Audio-Technica has officially brought back the ATM25 hypercardioid dynamic instrument microphone, resurrecting a legendary piece of gear originally introduced in 1983. Known for its punchy low-end and bulletproof durability, the classic microphone returns to the company’s core lineup in response to years of musician and engineer demand.
Built to Original Specs
Rather than updating or redesigning the mic, Audio-Technica is sticking strictly to the original recipe. Made in Japan, the reissued ATM25 features identical construction and acoustic properties to the 1983 original.
“We’ve changed nothing,” says Gary Boss, Audio-Technica U.S. Senior Marketing Manager. “This is the classic ATM25, made in Japan, following our original design. It features all-metal construction with an integral stand clamp and is ready to handle anything you throw at it – in the studio, on the stage, or traveling in between.”
High SPL Handling and Off-Axis Rejection
The ATM25’s tight hypercardioid polar pattern isolates sound sources effectively, delivering high off-axis rejection—a critical feature on crowded stages and tight drum risers. Its ability to handle extreme sound pressure levels (SPL) without distortion makes it a go-to for close-miking heavy transients.
While famous as a kick drum and floor tom staple, the ATM25’s warm low-frequency response and distinct mid-range presence make it versatile across several studio and live applications:
- Drums & Percussion: Kick drums, rack/floor toms.
- Amplifiers: Electric guitar and bass speaker cabinets.
- Horns: Brass and high-output wind instruments.
- Broadcast & Voice: Close-up vocals, voiceover, and radio broadcast.
Hardware & Construction
- Build: Heavy-duty, all-metal body with an integrated, direct-mount stand clamp.
- Grille: Multilevel metal grille designed to handle high energy and plosives.
- Connector: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated XLRM output.
Audio-Technica Dynamic Instrument Microphone Lineup
Audio Technica ATM25 Artist Series Dynamic Microphone $207.90
The classic Audio Technica ATM25 Artist Series Dynamic Microphone is handcrafted in Japan to original 1983 specifications with a hypercardioid capsule and built-in swivel mount.
Audio Technica ATM250 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone $229.00
The modern Audio Technica ATM250 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone offers tailored low-frequency contouring and high SPL handling for kick drums and brass.
Audio Technica AE2500, Dual-element Microphone $619.00
The flagship Audio Technica AE2500, Dual-element Microphone combines dynamic and condenser capsules in a single housing for kick drum tracking.
“We’ve changed nothing. This is the classic ATM25, made in Japan, following our original design. It features all-metal construction with an integral stand clamp and is ready to handle anything you throw at it — in the studio, on the stage, or traveling in between.”
— Gary Boss, U.S. Senior Marketing Manager, Audio-Technica
The MikesGig Takeaway
- An Uncompromised Classic: Refusing to alter the capsule design or move production away from Japan guarantees that recording engineers get the exact frequency curve and transient snap of the original 1983 vintage mic.
Detailed pricing and availability are accessible via Audio-Technica.
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