Neon Trees Endorse Audio-Technica

	The Neon Trees' lead vocalist Tyler Glenn, pictured with the Audio-Technica AEW-T6100a transmitter, used in conjunction with A-T's Artist Elite 5000 series UHF wireless system.

Audio-Technica welcomes alternative rock act Neon Trees to its stable of artist endorsers. The announcement was made by Roxanne Ricks, Audio-Technica artist relations manager, and reflects the ongoing expansion of A-T's artist roster in all music genres. With two acclaimed albums (2010's Habits and this year's Picture Show) and irresistible hit singles like "Animal," Neon Trees are rising stars in the music world with an energetic, highly danceable sound and must-see live show. On tour, the band (Tyler Glenn, Elaine Bradley, Branden Campbell, and Chris Allen) and their trusted production manager Mike Bangs have come to rely on Audio-Technica microphones for their sound quality, durability, and versatility.

The band's arsenal includes the Audio-Technica Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF wireless system with AEW-T6100a transmitter, used for lead vocals, as well as the following hardwired models: AE6100 hypercardioid dynamic handheld microphone, ATM250 hypercardioid dynamic instrument microphone, AE4100 cardioid dynamic handheld microphone, ATM450 cardioid condenser instrument microphone, ATM650 hypercardioid dynamic instrument microphone, AT4040 cardioid condenser microphone, and AT4033/CL cardioid condenser microphone.

Bangs is impressed by the mics' sound and power: "The AE4100 and AE6100 give high output that rivals many condensers, without becoming a roaming overhead. When Tyler [Glenn, lead vocals/keyboards] is running all over the venue, the 6100 really shines -- the longer front pattern lets him really work the mic, and it survives 'cupping' issues better than most other mics. And then we use the 4100s on the background vocals, because it doesn't have the same rear lobe as the 6100 and sounds more natural off-axis."

Bangs singles out a few more mics and applications: "The ATM450 is one of my favorite mics. The capsule is comparable to or better than most pencil condensers, but the side-address gives me placement options I can't get from any other mic. I use it under snare and under hi-hat -- I love going under the hat, and with the 450 I can get it right under Elaine's [Bradley, drums/percussion] contact point, and the snare is in the null. Then, on guitar cabinets, we use the AT4040. I love the AT4050 too, but I chose the AT4040 since I don't need the adjustable pattern. We've also just started using the AT4033/CL on overheads -- I am loving the 'openness' and natural feel of the high frequencies. They remind me of a much more expensive condenser."

The stability of A-T mics puts the band at ease on the road. Notes Bangs, "I carry my mics and console everywhere we go. It gives the band a familiar feeling, no matter where we are. We use layering of inputs on almost every instrument. The A-T mics allow us to build a huge sound with relatively little backline. They are also incredibly durable -- our lead vocal 6100 has taken serious punishment with little cosmetic damage and no change in audio quality."