Our accomplished touring FOH and studio engineer friend, Steve Lagudi, is also an occasional A-T guest blogger. He’s tackled several topics, including miking cymbals and channel delay. At this year’s NAMM Show, Steve took some time to talk with us about some of his favorite A-T mics.

1. AE2500

The Artist Elite® AE2500 dual-element microphone features cardioid condenser and dynamic capsules together in one housing. Traditionally, this mic is used for recording a balanced kick drum, but Steve uses it for miking the guitar as well.

“It just gives you everything that you want out of the guitar – everything from a tight low-end all the way to the top… hearing all the strings on the instrument. … This is definitely my go-to mic for guitars.”

2. ATM450

The Artist Series® ATM450 is a versatile, low-profile cardioid condenser mic. It features an innovative side-address stick design for many placement options with few obstructions. Steve likes it best for spot-miking cymbals. Spot-miking isolates the sound you’re after and screens out unwanted bleed.

“It just shines. It just gives you that good character that you want from cymbals.”

3. AE6100

The Artist Elite® AE6100 hypercardioid dynamic vocal microphone delivers high-output, assertive sound. With clean articulation and fast transients, it’s perfect for uncompromised vocals.

“This is probably the best vocal microphone for me…. I can really keep all my stage bleed down to almost- next to nothing.”

4. AE3000

The Artist Elite® AE3000 can handle extreme SPLs. This large diaphragm cardioid condenser mic is great for such applications as guitar cabinets, toms, snare, timpani, horns and overheads.

“I can get a really nice, deep, round sound out of the drums… It’s a very versatile and, most of all, very low profile [mic], so you can get it in some tight areas.” We’d like to thank Steve again for talking with us about some of his favorite Audio-Technica mics. Hopefully, you’ve picked up some new ideas for your studio! What are your go-to A-T mics? Tell us about it on Facebook and Twitter, and keep checking the blog for more studio updates!