OD5 Active Dynamic Instrumental Microphone [] Austrian Audio [] Sound Technology Ltd

Overview

Austrian Audio proudly introduces the OD5 active-dynamic microphone, optimised for use on instruments.The mic is handmade in Vienna and subjected to the strictest quality assurance processes. As to be expected from Austrian Audio, these mics come with some special features:

Most noticeable is the "Swivel Joint" mechanism. Musicians and sound techs are familiar with the problem of microphone stands that are screwed on too tightly and can hardly be reached in the forest of stands on stage. Once you finally get them loose, they lose their position completely - making fine adjustments to microphone angles by a few degrees difficult.

Austrian Audio's engineers have developed a swivel system for the microphone basket that allows a 220° rotation of the field. The microphone can be very easily aligned precisely to the sound source or according to personal sound preferences without having to awkwardly adjust or loosen the microphone stand; frustrations such as microphones falling off or fingers pinched on the stand are now a thing of the past. Precise directionality is a prerequisite for the targeted alignment of a microphone.

The OD5 features the active-dynamic circuit; the same one featured in the OD505 vocal microphone. This ensures that even long cable runs have no negative effect on the signal. In addition, the active-dynamic design allows the integration of a proper high-pass filter. In the OD5, a CAB ("Cut & Boost") filter is applied at 80Hz, which is particularly well suited for use with guitar amplifiers, for example. This filter removes the unusable low frequency sound and at the same time increases pressure in the bass range. The second position at 120Hz is a common 2nd order high-pass filter.

Another feature of the OD5 instrument microphone is the pad switch. In the zero position, the active dynamic microphone has a sensitivity usually found in condenser microphones, and at the same time, it’s almost impossible to get the OD5 to overdrive. The -10dB pad is ideal for protecting downstream mic preamps from clipping when they have no pad capability themselves.

The versatility of the OD5 make it a great workhorse with many applications. Perfectly suited for use on various drums with an optional custom mount. It’s also superb on guitar amplifiers, as well as in front of wind instruments.

Specifications

Directional characteristic	Cardioid
Frequency range	20 Hz – 18 kHz
Sensitivity	6.7 mV/Pa
Equivalent noise level	21 dB SPL (A)
Max SPL	151 dB SPL (>160 dB SPL mit pad)
Low cut filter	80 Hz (2nd Order), 120 Hz (2nd Order)
Pad	-10 dB
Impedance	275 Ω (symmetrical)
Load impedance	> 1 kΩ
Supply voltage	48 V (< 1.5 mA)
Main Connector	XLR 3 pin
Dimensions	147 x 82 x 54 mm
Weight	265 g