Located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, the eight-story building has a unique architectural design based on a giant transducer, symbolizing the importance that A-T places on listening and responding to the needs of the audio community. As well as the impressive office environment it provides, Technica House also features AstroStudio, a world-class Dolby 5.1-ready surround recording, mixing and monitoring facility.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, A-T corporation president Kazuo Matsushita explained the thinking behind the inclusion of the commercially ready studio. "AstroStudio provides Audio-Technica with a real-world, 5.1 environment to test and evaluate microphones and new transducer technologies prior to releasing products on to the market. We also wanted to create a familiar meeting place for our family of artists who provide us with input and feedback on market trends. AstroStudio meets all those goals."
The studio offers state-of-the-art 5.1 recording capabilities featuring an AMEK console, a 5.1 Genelec Active Monitoring System, outboard gear by Lexicon, Focusrite, Eventide, Aphex, Tube-Tech, t.c. electronics and Neve as well as a DigiDesign Pro Tools System. Also on the equipment list is a wide selection of classic keyboards, guitar amplifiers and drums.
(Lee Baldock)
