Audio-Technica Introduces AT895 Adaptive Array System

DSP-controlled microphone cuts through crowd and ambient noise in any environment, under any circumstances, with noise cancellation of up to 80 dB

October 2, 1999 -- In a move that creates an entirely new reference standard for sound acquisition, Audio-Technica announces the introduction of the new AT895 Adaptive-array Microphone Systems. At a time when the broadcast industry is undergoing the most radical shift in history as it makes the transition to digital, the new AT895 will change the way field audio is captured.

Utilizing a revolutionary software algorithm, DSDA-PRO™, an acoustically-tuned element microphone array and special analog circuitry, the AT895 provides adaptive directional acquisition of sound sources. The output of the array is manipulated and filtered by acoustical, analog and digital means to enhance the pickup of a sound source from a desired direction relative to unwanted background noise or interference, providing cancellation of up to an unheard-of 80 dB. (And, at 80 dB down, it will be "unheard.")

The AT895 functions equally well in a broad range of applications both within broadcast and elsewhere, such as for handheld interview use or long-range sound pickup - in the field, in the studio, or in security operations.

Sports broadcasts, for example, will benefit from pinpoint accuracy in isolating sound sources, bringing a new level of excitement and "you-are-there" immediacy to broadcasts. In political reporting the AT895 will allow ENG journalists to capture every word, giving users a critical edge in the increasingly competitive broadcast arena. The new AT895 will also reduce the current physical load of field audio specialists, replacing bulky parabolic-type and shotgun microphones with a convenient hand-held device that provides unmatched directional performance, operating versatility and ease of use anywhere, anytime.

Some of the performance benefits of the new AT895 include: substantially improved sensitivity, pickup distance and gain-before-feedback as compared to currently-available microphone technology; unprecedented off-axis rejection, even in very high- interference environments; outstanding low-frequency directionality (up to 78 dB rejection at 200 Hz) in a mic that's only 14 inches long; marked reduction of proximity effect and greatly reduced susceptibility to mechanical noise, wind noise and racking.

The AT895 Microphone itself is all-analog, housing an Audio-Technica MicroLine® element, plus four A-T cardioid elements mounted in a co-planar diamond configuration, and mic preamps. The five amplified signals are sent individually down a special 7- conductor detachable cable to the AT895CP Control Pack, which provides all the power, digital processing and control for the AT895 Microphone. The Control Pack's lightweight, sturdy metal housing accepts a quick-change, click-on battery holder for totally self-contained operation, if desired. Control features include a three-position mode (pattern) switch; a filter switch with flat, high-pass and band-pass settings; a headphone jack with volume control; an LCD battery condition indicator; and inputs on the bottom of the Control Pack for Mic (XLR7M), power (XLR4M) and Audio out (XLR3M). Power for the Control Pack is via external 12V DC - from an Anton/Bauer or similar-type battery source, or from an AC adapter using an industry-standard 4-pin XLR connection - or from three 9V batteries in a click-on battery housing.

AT895 Systems are available in two configurations: as the AT895/RK "Remote Kit" for field use (including 10-foot cable, click-on battery housing, shock-mounted pistol grip, zeppelin-type windscreen and all-weather heavy-duty protective carrycase), and as the AT895/MK "Mount Kit" which includes a 25-foot cable, shock-mount plate with 5/8"-27 thread for mounting, and a 120V AC power supply. In addition, accessories are available for mounting an AT895 on a Fisher boom, and for the rack-mounting of Control Packs.

Incorporated in the AT895 design are: DSDA-PRO™ software (U.S. Patent No. 5,825,898) by Lamar Signal Processing, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Andrea Electronics Corporation (Amex: AND); DeltaBeam™ (U.S. Patent pending) and MicroLine® technologies by Audio-Technica. "DSDA-PRO" is a trademark of Andrea Electronics Corporation; "DeltaBeam" is a trademark and "MicroLine" is a registered trademark of Audio-Technica.

Visit Audio-Technica on the web at www.audio-technica.com.