Audio-Technica Company Profile
Established in 1962, Audio-Technica's global development team has been dedicated to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of audio equipment. Initially, Audio-Technica focused solely on the development of phonograph technology. Today, the company has been able to develop high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, and even mixers and electronics for home and professional use.
Winner of numerous awards, Audio-Technica's primary goal has always been to maintain the high quality, durability and cost effectiveness of its products. As a result, Audio-Technica's products have excelled in applications ranging from major concerts, professional broadcasting, recording studios, corporations, government agencies and auditoriums. A number of important government agencies, such as the US House of Representatives and Senate, have chosen Audio-Technica microphones for their essential government facilities. Audio-Technica Japan, in addition to offering a wide range of products under its brand, has become a leading OEM supplier of audio-visual transducers, optical transducers and a wide range of audio-visual professional equipment. Audio-Technica America's products are available throughout the Western Hemisphere. In addition, Audio-Technica companies in Hong Kong, Europe and Singapore are also growing rapidly. Today, Audio-Technica is a leader in its field of expertise and is committed to providing better products and services to its customers worldwide in the future.
Key developments
1962 Hideo Matsushita founds Audio-Technica Japan in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The capital was one million yen. The company produces the AT-1 and later develops the AT-3 stereo dynamic magnetic pickup and begins supplying pickups to domestic audio equipment manufacturers.
1963 The company moves its offices to Kashiwagi, Shinjuku-Ku. The premises are expanded to meet the needs of its expanding operations and the capital is increased to 3 million yen. Sales of the high-end AT-5 dynamic magnetic pickup and the semi-integrated AT-1001 pickup begin.
1974 Audio-Technica develops the AT-700 stereo headphone series. At the Stereo Components Grand Prix, the AT-15E VM stereo pickup head wins the top prize in the pickup category. The VM stereo pickup format is patented in West Germany.
1978 The ATH-8 and ATH-7 condenser headphones receive the MITI Award for Design Excellence (G-Mark). Many other awards were also won for these headphones. The year also saw the development of the AT-800 series of miniature microphones and the establishment of Audio-Technica (UK) Ltd. in Leeds, UK.
1990 Audio-Technica's visible laser collimators were installed at the National Astronomical Observatory's Nobeyama Wireless Observatory. Audio-Technica develops a commercial rice ball machine. Other products developed by the company during this period include the ATH-CL5 uncorked stereo headphones, the AT-7000 series mobile sound system and the 800MHz wireless stereo system for professional use.
1996 Audio-technica (S.E.A) Pte. Ltd, Singapore, is established. Audio-Technica microphones and headphones are used in various venues at the Atlanta Olympics. The ATH-W10VTG stereo headphones win a special jury award from Mono magazine and later receive numerous awards from other industry magazines. 1998 New products developed include the Surge Buster and ATC-NF95WIN headphones, marketed under the WinTap name. A Creation Centre is established at Audio-Technica's Fukuoka Musei factory. The AT4060 condenser microphone for tube studios was added to the Audio-Technica microphone range. A sales center with state-of-the-art facilities was completed in Yamato, Kanagawa. The company also develops the ATH-W11 JPN dynamic headset featuring a lacquered housing.
2000 For the outstanding performance of Audio-Technica products at the Atlanta Olympic Games, the company is selected to supply microphones and headphones for use at all Sydney Olympic venues, and the ATH-AD7 pneumatic headphones win three awards that year, including one in the Compo Grand Prix. Establishment of AUTEC Ltd. in California.
2007 Launch of the 20 series AT2010 cardioid condenser microphone, a studio-quality microphone that can also be used on stage. Development of the first QuietPoint noise-cancelling headphones, which received widespread acclaim.
