Transducer technology giant Audio-Technica introduced the BPHS1 ($279 MSRP) Broadcast Stereo Headset with Dynamic Boom Microphone at the AES Convention this weekend.

According to A-T, the headset offers natural, highly intelligible stereo reproduction, which may be interpreted to mean that it can talk, think, and reproduce in stereo, just like a set of twins. The dual earphones have a frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz and a 40 mm neodymium driver designed to handle maximum sound pressure levels.

The professional boom-mounted moving coil dynamic microphone can be positioned for use on either side of the mouth and is perfect for achieving that James Earl Jones presence while recording for on-air programs, sports broadcasting, live news, and more. The microphone has a unidirectional polar pattern, a high-performance neodymium magnet, and a flexible gooseneck boom that swivels. Because it is most sensitive to the sounds right in front of it, the mic reduces the pickup of unwanted, off-axis sounds.

The BPHS1 is rugged so it can withstand years of broadcast abuse, and features closed-back circumaural (around-the-ear) ear cups designed to provide comfort and ambient noise rejection with minimal ear fatigue. This headset comes with a user-replaceable, detachable 11-foot cable terminating in two output connectors, one each for the microphone (3-pin XLRM-type) and headphone (3-conductor ¼-inch connector). Three windscreens are also included to protect against noise and pops from breath and wind.

Audio-Technica expects to ship the BPHS1 in late 2009.