street gear catalogue 2011

elcome to the Audio-Technica Street Gear Catalogue. Audio has been our passion since 1962 but it wasn’t until the early 1970’s that we began to develop headphones. Four years later we launched the three models in the AT700 series,

which represent the origin of our headphones. That was almost 40 years ago, so believe us when we say, sound is something we take very seriously! Our passion and expertise are evident in our headphones, each one of which is designed with a specific purpose in mind.

When you use headphones, you wear them. No other kind of audio equipment is so integrated with your body. Headphones are more than a listening device: they’re a statement about who you are and how you, the listener, interpret your music. In harnessing the latest technology, Audio-Technica’s aim is to provide you with the best possible headphones; headphones that will continue to impress you with their acoustic performance, comfortable fit and style. This booklet introduces you to just some of the headphone models available this year, so thanks for your attention, and welcome to Audio-Technica’s Year of the Headphone.

A big thank-you to everyone involved in the production of the 2011 Audio-Technica Street Gear Catalogue. Putting it together has been a random mix of hard work, fun times, and the love of music combined with the best headphones in the world.

Photographer: Elle Green - www.ellegreen.com

A-T National Brand & Project Manager: Wesley von Grabill

Editor: Patrick Carr - Furst Media

Catalogue Designer: Lauren Vallis - Furst Media

Makeup Artist: Natalie Sufferini - Purely Stunning (0404 030 552)

Interviewees: Brett Morgan (Universal Music), David Fez (EMI Music), Daniel Crichton-Rouse (Drum Media/SPA), Amber Jane (3D World Magazine/SPA), Thomas Gilmore (The Music Network), James McKenna (AllansMusic+BillyHyde).

Street Gear Models: Rachael Pale, Kenny Cowell, Georgia McKay, Sonja Vh, Lily Souryaphanh, Angela Ford, Anna Le, Andrew Nairns, Katherine Scott, BJ, Ben Paduch, Rabbit, Alice, Laura Pollaski, Nat Spilla, Miguel Waterz, Joe Hammer, Mr. Thong and Faz.

Thank you to Robo Cog Cafe, 249 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW, for the use of their awesome space. They make a killer coffee.

Thanks also to Glass Avenue, Newport Beach NSW www.glassavenue.com.au, the coolest clothing store we have been into in a very, very long time. Without Glass Avenue our beach models would have just been naked and cold!

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“you are the street, feeding off sounds, awaiting new beats. You are the new sound, prepared for anything, always listening” - Audio-Technica

ATH-PRO700GD: Large and loud, and exactly what you need whether you’re on stage or jamming at home. Huge 53mm speaker drivers deliver more than your ears can handle! PRO700’s are the perfect mix of professional and party animal. RRP $299

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Review by Mitchel Brown from Mixdown Magazine - February 2011

ith their 50th birthday celebrations just around the corner, Japanese audio giants Audio-Technica are now well and truly

established as one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of audio equipment, particularly high-quality headphones. Back in 1979 they released the highly popular ATH-2 headphones, which proved to be one of their most successful models. Now, more that 30 years on, they have tapped into the decidedly retro flavour of that classic model with the release of the ATH-RE70 phones. Let’s have a look at what’s changed in the last three decades.

LIVING IN THE ‘70s

With their brown and orange colour scheme offset with chrome accents, the original ATH-2 phones

were about as quintessentially ‘70s as flared pants and brown-brick buildings. That being the case, Audio-Technica could quite justifiably have rehashed the same design in attempting to create these new retro phones, but they’ve done a whole lot more than that. Sporting a classic off-white casing and brown leather details on the headband and earpads, the RE70s still have a decidedly vintage look about them, but the ‘70s influence has been toned down somewhat and some modern stylings thrown in, creating a headphone that is altogether sleeker and sexier. The aforementioned headband lining is also a welcome addition, making for a much more comfortable experience than that provided by the original ATH-2s and stacking up as one of the more comfortable headphone experiences on the market. The adjustable stick slider on the headband is also handy, its large sliding range guaranteeing a perfect fit for all wearers and ensuring noise leakage is kept to a minimum at all times.

THAT SOUNDS NEW

Looks and comfort are all well and good, but when push comes to shove, it’s all about the sound. You’d expect that after 30 years Audio-Technica would have picked up a few new tricks, but the RE70s do more than just stack up well against the ghost of headphones past. The audiophiles of the world will no doubt be interested to know and impressed by specs such as 40mm drivers, frequency response of 10-24,000Hz, 42 ohm impedance, and 100db/mW, but if these figures mean absolutely nothing to you then all you need to know is that these things sound damn good. Taking them for a spin on none other than the Police’s classic track Roxanne, the bass all of a sudden seemed to pack a a whole lot of added punch, while the hi-hat cut through the mix with a new-found level of crispness. Not a Police fan either? Well, let’s just leave it at these phones being damn good, then.

KICKIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL

Audio-Technica have developed something of a reputation as a game-changer in the world of headphone technology, but with the RE70 they’ve taken the somewhat refreshing approach of deliberately heading in the exact opposite direction. Modern gear with a vintage feel is all the rage among musicians, so it’s about time music listeners were given the same option. The RE70s do just that, providing a simple yet high-quality headphone at a reasonable price that is perfect for everyday use and captures the retro feel of its ancestors – well, sort of.

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ATH- RE70

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rett Morgan, Label Manager from Universal Music, gives us a little heads up on what to expect from Australia’s largest record company in 2011.

Before we get into 2011, a couple of questions about the last few months in Universal land.

1) With all the bad press surrounding Kanye West last year, he still managed to get rave reviews all over the world. What do you think of his 5th studio album?

Kanye was out here a couple of months ago and he premiered his ‘Runaway’ short film at Fox Studios. Listening to him speak after the film I was surprised and impressed by how humble he actually was. There’s no doubt he did a few things a little while back that didn’t come across too well but it genuinely seems like he’s had a bit of time to reflect and in the meantime dropped the album of his career and arguably the album of the year.

2) Daft Punk’s Tron Legacy: is the soundtrack as good as the movie?

One thing I will say is what an absolutely genius idea to have Daft Punk not only compose the soundtrack but also feature in the film! I loved the original Tron movie and arcade game back in the day so I’m looking forward to it.

3) What band impressed you the most in 2010??

I think Birds Of Tokyo had a brilliant year. What impressed me most was that they not only made a great album, but successfully transferred their live show into bigger venues at the same time. The stars aligned for them in 2010. Internationally I was amazed with Plan B’s transformation from grimy mc into a 3-piece suit -wearing soul singer and part-time actor. As a rapper he’s almost untouchable

at the moment so to do something different on only his second record took some balls. Word is the next album will be hip hop, so that should be more interesting.

4) So Brett what should we expect to hear out of Universal in 2011?

I’m really excited about the Boy & Bear album. They’ve come a long way in a short space of time and I can’t wait to hear what they do next. I’d love to say there was a new Guns N Roses album on the horizon but that’s just wishful thinking!

"Is it Cold out in Space Bowie?"ATH-RE70: Modelled off the original 1979’s award winning ATH-2, Audio-Technica has recaptured that original feel and look combined with superior sound quality. Now available the very Retro RE70 comes in 2 colour options. This Classic model has a killer sound and fits great against the ears. Black and white. RRP $89.95

HEY MAN... WHAT’S GOING ON??B

TOp 10 ALBuMS 2010Audio-Technica’s Top 10 Albums of 2010:

10. Parades – Foreign Tapes

9. Miami Horror – Illumination

8. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

7. Erykah Badu – New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh

6. Hot Chip – One Life Stand

5. Massive Attack – Heligoland

4. Band of Horses – Infinite Arms

3. Deftones – Diamond Eyes

2. Little Dragon – Machine Dreams

1. OK GO – Of the Blue Colour of the Sky

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ATH-SJ55 RRP $89.95

ATH-SJ11 RRP $49.95

SJ Series New for 2011: these DJ/Street style headphones. Available in four awesome Colours (Solid Black, Black/Green, Black/Pink, and Solid White) they’re lightweight, they fold-up, and they look super funky without sacrificing audio quality.

THE A-T LOUNGE

KEY

THEOPERA HOUSE

MARDIGRAS

THEHARBOUR

BRIDGE

K111, Urban level Westfield SydneyCnr Pitt & Market Street Sydney

20min South East of Pitt Street

KINGSCROSS

BONDI BEACH

12min South West of Pitt StreetNEWTOWN

Newtown has never been about yuppie life!! Respect

the locals

BUS

TRAIN

FOOD

BEVERAGES

RETAILERS

Market St

Pitt

St

Geo

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Ken

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Eliz

abet

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Druitt St Park St

William St

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lege

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Hunter St

Liverpool St

Goulburn St

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oria

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CircularQuay

Addicted to Audio, adigitalife, AllansMusic+BillyHydes, Anthony’s Music, Apple Australia, Ashton Admor, Audio Oz, Audio plus, Awave, Bass’N’Blues Music, Bava’s Music, BIG Music, Billy Hydes, Bishop Audio & Lighting, Black Dot Music, Broken Hill Music, Campus IT, Cheapa Music, CpC Audio, Concept Musical Instruments, Derringers, Digital Appeal, DJ Warehouse, Digital Gear, Drumpower, Entertainment Installations, Events NSW, Factory Sound, Fever!, Flight001, Glass Avenue, Guitar Factory, Guitar Factory Sound, Headphonic, Herkes Electrical, Hoopers Sound Centre, Icon Music, Integrated Media, Hi-Fi Junction, Half Sleeve, Hobart Music Centre, Holden Hill Music, Joondalup Music, Kirby productions, Landers Music, Le Boughen, Lemac, Lightsounds Wollongong, Lismore Music, Lots of Watts, M & M’s Music, MacCentric, Mac Centre, Mac Shop, Mall Music, Mannys, Mega Music, Mona Vale Hi-Fi, Monaco Sound, Mooloolabah Music, Morrison’s public Address, Music Corner, Music at Noosa, Music Headquarters, Music park, New Wave Systems, pacific Hi-Fi, perth Audio Visual, projection plus, power Media Systems, Ralph White Music, River Music, Rocktown Music, Showtime productions, Sinclair Communications, Smithy’s pA and Stage Gear, Sound Advice, Sound Devices, Sounds Easy, Soundgear Australia, Stereophonic, The DJ Factory, Troppo Sound, Trumps Music, Turramurra Music, Warehouse Sound, Westcoast Hifi, Wicked Digital.

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ATH-SQ5: These portable beauties feature a deep gloss retro look with rectangular-shaped ear pads that fit perfectly around your ear. Available in three stylish colour options: Solid Black, Red/Black and Solid White. RRP $99.95

"Its H

ip

to b

e

Square"

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C.

E.

A. ATH-WS50 RRP $129B. ATH-SQ5 RRP $99.95C. ATH-XS5 RRP $79.95D. ATH-SJ33 RRP $69.95E. ATH-RE70 RRP $89.95F. ATH-ES10 RRP $599G. ATH-CKS90 RRP $149

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G.

D.

Sign up and Win! For your chance to win over $300

worth of Audio-Technica Gear

pro headphones

in-ear headphones

T-shirts and more!!Talk to one of the Lounge crew staff members

www.audio-technica.com.au email: atsydney@tag.com.au

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Review by Robert Gee from Mixdown Magazine - January 2011

he ATH-WS70 portable headphones from Audio-Technica are a new model that give you what a lot of portable headphones try to but

often fall short of doing – good, solid bass response. Running with the Solid Bass System moniker, the guys at Audio-Technica were not wrong in saying this. It is something that headphone manufacturers do all the time, but it is not often done right. A-T have gotten it right with the ATH-WS70.

SOLID BASS

Portable headphones are always pushing for better external noise cancellation and more bass in the signal. This is often done with great success, but all too often more bass is not always the answer. The Solid Bass System of the ATH-WS70 portable

headphones does what it suggests. It gives the listener a good, solid bass response in the music being listened to without going overboard. There would be very few people who would complain that they need more bass in their headphones than what Audio-Technica give you in the WS70s. This additional bass response from headphones that are not overly large is created by a special double chambered system, enabling Audio-Technica to make the most of a compact design.

LOOK AND FEEL

The WS70 headphones are housed within a stylish black aluminium casing with round, soft pads that sit over the ears. The adjustable headband easily slides into the position you require and holds there without slipping during extended use.

I found the shape of the cans to be a little restrictive as they tended not to fully encase the ears, rather sitting on them. This doesn’t always allow for the greatest of comfort when used for extended periods, especially with the high spring tension of the headband pushing against the ears. Otherwise, they felt quite good and were very stable, making them a great every day headphone for getting about. The last thing you want is your headphones slipping from your desired listening position while you move about.

BUILT FOR A PURPOSE

Let’s not get confused here – the WS-70s are not a studio reference headphone, nor are they designed for use in a DJ booth. They offer good listening levels with extra punch in the low-end, making them great for use in and out doors. The lead running from them is only about three feet in length, making their use slightly restrictive, but for their intended purpose this is a good thing. Using DJ headphones for everyday listening from a portable MP3 player can be a real nuisance when you have ten or twelve feet of cable hanging all over the place.

So, if you are looking for a headphone that gives you a good clear sound reproduction, with a solid bass response that will fit in with your everyday lifestyle, take a look at the Audio-Technica ATH-WS70s. With no annoying long leads, stylish looks and a compact design that folds flat for easy transport, the ATH-WS70s tick most boxes.

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ATH- WS70

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BB500: The new BB500 is as comfortable as it is stylish. Powerful DJ-style ear cups combine with a very solid, state of the art, back-neck style and adjustable headband. Available in Black or Camo, the BB500 is a cool look whether you’re a DJ, or just have interesting hair or a big hat! RRP $149

ATH-A900: Audio-Technica’s premium closed-back headphone, the A900, is ideal for home entertainment or critical listening in the studio. Big on technology with huge 53mm drivers and 2,000mW of power handling, this headphone is also serious about comfort, with a unique self-adjusting head band. All that is forgotten once the music starts, as A900’s envelope you in the performance like few headphones can. RRP: A900 $399, A700 $299, A500 $249

So what is noise-cancelling?

ell first off, active noise-cancelling headphones are one of our favourite

and most outstanding products of 2011, offering you superior sound quality by reducing around 22db of background noise - that’s up to 90% to you and me.

You mean it’s some sort of super-human alien technology?

No, but very close! A miniature microphone in each earpiece picks up ambient noise, such as sounds from an air conditioner, your life partner or even airplanes.

Alien flying saucer airplanes?

Well, more like primitive human jet airplanes, especially when you’re on a long flight for say 9 hours to Hawaii, or 23 hours to Ireland, 4 hours to New Zealand or even a 45-minute flight to the next city. The noise-cancelling headphones will be your saving grace!

So are they headphones or in-ears?

Well we have both. Check this out; the in-ear versions feature a rare-earth neodymium magnet system for super high-fidelity.

You lost me at Neodymium...

Basically a single AAA battery powers the active noise-cancelling technology, however, the headphones will still function normally without the battery but without noise cancelling. It’s the battery that powers the whole thing, activating the noise cancelling and delivering you into a peaceful inner place. Got it? GOT IT!

TOp 10 ALBuMS 2010avid Fesdekjian is the National media manager for EMI Music. Its common practice around for music industry peeps

to e-mail chain their top ten list for that year. It’s great banter and a good way to get an idea of what people are listening to and to perhaps check out a band that might have slipped through your fingers due to work overload. Dave was nice enough to share his top 10 with us!

Fez’s top 10 albums of 2010:

10. LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening

9. Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks

8. The National – High Violet

7. The Holidays – Post Paradise

6. Yeasayer – Odd Blood

5. The Black Keys – Brothers

4. Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues

3. The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang

2. Kanye West – My Beautifula Dark Twisted Fantasy

1. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

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D

“you are the music”

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ATH-M50: With its super clean sound, the M50 is Audio-Technica’s

premium studio and critical listening monitor headphone. It won’t flatter your recordings but if you want to hear

exactly what’s going on with your mix, the M50’s are for you. They’re also a great fit - relaxed around

the ears for long-time use - and fold up into a remarkably small pouch. Note: Great

substitute for monitor speakers when travelling. They’re ideal for use in

music production, radio, stage sound, portable studios and

film. RRP $299

“So honest, it might

just make you cry”

The Audio-Techica Lounge

urban Level, Westfield Sydney, K111 Cnr pitt & Market Streets SYDNEY NSW 2000. ph: 02 8252 8900

ATH-ES10: Straight from outer space and top of the Audio-Technica Ear Suit range: the ES10. Made with polished titanium ear-cups, these headphones sound amazing and feel great. 53mm drivers with large style ear cups and padded headband makes them a premium quality headphone with comfort that won’t fade away. Built to last and ready for outer space. RRP $599

"To infinity and beyond"

udio-Technica has specialised in audio since 1962 but did you know that, back in the days of analogue records, we used to be the world’s

leading manufacturer of phonograph cartridges?

When we started to develop headphones in the early 1970’s, we were able to make use of the same precision technology we had developed for the cartridges to produce high-quality headphones, as both headphones and cartridges are audio transducers. Our aim was to make the world’s best headphones.

In 1974, three models of the AT700 series were born. These represent the origin of our headphones and have led to today’s ATH series. Over the past 37 years our headphones have developed consistently to a point where they easily complete with the world’s best and, in many cases, lead the industry in terms of technical achievement, quality and comfort.

Currently Audio-Technica is the market leader for headphones in Japan. The United States fell in love with both our microphones and headphones in the late 70’s and has been a key part of our market development ever since.

Here in Australia we hooked up with TAG (Technical Audio Group) in 2005. TAG is a national distributor of premium professional audio brands like Allen & Heath and QSC so they were well-placed, in 2007, to launch our domestic headphone range in Australia.

Did you know that headphone speaker driver cones were originally made of thick paper? As demand

for audio quality grew, high-polymer was adopted as a superior alternative.

Now for a bit more history:

Below is a brief interview with Mitsuo Nemoto.

Mitsuo Nemoto was one of the leaders of the product development team that achieved success in the development of AT700 headphones in the early 1970’s. Later, he was appointed board director of Audio-Technica’s technical division.

How long did it take from the time of development to the time the products were completed?

The company started researching and preparing equipment in 1969. Prototypes were ready two years later in 1971. Another three years later, in 1974, development was complete and we were ready to start with sales.

Did the development work go smoothly during this period?

We struggled with issues of acoustics. At first, the headphone diaphragms and magnet circuits were melded in a trial and error process. However, problems occurred, and we couldn’t get the sound we wanted. Then one day, we used a microphone unit in a trial just because the unit happened to be lying around. The result was high-resolution power for the bass sound, and we went with that.

Why was the unit out of a microphone better?

To realise high-resolution power, the vibration system (of diaphragms) must be light. The vibrations of microphone units are extremely light and meet this condition. Most condenser types cannot produce stable bass sounds because the suspension of parts is underspecified. However, our company’s headphones could reproduce dynamic bass sounds because they support a piston movement around the edges, making the diaphragms function precisely.

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MADE IN JApAN

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ONLY BuY ONLINE ?

www.audio-technica.com.au Addicted to Audio :: www.addictedtoaudio.com.au Digital Gear :: www.minidisc.com.au DJ Warehouse :: www.djwarehouse.com.au Factory Sound :: www.factorysound.com Headphonic :: www.headphones.com.au Soundgear Australia :: www.soundgearaustralia.com.auSounds Easy :: www.soundseasy.com.au Wicked Digital :: www.wickeddigital.com.au Audio-Technica Facebook :: www.facebook.com/pages/audio-technica/274557564906 Audio-Technica Twitter :: twitter.com/headphones4life

A. ATH-ANC7b RRP $299B. ATH-EW9 RRP $295 C. BB500 RRP $149

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A.

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ATH-CKM55: With their beautiful deep gloss finish and superb audio performance, the CKM55’s are one of Audio-Technica’s most popular in-ears. Available in black, red, gold, silver and white they’re the full form and function package, featuring a new body design that allows the earphones to sit comfortably while sealing the ear canal to minimise external noise. They provide rich bass with some of the most accurate mids you’ll find from in-ears. Elsewhere in the CKM range, check out the titanium housing, balanced armature, uber-light -weight CKM90 and the stainless steel housing CKM70. CKM is all about comfort and absolute sound quality. Oh, and good looks! RRP: CKM55 $89.95, CKM70 $149, CKM90 $199

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“let there be bass”

ATH-WS50BK: The award

winning ‘Solid Bass’ WS50 magnifies bass

frequencies by passing the audio signal through an additional

air chamber mechanism – a kind of sub chamber. This in part has created some of Audio-Technica’s purest bass

tones - the world’s smallest sub-woofer wrapped around your ears! The gunmetal ear cups create a sharp appearance with no extra

bulk - comfort with looks that could kill. RRP $129

A.

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A. ATH-WS70 RRP $199 B. ATH-ES7 RRP $199 C. ATH-XS7 RRP $89.95 D. ATH-M50 RRP $299 E. ATH-CK70PRO RRP $195 F. ATH-SJ11 RRP $49.95 G. ATH-PRO700MK2 RRP $299

HIp HOp

Although the profile of hip-hop is currently quite low in Australia there are a few things happening that could see it entering the limelight here in 2011. With some serious buzz already hitting the blogosphere Los Angeles collective “Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All” is an act to keep your eyes on. They recently appeared on the Coachella line-up, they’re represented by an awesome booking agency and have been flown around the world on record label dollars. If it is going to happen, 2011 is the year for OFWGKTA to blow the lid off! Kanye West has made quite an impact, with his 5th album receiving a 10/10 on the world famous Pitch Fork website, and charting number 1 in the US and other countries around the world. If the rumors are true, Kanye could be appearing in Australia soon.

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ATH-XS7: Like the BB500 the X-treme Sports 7 is a back-neck band style headphone. The back-neck band fits comfortably behind the head, making this ‘street style’ head unit perfect for skaters, bikers and fast movers. Your choice of Solid Black or Yellow/Black. RRP $89.95

ATH-XS5: X-treme Sports 5 features an extended headband, sufficient to wear over a cap. It’s ideal for skaters, snowboarders, fast wheels and city bikers. Your choice of Red, Black or White. RRP $79.95

X-treme Sports (XS) Range The XS range is all about living life, not just sitting and listening to it. These headphones are designed to meet the needs of the more adventurous, both in looks and performance. Powerful 40mm drivers deliver a wicked punch and specially rubberised ear cups mean you can sweat to your heart’s content without damaging or tarnishing your phones!

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"MK ULTRA"

TOp 10 ALBuMS 2010ames McKenna from Allans+Billy Hydes music Alexandria took a few minutes out of his day give us his Top 10 albums of 2010.

1. Cee Lo – The Lady Killer

2. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

3. Parades – Foreign Tapes

4. Plan B – The Defamation of Strickland Banks

5. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings – I Learned the Hard Way

6. Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)

7. Quincy Jones – Q soul bossa nostra

8. Jamie Lidell – Compass

9. KYU – KYU

10. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms

Audio-Technica microphones made in Japan are now available at all Allans Music+Billy Hydes. Try one out today.

mber (Editorial Assistant) from 3D world magazine was nice enough to give us her Top 10 for 2010:

1. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

2. Spit Syndicate – Exile

3. Miami Horror – Illumination

4. M- Phazes – Good Gracious

5. Bag Raiders – Bag Raiders

6. Rihanna – Loud

7. Illy – The Chase

8. Class A – Me, Me, Me and Him. The Secret Life of a Receptionist.

9. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

10. Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid

Any advice to aspiring young publishers? Build a strong portfolio of work and make your own opportunities. Get hustling!

ATH-PRO700MK2: The legend of the award winning

PRO700 has been reborn with the 2011 Pro700Mk2. These bad boys are equipped with huge 53mm speaker drivers and the power capacity to

handle up to 3,500mW of ear-bursting pure sound. There are with two

detachable cord options - one straight, one coiled - and a travel bag into which the Pro700Mk2 folds up for maximum portability. The choice of professional DJ’s since 2001, this

is Audio-Technica’s premier DJ headphone. RRP $299

JA

Review by Thomas Gilmore of The Music Network

ooking for a set of new headphones? Check out the cool kiosk down at the bottom of the new Westfield shopping centre in the Pitt St Mall,

Sydney. It has everything you could really want. Audio-Technica are the mob behind it. They have been making headphones for about forty years, but have only recently made their way to Australia to set up shop. It is about time too, because their gear isn’t half bad!

The A-T Bar has a range of Audio-Technica’s headphones on trial to the public. That alone beams the company’s confidence in their own product. National brand manager Wesley Grabill mentioned “A-T’s products are solid. Not many of our competitors would leave their headphones on display like this! But that’s not the half of it – what we’re showing is the range and depth of the A-T offering – we’ve got over 120 models, variations and styles here!”

When he says “on display” he really means it. The headphones are sitting there, hooked up to a library spanning a number of genres of music for you to judge how good they are. While cheekily sitting on the bar’s couch, you have the option to plug in your own iPod to hear your music through their cans.

One of the products A-T have sitting by the couch is a pair of 90% noise cancelling headphones.

“We are one of only a very few companies that make 90% noise cancelling headphones and probably the most competitively priced. Having them on demo here shows how awesome they are.”

What better place to demonstrate cancelling noise than this shopping centre?

If form is more important to you than function, there is a large range of sexy fashion headphones and earbuds for you to gander at as well. A number of products boast features that are colour interchangeable, others have self-storing headphone cables (awesome) and some are designed for those that cannot leave the house without wearing a baseball cap.

As for the service, it was pretty obvious that the A-T Barman (haha) knew what they were talking about. Knowledge about each model and their best applications flowed in abundance when quizzed as did suggestions of models for the customer’s particular purposes.

All in all, a superb display that should make choosing a pair of awesome headphones pretty easy.

L

A-T LOuNGE

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“get your sport on”

ATH-CK7: Audio-Technica’s CK Series are the most revered and awarded in-ear headphones in the line-up. The range extends right up to the $699 triple balanced armature CK100, which is truly in a league of its own. The CK7 (pictured here) features beautiful polished titanium housings and high-powered 11mm drivers lurking within. Comes complete with a carry pouch. RRP $149

ATH-EW9 RRP $295

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"if looks could kill"

ATH-ES7: Sounding just as good

as they look, ES7’s deliver clean, full range, dynamic audio

with the precision and depth of sound that would make an audiophile blush! Their

mirror finish stainless steel cups are a thing of beauty and make the ES7 one of Audio-Technica’s

best looking models to date. Incredible audio reproduction makes these headphones the perfect combination of function and

fashionesta. RRP $199

aniel from Street Press Australia is the national arts editor and has been nice enough to give his forecast in the gaming world for 2011

and if anyone in Australia would know Daniel would be the man to ask.

How long have you been involved with games and reviewing them?

I guess I’ve been reviewing and writing about video games professionally for around three or four years, although, like most people, I’ve been playing video games since I was a kid. I’ve many fond memories of playing Duck Hunt and California Games on the original Nintendo before I picked up a SEGA Mega Drive and a copy of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and became a SEGA boy. Whilst I was a keen gamer then, it wasn’t until the release of the Sony PlayStation that things got serious. I once sprained my wrist playing Tekken 2. True story.

What is the best game you have ever played?? I have a couple of favourite games, for different reasons. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 was the first game I loved, and therefore will always be up there, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was my first “adult” game. Now, though, it would have to be Grand Theft Auto IV. Even if Rockstar retired the series now (doubtful) I’d be happy playing it forever. Special mention must go to Pro Evolution Soccer, but sports titles never count, do they?

What is the worst game you have ever played? That’s a difficult one because I’m pretty selective with the games I play. If it looks shit from the box I won’t touch it. Most movie tie-ins are terrible, so I’ll say Iron Man, which was the last bad game I played.

DGAME ON

What should we expect for gamers in 2011? Well, hopefully further pressure on the government to introduce an 18+ rating for video games. It looks like the ruling will not come this year, but you never know, things could change. It sounds more promising than it did a year ago. Sonic turns 20 this year, so we should expect big things from SEGA; Rockstar will set the benchmark again with their next title L.A. Noire, and Portal’s sequel is coming. But really, the most exciting thing is the unexpected titles that’re going to pop up in Apple’s App Store and on the console networks. This is where the likes of Angry Birds and Limbo, two of the best video games of recent years, have come from. Bring it on!

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