Austrian Audio OC18 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Cardioid Polar Pattern, -10dB and -20dB Pads, and 3-position Switchable Highpass Filter

Outstanding results on any source

Austrian Audio pours into their products everything they have learned in more than 300 years of combined experience. The company’s proprietary CKR12 capsule bears this wisdom, and a superior handmade capsule is the heart of any classic mic. In keeping with a fixed cardioid polar pattern, the OC18 uses the single-diaphragm version of the CKR12 capsule, which — in concert with the microphone’s custom electronic circuitry — delivers excellent results when used for vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads, strings, brass, percussion, and room capture. What’s more, the OC18’s robust, native 148dB maximum SPL capability — further increased by the inclusion of selectable -10dB and -20dB pads — also makes it ideal for louder sources such as tom toms and electric guitar cabinets.

Dual mode and PolarDesigner

The second output on the back of the OC818 delivers the signal from the rear capsule membrane, while the front membrane is output via the normal XLR plug. Simply plug in the OCC8 mini XLR cable supplied with your OC818 and set the polar pattern switch to the cardioid setting (the center position with the dual-cardioid icon). The OC818 will now work in Dual mode, with both capsule diaphragms being routed independently. In dual mode, you can record the two signals to separate tracks and use the PolarDesigner plug-in to subsequently modify the polar pattern in post production. PolarDesigner even lets you independently choose the polar pattern for up to five different frequency bands. Imagine how a pair of room mics with, for instance, a tight supercardioid pickup in the low frequencies, figure-8 for the mids, and omnidirectional for the highs would sound on a drum kit in a great-sounding room!

Real-time remote control

With Austrian Audio’s OCR8 Bluetooth module (available separately) and the PolarPilot app for iOS and Android, you can remotely control your OC818 from your smartphone or tablet. Powered by the 48-volt phantom that powers the mic, the OCR8 is activated via the Preset mode switch setting (the “•” position all the way to the right). Once paired with your device, the PolarPilot app gives you full wireless control over the OC818’s polar patterns, highpass filters, and pads. The app also features an overload monitor that displays a red bar if the signal is too loud. In that case, engage the 10dB pad to reduce bias voltage to the capsule and protect the mic’s internal circuitry from clipping.

Outstanding results on any source

The heart of any classic mic is a superior handmade capsule, and this wisdom is borne out in the Austrian Audio’s proprietary CKR12 capsule. In keeping with its multi-pattern design specification, the OC818 uses the dual-diaphragm version of the CKR12 capsule, which, in concert with the microphone’s custom electronic circuitry, delivers excellent results when used for vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads, strings, brass, percussion, and room capture. What’s more, the OC818’s robust native 148dB maximum SPL capability — further increased by the inclusion of selectable 10dB and 20dB pads — also makes it ideal for louder sources such as tom toms and electric guitar cabinets.

The new Vienna classics

Carrying on the rich legacy of high-end Viennese microphone design into the modern era, Austrian Audio is driven by an engineering team with over 300 years of combined experience. Their motto: “Making Passion Heard.” Their mission: to design and manufacture a new generation of recording tools that embrace cutting-edge technologies and sonic excellence while honoring Vienna’s rich musical heritage. That vision is realized in the Austrian Audio’s proprietary handcrafted CKR12 large-diaphragm capsule, which is used in the company’s excellent OC18 and OC818 condenser microphones. Musiekwereld is proud to bring you Austrian Audio’s distinguished lineup of fine musical instruments.

SPECS

• Microphone Type:Condenser
• Polar Pattern:Cardioid
• Diaphragm Size:Large
• Frequency Range:20Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL:148dB SPL
• Output Impedance:275 ohms
• Sensitivity:13mV/Pa
• Self Noise:9dB SPL (A weighted)
• Low Cut Filter:40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz
• Pads:-10dB, -20dB
• Connector:XLR
• Color:Black
• Power Source:48V phantom power
• Dimensions:6.18″ x 2.48″
• Weight:0.74 lbs.
• Included Accessories:Carrying Case, Spider Mount, Foam Windshield, Mic Clip
• Manufacturer Part Number:OC18-D-S-B