Audio-Technica has a long association with Kent, Ohio-based WKSU-FM, an NPR affiliate serving 22 counties in Northeast Ohio.
Recently, WKSU redesigned its newsroom, and Audio-Technica was selected to help outfit the studios and reporter workstations with microphones and professional headphones.
The newsroom redesign was finalized during WKSU’s 65th anniversary year. Along with expanded space and an open floor plan layout, the reporters’ desk stations were configured with voice recording capability, allowing for quick audio capture and freeing studios for more detailed production work.
The roster of Audio-Technica products included eight BP4001 Cardioid Dynamic Microphones and eight BP4002 Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones both now utilized as part of reporters’ field kits; ATW-1322 Dual Channel System 10 PRO Rack-Mount Digital Wireless System with ATW-T1001 System 10 Wireless Body-Pack Transmitter and MT830cW Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone, used for public events; two U841A Omnidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphones, used in the station’s newsroom at their conference table for Skype and other two-way audio; a ATM610a/S Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone (with switch) for general use; AT4050ST Stereo Condenser Microphone for tapings for Folk Alley (WKSU’s syndicated radio show and online service focusing on folk/Americana/roots music); AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone for reporter field use; one AT2020USBi Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone and 13 AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphones, used at reporters’ desks for simple voiceover work.
The station also added one BP40 Large-Diaphragm Dynamic Broadcast Microphone for general use; and five sets of ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones for studio use.
As an NPR member station, WKSU’s reporting often reaches beyond the boundaries of terrestrial radio and must offer the highest quality audio possible – whether created in the field, in a studio or at an office desk. As the Audio-Technica equipment has moved from a wish list into staff hands, the reviews have been highly positive.
Dan Kuznicki, WKSU systems administrator, remarks, “The microphones Audio-Technica sourced to our reporters have allowed us to significantly improve our field-reporting sound quality. In some cases, we’ve leaped ahead 20 years, replacing old microphones that our reporters have been using for their entire careers. Having the same equipment in the field kit of every reporter on our news team has allowed for a more consistent, clean sound across all of our reporting and recording. Audio-Technica microphones are a great fit for WKSU, and have proven to be robust and reliable both in the studio and in the field.”
Reporter Vivian Goodman, a James Beard Award nominee, states, “I’m loving the clean, crisp audio I’m getting with my new Audio-Technica BP4001.”
Jeff St. Clair, creator of the Exploradio series on medicine, research and innovation in Northeast Ohio, also is happy to have Audio-Technica equipment in his arsenal. He says, “I love the new microphones. The clarity has made a big difference in the quality of my interviews. I’m using the BP4001, and it’s superb for field interviews.”
Station program director Ele Ellis adds, “It is a gift for WKSU and public radio that a company with such synergy as Audio-Technica is here in Northeast Ohio. I am grateful that they are willing to help us do this important work with equipment of this quality. I personally like working with A-T headphones so much that I bought a pair for home.”
Audio-Technica
BP40 Large-Diaphragm Dynamic Broadcast Microphone Review