Overview
The Austrian Audio OC18 is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone made in Austria. Its handmade 1 inch CKR6 ceramic capsule has very low self noise and handles very high sound pressure levels, so the same microphone can record a quiet spoken voice, an acoustic guitar or a loud guitar amp.
Each OC18 is individually measured and calibrated at the factory, so any two OC18s can be used as a stereo pair, and it can also be paired with an OC818 set to cardioid. Switchable pads and low cut filters help it cope with loud sources and boomy rooms. It suits home and project studios, broadcast and podcast work, churches and schools recording services or choirs, and live use on instruments.
Highlights
- 1 inch CKR6 ceramic capsule, handmade in Austria
- Very low 9 dB(A) self noise for speech and quiet sources
- Handles up to 148 dB SPL, 158 dB SPL with pad
- Switchable -10 dB and -20 dB pads
- Low cut filters at 40, 80 and 160 Hz
- Factory calibrated so any two OC18s make a matched pair
- Supplied with spider mount, mic clip, windshield and case
Specifications
| Type | Large diaphragm true condenser |
| Capsule | 1 inch CKR6, single diaphragm |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 13 mV/Pa |
| Self noise | 9 dB(A) |
| Max SPL | 148 dB SPL (158 dB SPL with pad) |
| Pad | -10 dB, -20 dB |
| Low cut | 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz |
| Power | 48 V phantom |
| Connector | 3 pin XLR |
| Dimensions | 157 x 63 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 335 g |
| Includes | Spider mount, mic clip, windshield, case |
Forefront Tip
For spoken word and podcasting, use the spider mount and windshield and start with the 80 Hz low cut, which takes out desk bumps and room rumble without thinning the voice. Buy two OC18s if you want a stereo pair for choirs, drum overheads or acoustic instruments, as they are already matched from the factory.
