Audix Is Born
Audix began in 1984 in Redwood City, California, with the goal of making high-quality microphones for the music and pro audio industry. In 1986, they introduced their first professional vocal microphone, the OM1. The OM1 became popular with notable musicians like The Beach Boys and received high ratings in magazine reviews due to its incredible sound quality and better gain before feedback compared to other more established mics of the time.
In 1991, Audix moved their company and manufacturing to Oregon, where they developed a new technology called VLM (very low mass). Referring to the ultra-lightweight diaphragm inside the capsule, VLM technology powers all of the OM microphones. In 1998, Audix built a fully integrated manufacturing facility at its new headquarters in Wilsonville, Oregon, where they continue to design, machine, assemble, and ship their products today, 36 years later.
The Vocal Microphone Revolution
The mid-’90s was a fruitful and passionate time for music in America, with the grunge movement erupting from Seattle. With road-tested microphones that offered exceptional gain before feedback on even the loudest of stages, Audix became the mic company of choice for many of the artists who emerged from the rainy northwest city. Two years after its 1991 debut, the Audix OM7 landed on the cover of Time magazine in a picture of Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam using it onstage.
From there, Audix found its way onstage with Alanis Morissette, Ani DiFranco, Willie Nelson, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Emmylou Harris, George Strait, MTV, The Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Goo Goo Dolls, MTV Unplugged, The Tonight Show, and growing numbers of artists around the world.
Available in both wired and wireless configurations, Audix vocal mics are at home on stage and in the house of worship.
The Rise of the Drum Pack
With the success of their OM series vocal microphones in full swing, Audix continued their innovation trend with the D series — dynamic instrument microphones that were application specific. These included the D2 for rack toms and congas, the D4 for floor toms, cajon and bass cabs, and the D6 dynamic microphone for kick drum and low frequency instruments. Shortly after came the development of the i5, a multipurpose dynamic microphone ideal for snare drums, guitar cabinets, vocals, acoustic instruments, and beyond.
These innovative instrument mics, individually and collectively, have become industry standards and can be found on stages and studios all over the world. By bundling these signature microphones in various Drum Packs, including the Sweetwater-exclusive DP7 Plus, Audix offers exceptional value for drummers at every level.
Little Mics, Huge Sound
In 2004, Audix broke new ground again by introducing The Micros Series, the world’s smallest fully integrated condenser mic. Leveraging the variety of capsule choices available, Audix created the MicroBoom. Available in different mic sensitivities and polar patterns, the MicroBoom Series features unique gooseneck boom stands in multiple sizes and colors. The MicroBoom Series set a new standard for choir miking and has become a staple for houses of worship, schools, orchestras, and stages worldwide.
The Micros technology is also found in their line of MicroPod Series of desktop gooseneck microphones, which are found in courtrooms, government buildings, corporate offices, schools, and auditoriums everywhere. This same technology also enabled Audix’s extensive line of ceiling microphones, which are deployed in conference rooms and classrooms across the globe.
Audix also offers lavalier and headworn condenser microphones in both wired and wireless versions. In addition, the USB12 gooseneck condenser microphone is a convenient plug-and-play solution for distance learning or working from home.
From Broadcast to Podcast
While Audix has a long history on stages worldwide with their vocal and instrument microphones, Audix has also left its mark in studios large and small. Whether it’s with the SCX1 medium diaphragm pencil condenser, the “lollipop” SCX25a large diaphragm condenser, or the multipurpose ADX51 small diaphragm condenser, Audix brings your studio to life.
Audix continues their tradition of innovation for studios with the release of their new large diaphragm condenser microphones. Perfect for home recordings, podcasting, and professional large-scale studios, the A131 and A133 feature a 1.3-inch extra-large, fixed-charged capsule to faithfully reproduce a wide range of sound sources.
Hear What You’ve Been Missing
With decades of innovation and success in the microphone market, Audix took that legacy, along with transducer knowledge, into the headphone marketplace with the launch of their dynamic closed-back headphones.
Designed with studio engineers and audiophiles in mind, the four models — A140, A145, A150, A152 — boast various driver sizes and frequency ranges, providing options for producers, gamers, musicians, and anyone who appreciates accurate, crystal clear audio.
