SOUND
SPEED
of
Sound has a transformative effect on any experience. Although an equal amongst the other five senses, its importance can’t be understated – mute a video and you’ll soon discover how integral audio is to creating a fully immersive moment.
Hideo Matsushita witnessed this firsthand. Working as an art curator at the Bridgestone Museum of Arts in Tokyo, the Japanese entrepreneur organised vinyl listening parties and saw how music and the warmth of high-quality analogue equipment could move people emotionally. Frustrated that the expense of the equipment limited access to such experiences, he was determined to help people have the same enlightening encounters in their own homes. His answer? Audio-Technica.
Starting off with high-end components for record players in the 1960s, the company soon expanded its range to include headphones, turntables, and microphones. More than six decades on, it is still pioneering innovations in audio. Since 2019, it has been responsible for the high-octane sounds of MotoGP™ broadcasts – clearly capturing complex levels of detail in one of the world’s most difficult environments.
Its best-in-class reproductions of audio aren’t restricted to the professionals though. In fact, they can be found in any product bearing the Audio-Technica logo…
Capturing the sound of speed
The incredibly fast footage from a MotoGP™ race is only half the story. For every different camera angle, cutaway, and pit wall celebration, the high-definition picture on your screen requires an equally compelling audio accompaniment.
There are up to 200 microphones deployed on race day depending on the track, but the unique nature of MotoGP™ racing means that microphone choice isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. From small, custom on-bike options to a shotgun mic that can pick out an individual rider amongst the crowd at almost 200mph, Audio-Technica captures it all.
The home studio staple
The big sound specialist
The all-rounder
Sound-
tracking
each session
Audio-Technica isn’t just an expert in capturing sound – it makes amazing headphones that fully immerse you into the action too. No one knows this better than the professional motorcycle riders Remy Gardner and Izan Guevara. Both use the ATH-M50X range in a variety of settings – from getting in the zone pre-race to relaxing away from the track. Here, they share how they use music…
REMY GARDNER
The Australian 2021 Moto2 World Champion reveals how music helps soundtrack his rock and roll lifestyle.
music helps me to get inspired
Izan Guevara
music and life are in good harmony
The Spanish 2022 Moto2 World Champion shares how life and music are intertwined.
Music really can influence your mood, so I listen to different songs depending on the moment, but I like a lot of reggaeton and hip-hop. If I’m about to start a race, I need motivational music that helps me to stay focused.
My helmet says ‘life is music’ on it because of how music can accompany you in all life situations – when you’re relaxing you can boost this calm feeling with a relaxing song, when you’re happy, you can listen to happy songs; music and life are in good harmony.
Music goes with me everywhere – in the car, at the circuit, during training.
It depends on the situation but music helps me focus, makes me happy, relaxes me. I listen to heavy metal or rock using my ATH-M50xBT2 while I get changed and warm up – it helps me to stay focused with all the distractions. I love rock and roll and I think my life is a bit of rock and roll as well. I love cars, welding, fabricating and creating, and music helps me to get inspired.
Discover Audio-Technica products
Enter Audio-Technica.
The AT2020 has been a firm favourite with creators for 15 years, and it's easy to see why. A cardioid condenser microphone, it is perfect for podcasters, musicians and voiceover artists, and sensitively captures the sounds you want in crisp, clear detail. Available with an XLR, USB (AT2020USB+) or USB-C (AT2020USB-X) output, there will be an AT2020 that can slot seamlessly into your audio production set-up.
AT2020
Whether you’re recording in the home studio or playing your latest creations to a live audience, the rugged, all-metal AT2035 can handle it all. Like the AT2020, it’s a cardioid condenser setup, but that’s where the similarities end. Packing a switchable filter that allows you to cut out low-end noise and a 10 dB pad for capturing loud noises without the risk of distortion, it’s perfect for big voices or big instruments like brass and drums.
AT2035
Don’t have a soundproofed room to hand? You’ll want a dynamic microphone. Based on the pro-level BP40 broadcast microphone, the AT2040 is able to minimise background noise, making it great at capturing audio in any environment, while its integrated shock mount helps to prevent any accidental noises, shocks, or vibrations. Like the AT2020, it also comes with an XLR or USB (AT2040USB) output option, making it a great option whether you’re podcasting, streaming, or creating content.
AT2040
up to 200 microphones deployed on race day
How Audio-Technica’s race-ready tech can help transform your audio experience
This technology isn’t reserved for the trackside, though. The same research and development can be found in Audio-Technica’s AT20 series of microphones – helping you to bring race-worthy tech to your home studio at pocket-friendly prices.
This technology isn’t reserved for the trackside, though. The same research and development can be found in Audio-Technica’s AT20 series of microphones – helping you to bring race-worthy tech to your home studio at pocket-friendly prices.
Image credits:
Rodrigo Thomaz for MotoGP™ 2022 and MSport
Audio Technica
Credit: Rodrigo Thomaz for MotoGP™ 2022
Credit: Rodrigo Thomaz with MSport
Credit: Rodrigo Thomaz with MSport
Credit: Rodrigo Thomaz for MotoGP™ 2022
Credit: Audio Technica
Credit: Audio Technica
Credit: Audio Technica