PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Neilson/Clyne

Tel: (615) 662-1616

Fax: (615) 662-1636

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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AUDIO-TECHNICA SUPPORTS COUNTRY MUSIC’S

TOP ACTS AT THE 39th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

— Held for the first time in New York City, Country Music’s Biggest Night™

featured over 200 Audio-Technica hard-wired and wireless systems —

STOW, OH, November 16, 2005 — For the 12th consecutive year, Audio-Technica has supported the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards by providing an extensive selection of vocal and instrument microphones for its annual awards show. Held November 15th at New York’s Madison Square Garden, this year’s 39th Annual CMA Awards featured over 200 hard-wired and wireless Audio-Technica microphones. From backline vocal and instrument mics to frontline wireless systems for leading country artists such as Kenny Chesney, Audio-Technica was chosen once again to provide its clear and consistent quality for this star-studded live broadcast.

Hosted by the multi-platinum duo Brooks & Dunn, who took home top honors as Vocal Duo of the Year, the Annual CMA Awards presentation is recognized as Country Music's Biggest Night™, and represents the pinnacle of achievement for anyone involved in country music. Once again, Audio-Technica microphones were featured for their accurate and reliable sound reproduction — characteristics that have dictated A-T’s long-standing presence with country music artists and leading venues such as Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

Audio-Technica endorser and winner of last year’s CMA Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney opened the three-hour gala with a riveting performance of “Living In Fast Forward,” from his latest BNA Records release The Road & The Radio. Chesney performed using

Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite® 5000 Series UHF Wireless System, with the AEW-T3300 microphone/transmitter and AEW-R5200 true diversity frequency-agile dual receiver. In addition, a wide array of Audio-Technica hard-wired mics were also employed for the broadcast, including: the ATM25 on kick and toms; ATM35 on toms and strings; AE3000 on toms and overheads; AT4033, AT4050 and AT3035 on guitar cabinets and overheads; AE5400 vocals; AT3031 and AT4051 on hi-hat and ride cymbals; and AT835ST’s on the audience.

Michael Abbott, Audio Coordinator for this year’s CMA’s commented, “On a live broadcast there is just one chance to get things right. With Audio-Technica as a key partner it gives me one less thing to worry about when putting a show of this magnitude together.”

Marc Repp, Production Music Mixer at this year’s CMA’s echoed Abbott’s sentiments, “We are pleased to have Audio-Technica as the major mic supporter for the 12th consecutive year at the CMA Awards. The reliability, consistency and clarity of their products is second to none.”

The 39th Annual CMA Awards show was broadcast live on the CBS Television Network to an audience of millions worldwide and re-broadcasted on CMT on Thursday, Nov. 24 at 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT.

Photo File: Chesney_CMA05.JPG

Photo Caption: Kenny Chesney performs using Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite® 5000 Series Wireless System with the AEW-T3300 handheld microphone/transmitter, held November 15, 2005 at the 39th Annual CMA Awards in New York City. Photo by Julie Jacobson/AP Photo. (This photo is the property of Julie Jacobson/AP Photo and may be used by the press only for the purpose of one-time reproduction. Unauthorized use, alteration or reproduction of this photograph is strictly prohibited.)

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Celebrating over 40 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry.

—For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact

Karen Emerson, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224.

Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752; Web:

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