Products: Audio Technica

To record audio in the field these days, a good stereo mic is essential. But with today's budgets, keeping the cost down turns out to be equally as important. So if you're working on a DV-camcorder sort of production, consider pairing it with Audio Technica's not-too-pricey Pro 24 stereo condenser mic. Part of the Stow, Ohio-based company's new Pro series introduced at summer NAMM, the mic uses a pair of cardioid elements in X-Y configuration. Newly designed circuitry allows the company to proclaim it a price/performance leader, with such specs as 82dB, 1kHz at maximum SPL.

The Pro 24 includes an LR44 battery, AT8405a stand clamp, windscreen, soft protective pouch, and permanently attached 6ft. cable with a 3.5mm stereo plug at the output end. www.audio-technica.com