 Series UHF Wireless Systems. Audio-Technica provided a total of 260 microphones — all of which performed without flaw. Michael Abbott, Audio Coordinator for the GRAMMYs, comments, “We are pleased that Audio-Technica has continued its support for the eighth year as a Grammy manufacturing partner. I would also like to commend A-T on the 5000 Series Wireless. Its high-fidelity and solid performance made it a go-to wireless for artists and engineers alike.”

Also for the eighth year in a row, a host of Audio-Technica mics was chosen for the internationally televised VH1 broadcast of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which took place March 14, 2005, at the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan. A-T supplied over 50 mics to capture audio for one of the most celebrated music events of 2005, including Artist Elite 5000 Series Wireless featured on frontline vocals by The O’Jays, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Percy Sledge, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis and Paul Shaffer.

In matters of national importance, Audio-Technica can be counted on to deliver audio that adheres to the highest standards. During George W. Bush’s 2005 State of the Union address, given to a joint session of Congress on February 2, the live broadcast held the rapt attention of a nationwide audience. President Bush spoke into a custom-built Audio-Technica RD303 microphone, which is a specially modified A-T UniPoint® model with custom headcase and wind protection, designed to meet the requirements of the House of Representatives Chamber by providing three independent output signals.

A-T has additionally been outfitting our country’s presidential debates since 1988. The 2004 presidential debate series featured an array of wired and wireless microphone solutions from Audio-Technica’s comprehensive product line to cover the diverse needs of each application. A-T’s AT898 and AT899 subminiature lavaliers were integrated with the Artist Elite 5000 Series Wireless Systems for unobtrusive use with maximum intelligibility by both candidates and the moderator. Numerous other A-T microphones played a part, including 30 Artist Elite AE6100 handhelds and also a special, purpose-built podium mic design with the flexibility to split audio feeds by virtue of its three elements.

Last year, crowds gathered to witness the unrivaled spectacle of the 28th Olympic Games. For those who weren’t able to make the trip to Greece, the Athens Olympic Broadcasting S.A. (AOB), Host Broadcaster for the Athens 2004 Summer Games, selected Audio-Technica mics for sonically distinct coverage, suited to this caliber of event. Thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries competed in 28 sports at 38 venues, with the 16-day broadcast reaching a worldwide audience of billions. A-T’s Olympic involvement began with the Atlanta Games in 1996 and has included Sydney in 2000 and Salt Lake City in 2002. Engineered to measure up to the Olympic challenges and other sporting broadcasts, A-T’s AT4071 and AT4073 shotgun mics, as well as the AT815ST and AT835ST stereo shotguns, both of which were designed specifically for the 2000 Olympics, offered crisp, intelligible audio reproduction and critical long-distance pickup at the 2004 venues. Audio-Technica wireless systems also figured prominently, in addition to the highly directional AT895 adaptive-array mic, AT841 omni condenser boundary microphone, MT830 miniature omni condenser lavalier, AT831 miniature cardioid condenser lavalier and 5 mm AT899 subminiature omni lavalier.

Steve Savanyu explains, “We have an incredible team of engineers and market researchers in place at Audio-Technica, which facilitates the ongoing development of cutting-edge products that are tailored for today’s high-stakes broadcasts. Our stringent testing means absolute dependability, while efficient operations, including modern manufacturing procedures and innovative approaches to implementing new technology, allow us to offer products at breakthrough price points. A-T is here to advance the art of sound within the broadcast industry, which inevitably translates to a better experience for both live audiences and those listening from home.”

Photo File: LOSLONELYBOYS.JPG
Photo Caption: Henry Garza (left) and Jojo Garza of Los Lonely Boys perform with
Audio-Technica Artist Elite® AE5400 microphones at the 47th GRAMMY® Awards, held February 13, 2005, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images. (This photo is the property of Frank Micelotta/Getty Images 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 File: ROCKTRIO.JPG
Photo caption: Audio-Technica supplied over 50 microphones for performances at the
20th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony held March 14, 2005, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Shown (L-R) are Paul Shaffer, B.B. King (seated) and Buddy Guy performing on Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite® 5000 Series UHF Wireless System. Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com. (This photo is the property of Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com 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 File: STATEUNION05.JPG
Photo caption: George W. Bush gave his 2005 State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on February 2. President Bush is pictured using a custom-built Audio-Technica RD303 microphone during his address. The mic is a specially modified A-T UniPoint® model with custom headcase and wind protection, designed to meet the requirements of the House of Representatives Chamber by providing three independent signals. Photo by AP Photo/Charles Dharapak. (This photo is property of AP Photo 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.)

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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

Copyright ©2005, Neilson/Clyne, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

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