Austrian Audio's OC18 & OC818 microphones were reviewed in December's edition of the music recording and production magazine Music Tech. 


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the OC18 and OC818 large diaphragm condenser microphones, both feature the same incredible handmade capsule at their heart. The OC18 is an essential precision microphone featuring a classic cardioid pick-up pattern, whilst the OC818 features multiple patterns, dual outputs for recording its forward-facing and rear-facing capsules independently, and optional Bluetooth wireless control.


"These microphones perform superbly on almost all instruments and voices. Their even-handed nature and freedom from unwanted resonance makes them brilliant all-rounders in most situations, and the multi-patterned OC818 is incredibly versatile" - John Pickford, Music Tech


Austrian Peaks


Common to both OC mics are a pad switch, offering either 10dB or 20dB of gain reduction. Selecting the -10dB option reduces the capsule’s bias voltage, allowing the mic to accept 10dB more input. A high-pass-filter is also featured on both models, offering filtering at 40Hz, 80Hz or 160Hz. The first two are high-pass 2nd order filters at their respective frequency points, while the third employs a high-pass 1st order filter from 160Hz to 80Hz and a 2nd order filter below 80Hz. Each microphone is supplied with clips and a bespoke foam windshield.


Faultless performance


Moving on to the fixed-cardioid OC18, the added presence in the upper midrange brings out the crunch in electric rhythm guitar and sounds gorgeous on cello. The firm bottom-end displayed by the OC818 is notable here too, while the midrange brightness allows the sound of the bow across strings to cut through the mix.


Read the full review from Music Tech here.


Pricing and Availability

Each microphone is available in a variety of Sets to fit different needs; a Studio Set with a custom Spidermount included, and a Live Set containing a pair of mics.

Austrian Audio is distributed in the UK/ROI by Sound Technology Ltd. For more information please call 01462 480000 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk/music-retail/austrian-audio.