Resource
Audio-Technica
Japanese audio company whose origins in phono cartridges developed into headphones, turntables and microphones for home and professional use. Its history connects the dual-magnet VM cartridge family with later monitoring headphones and recording products, retaining a substantial analogue-playback focus.
About this resource
Audio-Technica was established by Hideo Matsushita in 1962 after his experience organizing vinyl-listening sessions at Tokyo’s Bridgestone Museum of Arts. He began making cartridges in a small Shinjuku apartment; the early AT-1 and AT-3 helped the company expand. Its story identifies Machida as the location of its subsequent headquarters and continuing operations. [1]
Phono cartridges remain central to its identity. The company’s chronology describes the VM stereo cartridge’s dual-magnet design and later VM95 moving-magnet range, as well as moving-coil developments. Its wider transducer business grew through headphones in the 1970s and microphones later that decade, bringing the same broad focus on capturing and reproducing sound into recording, live performance and personal listening. [1]
The official history offers useful routes into the catalogue: the M50 headphone lineage began as professional monitoring equipment, while turntables added ways to play and digitize records. Microphone families serve musicians and content creators as well as installed sound. The AT2020 cardioid condenser belongs to the 20 Series launched in 2004, while the UniPoint installed-sound microphone line dates to 1984. These examples connect the cartridge-led history with home recording and speech applications. [1]
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Where to buy
Availability varies by region and retailer. Authorized dealers are listed on the official Audio-Technica website.
- Search Audio-Technica at Amazon
- Search Audio-Technica at B&H Photo
- Search Audio-Technica at Sweetwater
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