‘I have long been a fan of AKG microphones for both tour and studio,’ says Japanese recording and touring percussionist, Taku Hirano. ‘AKG has afforded me superior microphones that meet my needs for both sonic precision in the studio and the rigours of life on the road.’

To date, this has included live work with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Mary J Blige and Usher, and working in the studio with Fleetwood Mac, Dr Dre, Kanye West and Lionel Richie.

For overheads, Hirano uses the C414 XLS for everything from handheld percussion to cymbals and gongs. Most recently, he acquired a Groove Pack, which includes an AKG P2, two P17 and three P4 microphones for multipurpose use on the road.

‘This has been my go-to kit for everything while I am on tour,’ he says. ‘Whether I am conducting sessions in my hotel room, or live performances on stage, these microphones and the accompanying lightweight protective aluminium case cover all my needs.’

Having performed at high-profile venues 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 meet this criterion: ‘It’s no surprise to me that all of the AKG products I own have performed flawlessly,’ he says. ‘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.’