USA - Audix is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a manufacturer of microphones. Since 1984, Audix has grown to offer a wide range of microphones for audio recording, live performance, and installed sound applications. Today, product families for instruments, vocals, and studio recording enjoy a reputation for audio fidelity, build quality and sensible pricing.
To celebrate its history and continued innovation, the company has produced a limited edition of the D6 kick drum microphone. The Limited Edition D6X microphone has all the sonic attributes that makes D6 a classic, plus additional filtering options. Only 100 units of the bead blasted D6X Limited Edition will be produced and will be available through selected giveaways throughout the next months.
In 1986, the Audix OM1 handheld dynamic mic was born. The OM1 began to amass a word-of-mouth reputation for sounding better than the ubiquitous industry standard and offered interchangeable grilles – ball-shaped for vocals and cap-shaped for instruments – so one model could then take the place of the competition’s two.
In 1991, Audix relocated from the San Francisco Bay Area to Wilsonville, Oregon, where R&D and manufacturing still takes place. The 78,000sq.ft facility includes a recording studio and live soundstage for testing mics under real-world conditions, as well as bespoke tooling that allows Audix to adhere to tight engineering tolerances and deliver premium quality.
One of the best-selling products in Audix history is the D6. Monitor engineer Nathan Bauld (Tower of Power) praised, “It crushes every other kick drum mic” and front-of-house mixer Charlie Martinez (Little Feat, Steely Dan) noted its flexibility on other low-end sources, saying “I thought I’d try it on baritone sax. I fell in love with it immediately.”
Descendants of the brand-launching OM1 now comprise a full range of models with different pickup patterns for instrument and handheld vocal applications. “Changing to the OM7 was a night-and-day difference in terms of the clarity of vocals in our in-ear mixes,” notes Soul Asylum bassist Jeremy Tappero. “I could crank up a vocal without bringing up the roar of the stage.”
“We are overjoyed to celebrate 40 years of excellence at Audix,” says Bjørn Rennemo-Henriksen, senior director at Audix. “Audix always passionately challenges norms and works tirelessly to exceed both expectations. Product launches coming soon in 2025 are a phenomenal testament to this commitment; we look forward to introducing the amazing results of our team’s hard work and innovations to the community. We express our sincerest thanks to the musicians, engineers, and audio enthusiasts who have made Audix who we are today.”
