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Austrian Audio OC818 Studio Set Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

BH #AUOC818 • MFR #OC818
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Austrian Audio OC818 Studio Set Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Key Features
  • For Vocals/Instruments in Studio & Stage
  • 5-Position Polar Pattern Switch
  • Handmade Dual-Diaphragm Capsule
  • Per-Diaphragm Output Connectors
Designed by a team of former AKG personnel, the Austrian Audio OC818 Studio Set is a large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone offering detailed audio capture and immense sonic customization for producers and engineers in personal and commercial recording facilities. The handmade 1" ceramic capsule features two gold-plated polymer membranes to enable multiple polar patterns. Utilize the 5-position switch to set the OC818 to figure-8, hypercardioid, cardioid, omnidirectional, or wide cardioid. Each diaphragm is routed to a separate output connector for dual-channel recording, which allows you to design custom polar pattern responses across five frequency bands via the open-source PolarDesigner plug-in or achieve a tweakable stereo image thanks to the StereoCreator plug-in (also open-source).
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Austrian Audio OC818 Overview

Designed by a team of former AKG personnel, the Austrian Audio OC818 Studio Set is a large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone offering detailed audio capture and immense sonic customization for producers and engineers in personal and commercial recording facilities. The handmade 1" ceramic capsule features two gold-plated polymer membranes to enable multiple polar patterns. Utilize the 5-position switch to set the OC818 to figure-8, hypercardioid, cardioid, omnidirectional, or wide cardioid. Each diaphragm is routed to a separate output connector for dual-channel recording, which allows you to design custom polar pattern responses across five frequency bands via the open-source PolarDesigner plug-in or achieve a tweakable stereo image thanks to the StereoCreator plug-in (also open-source).

Alternatively, the secondary output can be connected to the optional OCR8 Bluetooth module if you wish to enjoy convenient wireless control and selection of 255 polar patterns via the free iOS/Android PolarPilot app. Front-panel switches are provided for easy access to the pad and roll-off settings. Set the pad to -10 or -20 dB to avoid distortion when miking loud sources such as drums or guitar cabinets. Activate the high-pass filter at 40, 80, or 160 Hz for attenuation of low-frequency problems including rumble and proximity effect. The OC818's housing is constructed of zinc-aluminum alloy for strength and durability. The OC818 Studio Set includes a vibration-reducing shockmount, a traditional mic clip, a mini 5-pin XLR to 3-pin XLR cable, a windscreen for mitigating noise from breaths and blasts of air, and a protective carry case.

Precision Capsule
  • CKR12 ceramic capsule is handmade in-house at Austrian Audio's facility in Vienna
  • Made to the same critical dimensions as the classic CK12 capsules
  • Matched within 1 dB of every other OC18 or OC818 to allow the creation of stereo pairs (additional microphones available separately)
Studio Sound Quality
  • High sensitivity and low self-noise means it can handle everything from a whisper to extreme SPLs without distortion
  • Two-stage pad (-10 or -20 dB) to prevent distortion
  • High-pass filter with three positions (40, 80, or 160 Hz) for reduction of low-frequency rumble and excessive bass
Microphone Features
  • 5-position polar pattern switch for figure-8, hypercardioid, cardioid (dual-cardioid mode when using the secondary output), omnidirectional, and "preset mode," which defaults to wide cardioid, but can be set to anything via the free iOS/Android PolarPilot app and optional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle (required for PolarPilot control)
  • Microprocessor control of polarization voltages allows remote controlled polar pattern settings
  • Dual outputs for recording each diaphragm separately
  • Balanced 3-pin XLR main output
  • Mini 5-pin XLR secondary output
  • Includes mini 5-pin XLR to 3-pin XLR adapter cable for secondary output
  • 48V phantom powered
  • Includes shockmount, mic clip, windscreen, and protective carry case
  • Debuts Austrian Audio's Open Acoustics Technology
  • Works with select downloadable open-source plug-ins for extra flexibility
PolarPilot App
  • Wireless control of polar pattern, pad, and high-pass filter settings in real time via Bluetooth (optional OCR8 required)
  • Save, recall, and share favorite settings
  • Discover and create 255 discrete polar patterns
  • One setting can be stored in OC818 for use without PolarPilot app
  • No digital technology in the audio or bias paths
  • 60-second clipping monitor/logger
PolarDesigner Plug-In
  • Craft different polar pattern responses across 1-5 crossover bands
  • Store, recall, and share presets
  • Powerful Terminator AI for eliminating or rescuing selected frequencies and instruments
  • Equalization control for imprinting the tonality of free-field or diffuse-field idealized responses
  • Per-band solo/mute
  • Supports comprehensive automation
  • Linear phase
  • Optimized for use with the OC818 in dual-output mode, but works with any dual-output source
Stereo Creator Plug-In
  • Stereo with one OC818
  • Three different stereo techniques with fantastic post-processing possibilities using two OC818s
  • One 4-channel recording, three different stereo techniques (X/Y, Mid-Side, Blumlein)
  • Adjust spatiality in post processing
  • Change stereo width in post processing
  • Change orientation in post processing
AmbiCreator Plug-In
  • Create an Ambisonic B-format signal with two OC818 microphones
UPC: 810019100017

Austrian Audio OC818 Specs

Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Figure-8 / Hypercardioid / Omnidirectional / Subcardioid/Wide Cardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Controls
Polar Pattern, Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
148 dB
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Figure-8 / Hypercardioid / Omnidirectional / Subcardioid/Wide Cardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Diaphragm
1" / 25.4 mm
Orientation
Side Address
Controls
Polar Pattern, Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Pad
-10 / -20 dB
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 40 Hz, 12 dB/Octave / 80 Hz, 12 dB/Octave / 160 Hz, 6 dB/Octave
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
148 dB
Sensitivity
13 mV/Pa
Equivalent Noise Level
9 dB SPL (A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V (Phantom Power)
Physical
Dimensions
H: 1.4 x W: 2.5 x L: 6.2" / H: 3.5 x W: 6.3 x L: 15.7 cm
Weight
12.7 oz / 360 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
41.9 x 12.5 x 5"

Austrian Audio OC818 Reviews

great modern design

By Jeremy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-03-13

my studio is next to several cell sites and much of the gear I had been using had to be let go because the RFI was too much for them to be useful. I tried the OC818s on a whim, expecting to return them like the few other pairs I have tried recently b/c noise. Nope! They are dead quiet and sound great! They compare nicely to the pair of AKG XLS I have and are similar in tone but with their own flavor. More up top and downstairs! Really excellent mic and I'm glad I decided to give the AA brand a try. Fully professional tool.

beautiful-sounding, flexible mics

By CJB
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-07-22

I've had these for several months now and still can't believe how great they sound. I usually gravitate towards condensers with transformers or mics that aren’t too bright. These are beautiful, full-sounding mics with a nice mid-range and amazing clarity, but they never sound harsh. Useful on many sources. Very solidly made. They have the utilitarian flexibility of my C414 B ULS mics, but with that added brilliance / air that the B ULS mics don't have.

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