Marking the company’s move into the gaming headphones category, Audio-Technica today announced the introduction of its first-ever gaming headsets, the closed-back ATH-AG1 and open-back ATH-ADG1. The premium-quality headphones utilize core elements of the company’s audiophile models to deliver an immersive sonic experience with exceptional clarity and dynamics, and a realistic soundstage that draws listeners completely into the gaming environment. Both include a built-in microphone and a detachable USB D/A converter/headphone amplifier along with additional gaming-specific features. “Audio-Technica’s reputation is built on sound quality first and foremost, and in entering the gaming headphones market we knew that just another ‘me too’ design wouldn’t cut it – the headphones had to offer an extremely high level of performance, which is what the ATH-AG1 and ATH-ADG1 deliver,” said Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica Consumer Marketing Manager. “Gaming enthusiasts want many of the same sonic qualities as audiophiles – accurate, detailed audio reproduction, the ability to deliver extreme dynamic range and transients and a stable and convincing three-dimensional soundstage that places game sounds exactly where they should be on the playing field and brings the listener right into the action.” The ATH-AG1 and ATH-ADG1 employ design and engineering directly drawn from the company’s acclaimed A700 and AD700 Series audiophile headphones. Both headsets feature premium large-diameter 53 mm drivers with high-grade, bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils to deliver superlative reproduction of speech, special effects and soundtracks, with high-power handling and volume, deep bass and superior midrange and treble definition. The closed-back ATH-AG1 employs Audio-Technica’s exclusive Double Air Damping System, which uses a main air chamber that houses the driver plus an additional chamber that controls and focuses the airflow produced by the driver, while also expanding and controlling its bass output. For listeners who prefer an open-air design, the ATH-ADG1 offers spacious yet impactful sound. Both headsets have a unidirectional gooseneck condenser microphone that delivers clear and intelligible in-game voice communication, swivels over a 100-degree path and has an integrated mute switch. Both feature a redesigned, self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing that perfectly adapts to the wearer’s head for total comfort even during periods of extended use. The ATH-AG1 and ATH-ADG1 come with a USB D/A converter that allows the headphones to be plugged directly into the USB input of a laptop, computer or other device. In addition they are supplied with a standard 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) TRRS mini plug and an adapter that enables the headphones to be plugged directly into an iPad® or a computer’s sound card. Both models come with a 3.3-foot (1m) cord and a 6.6-foot (2m) extension cord. The Audio-Technica ATH-AG1 and ATH-ADG1 premium gaming headphones will be available in early 2014 at suggested U.S. retail price of $299.95 for either model. Celebrating over 50 years of audio excellence, Audio-Technica is renowned worldwide for a broad range of consumer and professional audio products, including high-performance headphones, microphones, wireless systems, turntables and phono cartridges. Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica designs and manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for major concert tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, theaters, house-of-worship venues, and consumer applications. Learn more at www.audio-technica.com. — For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact Karen Emerson or Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224. Tel: (330) 686-2600. — For further information regarding product availability and pricing in the United Kingdom, please contact Harvey Roberts (hroberts@audio-technica.co.uk); in Germany, please contact Anja Groth (a.groth@audio-technica.de); in the rest of Europe, please contact Evangéline Pirot (epirot@audio-technica-europe.com). iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.