In 1952, Hideo Matsushita, a 32-year-old art and music lover, went to work at the Bridgestone Museum of Art in Tokyo. During the 1950s, money and resources were scarce in Japan — even in the capital city — and Matsushita began organizing “record concerts” at the museum, where people would gather to sit and enjoy LP playbacks of great performances — a sort of symphony without the orchestra. With the introduction of the first stereo records in the late ‘50s, these concerts became quite popular in Japan.
Matsushita was particular about sound quality and felt that current phono cartridge technology could be improved, and saw the coming mono-to-stereo revolution as an opportunity. In 1962, he left the museum to found Audio-Technica in a small garage in Shinjuku (now a major financial district in Tokyo). At the time, there were few companies making phono cartridges in Japan and Matsushita believed that manufacturing those was ideal, as they would require less start-up capital than other components. Although sales of the first model stereo cartridge (AT-1) were abysmal, he expanded the line with higher-end products including the AT-3/AT-5MM cartridges and precision tonearms, as well as supplying OEM cartridges directly to phonograph manufacturers. Orders took off, and over the next few years, A-T’s continuing success outgrew several other facilities. Eventually they settled in the Tokyo suburb of Machida, where the main factory remains today.
More than a Symbol
Audio-Technica’s familiar logo debuted in 1964. Although its exact look has changed slightly over the years, it still comprises a circle surrounding two inner triangles, signifying a round vinyl record, its “V”-shaped groove and a stylus in the groove. True to its roots, Audio-Technica today continues as a leading producer of phono cartridges, with its MM (moving magnet), patented and proprietary VM (dual-magnet) and MC (moving coil) models. In honor of its 60th anniversary, the legacy continues with the introduction of a limited, special edition AT-MC2022 dual moving coil stereo cartridge. Featuring a unified stylus-cantilever, formed from a single, lab-grown diamond, the AT-MC2022 offers cutting-edge technology for the demanding analog audio aficionado.
In 1982, when the compact disc made its commercial debut, the massive shift from analog to digital audio began to gain momentum, and the demand for phono cartridges began to wane. The rise of the CD brought a difficult period to Audio-Technica, but the company endured through new enterprises, including an OEM division that created optical products, ranging from bar code readers to laser readers for LD and CD players. Ironically, the same CD players that spelled the demise of phonographs brought new opportunities for A-T via its optical division, and today, A-T is developing and manufacturing a wide variety of products that utilize semiconductor lasers cultivated in optical pickups. Additionally, A-T’s TechniClean industrial cleaning equipment (originally designed for removing dust from phonograph records) expanded into high-performance cleaning technologies used in the semiconductor and liquid crystal panel industries.
Meanwhile, coinciding with the growing world popularity of Japanese cuisine, Autec — a 1984 A-T spin-off — began to develop commercial sushi-making machines for restaurant use. Today, Autec sushi machines can be seen operating in high volume sushi restaurants worldwide.
New Growth, New Markets
Seizing growing market opportunities, Audio-Technica began to offer other products, including home hi-fi speakers, disco mixers, karaoke systems, AC line conditioners, automotive products, laser measuring devices and a wide range of consumer headphones.
To support the ever-growing market, A-T expanded its product distribution internationally, and in 1972, Audio-Technica U.S. Inc. was established in Akron, OH, moving to its current location in Stow, OH in 1980. Additionally, A-T established divisions in Europe, the UK, and Asia during this period.
In the 1980’s, A-T broadened its transducer lineup to include products such as the groundbreaking VM-series dual-magnet phono cartridges, ATH series high-fidelity headphones and 800 series professional microphones targeted toward the live sound and broadcast industry.
Perhaps A-T’s most significant change — at least to the pro audio community — came in 1991, with the introduction of the AT4033. This low-cost/high-performance, medium-diaphragm cardioid condenser studio microphone helped spark the beginnings of the project studio revolution. Still in production today, the 4033 quickly became a go-to among top producers and engineers, with names such as Ed Cherney, Tom and Chris Lord-Alge, Alan Parsons and Phil Ramone joining a growing roster of A-T users. The 40 series line was expanded to include the 4050 (a large-diaphragm, multi-pattern design), the 4060 tube mic, a series of small diaphragm condenser “stick” mics and shotgun microphones for film and broadcast applications.
To address additional market segments, Audio-Technica expanded its microphone offerings to include models for live sound, home recording, podcasting and content creation. A-T’s compact UniPoint series miniature condenser mics changed the landscape of business presentations and other installed communications with their sleek profiles and high-fidelity audio. Along with wired microphone products, A-T offers a range of wireless solutions for installed sound and live performance applications. Its renowned M-Series professional monitoring headphones are used by audio professionals and consumers alike, while the limited-edition M50’s with their special color schemes are coveted by collectors worldwide.
Analog Success
With the resurgence of vinyl records, Audio-Technica is again helping users experience analog. Along with its full lineup of phono cartridges, A-T is the market leader in the U.S. for turntables that play vinyl records. The company’s wide assortment of turntables includes entry-level consumer models to Bluetooth wireless and high-performance DJ decks. In addition to turntables, A-T expanded its consumer audio headphone offerings to include truly wireless Bluetooth in-ear buds and active noise cancelling models. And its extensive range of high-performance audiophile headphones feature exotic wood and metal earcups that enhance the listening experience.
A family-owned company, Audio-Technica is currently under the direction of president and CEO Kazuo Matsushita. Building on his father’s commitment to high standards in audio reproduction, Kazuo has brought A-T to the forefront of technology. With manufacturing and state-of the art engineering facilities located throughout Japan, A-T continues to develop cutting-edge audio and transducer products. Throughout the years, A-T has developed the best possible products with the traditions and know-how they have inherited since their founding, building upon technological capabilities that meet the strict standards demanded by audio professionals. Audio-Technica products appear in high visibility broadcast events, major concert tours, prestigious installations and on the ears of celebrities and consumers worldwide.
Magnifying on his father’s vision, Kazuo states: “Over the past 60 years, Audio-Technica has expanded greatly while searching for points of contact with a better society, centered on ‘analog’ precision technology. The way we listen to music has changed along with the times, but our product manufacturing must also change in response to these changes. Bringing about innovation suitable for the new era and continuing to provide excitement and joy to all people who love music will continue to be an important role for Audio-Technica.”
Today, Audio-Technica is moving forward, while still partaking in its rich analog heritage. To help celebrate its 60th anniversary and the art of analog, Audio-Technica is again holding intimate listening parties just as founder Hideo Matsushita did in the early days. The first took place recently during last month’s AES Show in New York City, where audio engineers, artists, producers and listeners came together to sit and enjoy LP playbacks while discussing the nuances of analog recordings, listening and so much more.
Congratulations to Audio-Technica on 60 years of always listening and here’s to 60 more!
For more info, visit www.audio-technica.com.
Audio veteran Steve M. Savanyu operates Buford T. Hedgehog Productions and was formerly the director of educational services at Audio-Technica.
