Distinguished Percussionist Taku Hirano Makes His Mark with HARMAN’s AKG Microphones

NEW YORK, New York – As a recording and touring percussionist, Taku Hirano has worked with some of the most successful artists in the world, performing live with legends such as Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige and Usher, and working in the studio with Fleetwood Mac, Dr. Dre, Kanye West and Lionel Richie. Throughout these endeavors, Hirano has relied on only the highest quality microphones from HARMAN’s AKG.

“I have always been a fan of AKG microphones for both tour and studio applications,” said Hirano. “Working with AKG has afforded me superior microphones that meet my needs for both sonic precision in the studio and the rigors of the road.”

As a microphone for overheads in his percussion setup, Hirano uses the C414 XLS to capture the best patterns during every application. It can cover everything from handheld percussion instruments to cymbals and gongs. Most recently, Hirano also acquired a Groove Pack, which includes an AKG P2, two P17 and three P4 microphones for multi-purpose use on the road.

“This has been my go-to kit for everything while I am on tour,” according to Hirano. “Whether I am conducting sessions in my hotel room, or live performances on stage, these microphones and the accompanying lightweight protective aluminum case cover all my needs.”

Having performed at high-profile venues recently such as the White House and Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL” world tour, Hirano requires his microphones to be durable and consistent throughout the duration of their lifespan. He believes AKG microphones fulfill this criteria matching the longevity of his career.

“It’s no surprise to me that all of the AKG products I own have performed flawlessly,” said Hirano. “Having recently visited the AKG manufacturing facility in Vienna during a world tour, I saw firsthand the meticulous attention to detail that AKG follows. The quality of sound and durability of the physical microphone casing means that I can have peace of mind in the studio and on the road.”

HARMAN designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,800 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.7 billion for the last twelve months ended December 31, 2013.