Audio-Technica is a Japanese audio equipment company founded in Tokyo in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita. It began as a manufacturer of affordable phono cartridges (its first models were the AT-1 and AT-3), with a vision of making high-fidelity sound more accessible. Over time, it expanded into headphones, microphones, turntables, wireless audio systems, mixers, and other professional and consumer audio gear. Today still family-owned, Audio-Technica is known for blending innovation, rigorous engineering, and broad application, its products are used in studios, live sound, broadcast, installations, and by music enthusiasts worldwide.