Austrian Audio OC818 Multi-pattern Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Handcrafted in Vienna, the City of Music, the Austrian Audio OC818 is a revolutionary multi-pattern dual-output large-diaphragm condenser microphone with optional wireless control. Onboard, the OC818 offers a choice of four selectable polar patterns, 10dB and 20dB pads, and three switchable highpass filters. But with Austrian Audio's open-source PolarDesigner plug-in (Mac and Windows), you can craft custom polar patterns for up to five different frequency bands. What's more, the PolarPilot mobile app (iOS, Android) gives you real-time wireless remote control over polar patterns, highpass filter, and pad settings via the optional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle. Note that the OC818 is always operating and mode switching purely in the analog domain; it's only the analog bias voltages that are being governed remotely. There is no digital signal in either the audio or bias paths. Giving you the best of both worlds, the Austrian Audio OC818 is a sophisticated tool that will help you make better-sounding recordings.

The OC818 offers four selectable onboard polar patterns: figure-8, supercardioid, cardioid, and omnidirectional, giving you immense flexibility when it comes to exploring the sonic possibilities offered by different recording techniques. The fifth setting is Preset mode, which works in tandem with the optional Bluetooth dongle that plugs into a port on the rear of the mic body and lets you program custom patterns. Austrian Audio microphones are rigorously tested on state-of-the-art measurement systems and precision matched to within a stringent 1dB tolerance — which means that with two of these excellent microphones, you can confidently implement stereo techniques such as Spaced Pair (A/B), X-Y (including Blumlein), ORTF array, Mid-Side (MS), and Spaced Omni (with or without a center mic). It's worth noting that a single OC818, with its two separate XLR outputs, is a stereo microphone in and of itself. But with two OC818s, your options expand exponentially.

The second output on the back of the OC818 delivers the signal from the rear capsule membrane, while the front membrane is output via the normal XLR plug. Simply plug in the OCC8 mini XLR cable supplied with your OC818 and set the polar pattern switch to the cardioid setting (the center position with the dual-cardioid icon). The OC818 will now work in Dual mode, with both capsule diaphragms being routed independently. In dual mode, you can record the two signals to separate tracks and use the PolarDesigner plug-in to subsequently modify the polar pattern in post production. PolarDesigner even lets you independently choose the polar pattern for up to five different frequency bands. Imagine how a pair of room mics with, for instance, a tight supercardioid pickup in the low frequencies, figure-8 for the mids, and omnidirectional for the highs would sound on a drum kit in a great-sounding room!

The heart of any classic mic is a superior handmade capsule, and this wisdom is borne out in the Austrian Audio's proprietary CKR12 capsule. In keeping with its multi-pattern design specification, the OC818 uses the dual-diaphragm version of the CKR12 capsule, which, in concert with the microphone's custom electronic circuitry, delivers excellent results when used for vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads, strings, brass, percussion, and room capture. What's more, the OC818's robust native 148dB maximum SPL capability — further increased by the inclusion of selectable 10dB and 20dB pads — also makes it ideal for louder sources such as tom toms and electric guitar cabinets.

• Multi-pattern dual-output large-diaphragm condenser microphone with optional wireless control
• Handmade, dual-diaphragm CKR12 ceramic capsule
• Selectable polar patterns: figure-8, supercardioid, cardioid, omni, custom
• Microprocessor control of polarization voltages
• Choice of 3 analog highpass filters: 40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz
• 10dB and 20dB analog pads
• Dual outputs for recording each diaphragm separately
• Wireless control via optional OCR8 Bluetooth module (available separately)
• Incorporates Austrian Audio's Open Acoustics Technology
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
• Sensitivity (all directions): 13mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level: 9dB SPL (A)
• Maximum SPL: 148dB (158dB SPL with pad)
• Impedance: 275Ω; load impedance: >1kΩ
• Supply voltage: 48-volt phantom (<4mA, typical 2.1mA)
• Handcrafted in Vienna
• Includes protective carry case, OCS8 spider mount suspension, OCW8 foam windshield, OCH8 mic clip, OCC8 mini XLR cable, and cable clip

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