Though the brand Austrian Audio may not be ubiquitous like the time-honored legends of Telefunken, Neumann, Shure, and AKG, you’re bound to see Austrian Audio microphones popping all over the place. It was a team of former AKG personnel who designed the OC18 and OC818 mics—studio condensers featuring handmade large-diaphragm ceramic capsules. Serving everyone from the novice singer to the obsessive engineer, the Austrian Audio mics (made in Vienna, of course) offer detailed sonics and powerful tonal customization.
The OC818 boasts two gold-plated polymer membranes and per-diaphragm outputs, so you can record each diaphragm to a separate track. Not only does the OC818 offer five locally selectable polar patterns, but it also allows you to craft your own custom polar pattern responses over one to five crossover bands via the free PolarDesigner plug-in. You can even enjoy wireless control of the polar pattern, pad, and high-pass filter settings through the free PolarPilot app if you purchase the optional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle. Since each mic is matched with 1 dB of every other OC818 or OC18, you easily and confidently expand to stereo pairs at any time.
The OC18 has the same handmade ceramic capsule, but in a single-diaphragm version for cardioid-only operation. Like the OC818, the OC18 has a pad (-10 or -20 dB) and a high-pass filter (40, 80, or 160 Hz). The OC18 foregoes the second output, app customization, and wireless control to give you a simple and traditional experience while maintaining the sound established by Austrian Audio and its Open Acoustics Technology.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first serious microphone or questing to expand your existing mic locker, there are major benefits to ownership of an OC818 or OC18. Learn more by talking to the knowledgeable staff at the B&H SuperStore or by visiting our website!
0 Comments