Austrian Audio are extremely proud to introduce the new OC18 and OC818 large diaphragm condenser microphones, made in Vienna, both featuring 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.

Photo above: Austrian Audio OC818 (click for hi-res version)

The single-diaphragm OC18 and dual-diaphragm OC818 both feature a beautiful new handmade ceramic CKR12 capsule, resulting in no compromise in sound between the two models. In fact, any OC18 and OC818 can be used as a matched pair due to the extreme precision of our manufacturing and measuring processes.

Photo above: Austrian Audio OC818 (click for hi-res version)

Photo above: Austrian Audio OC18 (click for hi-res version)

OC18 vs OC818

Since the OC18 and OC818 are sonically identical your choice is based only on application. The OC18 features a classic cardioid pick-up pattern and includes a selectable high-pass filter plus a -10/-20db Pad. The OC818 features the same filter and Pad, plus a variety of pick-up patterns selectable from the body, and some incredible extra features up its sleeve.

OC818 Dual Outputs and PolarDesigner plug-in

The OC818 features dual audio outputs that allows the recordist, engineer, musician and forward-thinking artist to record the rear facing capsule independently of the forward-facing capsule. If both capsules are recorded to a stereo or dual-mono track, our free and Open Source PolarDesigner plug-in (Mac/Win: VST, AU & AAX) will allow for unprecedented control and tailoring of polar patterns between 1 and 5 bands with selectable crossover points during the mix process.

OC818 Optional Bluetooth and PolarPilot App

The OC818 is also the first multi-patterned microphone to proudly feature the world’s first wireless pattern and switching control via an optional transmitter/receiver (OCR8) that can be fitted to the rear of the microphone. This unique feature allows for a previously unheard of 255 discrete polar patterns between figure-of-eight, through all of the cardioid versions and into omnidirectional. The free control software, PolarPilot, will be available for iOS and Android. This all occurs in the analogue domain and there is no processing or conversion of the mic’s signal to digital.

Photo above: Austrian Audio OCR8 Bluetooth Remote (click for hi-res version)

“I couldn’t be prouder of what this heritage team has accomplished in under two years of development and now into full production. This is what happens when you reassemble a team that has decades of experience working together. Austrian Audio will bring back ‘Made in Vienna’ and will provide the tools to ‘Make your passion heard’”, stated Martin Seidl, CEO.

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Pricing and Availability

Each microphone will be 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.

All products will be available May 2019.

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