Austrian Audio OC818 Studio Set B-Stock
Condenser large diaphragm microphone
- Switchable directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, hyper cardioid, figure eight
- Freely configurable polar pattern via PolarDesigner plug-in for Win and Mac
- Real-time polar patterning via OCR8 Bluetooth dongle (Art.467336 - not included) and PolarPilot app for Android and iOS
- Handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule based on the CK12 capsule
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 13 mV / Pa
- Output impedance: 2 x 275 ohms (balanced)
- Input impedance: 1 kOhm
- Max. SPL: 148 dB / 158 dB (with pad)
- Noise: <10 dB SPL
- Signal-to-noise ratio:> 84 dB
- Requires 48 V phantom power
- Low Cut Filter: 40, 80 and 160 Hz
- Pad: -10 dB and -20 dB
- Includes elastic shock mount, microphone clamp, windscreen, mini XLR adapter and case
- Dimensions: 157 x 63 x 35 mm
- Weight: 0.36 kg
A phoenix from the ashes
After the long-established Viennese manufacturer AKG closed its Austrian facilities in 2017, a team of former AKG engineers quickly founded their own company, Austrian Audio, and went on to launch the OC 818, a clear in-house progression of AKG's classic C414 microphone. The OC 818 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with selectable polar patterns, a dual-function switchable pad, and a high-pass filter with four settings. The Austrian Audio OC 818 microphone, however, has a number of features that other manufacturers can only dream of, not forgetting of course the special digital integration option available for the microphones via plugin and app – another feature definitely worth boasting about.
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Back to the future
On examining the exterior of the microphone, it quickly becomes clear that the OC 818 is equipped with two outputs – a standard XLR socket and a mini XLR socket located at the rear of the device. The idea is that the regular XLR socket can output a full signal with the selected polar pattern, but the selection of the pattern can also be deferred by outputting the signals from the front and rear capsule separately, which means that the polar pattern can then be selected from the mixing console or DAW and even in an automated fashion. Austrian Audio also provides the internally developed "Polar Designer" plugin, which delivers even greater functionality and enables the user to choose various polar patterns for up to five different frequency bands and specifically eliminate interference signals using AI support.
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New possibilities
In the studio, the OC 818 is an all-rounder that is ideal for vocal recordings but works equally well with acoustic guitars, drum overheads, and amplifiers - not to mention in live environments. A particularly practical feature of the OC 818 is that its polar pattern, pad, and high-pass filter can be controlled remotely from the Austrian Audio PolarPilot mobile app in conjunction with the optional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle. Trips to the microphone are thus reduced, which can make all the difference, particularly in a live environment. The Polar Designer plugin, on the other hand, enables users to conduct sound experiments using previously unavailable polar patterns.
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About Austrian Audio
The Viennese manufacturer Austrian Audio was founded in 2017 by 22 former senior AKG employees, including engineers and managers - as the traditional Austrian manufacturer was closing its offices and factories in Vienna. The first product releases from Austrian Audio immediately put them on the map, confirming their pedigree. The company's product range, which so far consists of headphones and microphones, is characterised by elegant design and smart concepts with a modern twist. In addition, all products are manufactured in Austria, as during the golden age of AKG. It will be interesting to see what Austrian Audio will come up with next.
Ground-breaking options
The former staff of AKG have made an impressive new start with Austrian Audio and the OC 818 microphone, breathing new life into an eternal classic. Although the sound of the OC 818 has already been tested many times over, the new features added by the Austrians are more than just a gimmick, offering musicians and engineers alike a new level of flexibility and greater scope. The digital integration options available with the microphone are both groundbreaking and very easy to apply. The OC 818 will appeal to anyone looking for a high-quality and versatile large-diaphragm microphone, particularly given its favourable price tag.
