The Austrian Audio OC16 is an extremely robust microphone equipped with a patented CKR6 ceramic capsule. The design is inspired by the legendary CK12 capsule which was made out of brass. Austrian Audio opted for industrial ceramics instead as it is a highly insulating material that has the same mass and acoustic properties as brass, but is far less error-prone in production and can be manufactured much more consistently. Each capsule is made by hand in Vienna, tested and measured in-house before it leaves the factory.
As Austrian Audio details, its unique Open Acoustics technology reduces acoustic problems such as unwanted reflections and standing waves within the microphone. The result is what the company calls its "open condenser" sound. Thanks to the elastic capsule suspension, the microphone can be positioned very close to even the loudest sound source, reducing unwanted noises, bass boosts and distortion.
The new OC16 can be a great microphone for anyone looking for a versatile condenser with a fair price to performance ratio, putting it within the reach of home studios and gigging musicians, as well as rental companies, and professional studios looking to fill out their mic locker.
Key features for the new Austrian Audio OC16 microphone include a Low Cut filter at 40Hz to eliminate the lowest interference frequencies, and High Pass at 160Hz to counteract the so-called proximity effect when not desired. The flat design of the microphone in combination with its low weight (335g) allows miking and precise alignment even in hard-to-reach places.
The CKR capsule is hung inside the microphone at three elastic points. This reduces interference from structure-borne noise to a minimum, so that the mic can also be used without a microphone spider. Ideal for hanging the OC16 on the cable in front of a guitar amplifier, for example. The Austrian Audio OC16 can also be used in front of very loud sources without running the risk of distortion. The OC16 can withstand a sound pressure level of up to 148dB SPL. It doesn't matter whether it's used on brass, loud percussion instruments or directly on the guitar amp - the OC16 will always transmit the signal cleanly and without distortion.
The precise cardioid polar pattern helps eliminate background noise such as fan noise from nearby sources, such as a computer, making the OC16 also a good choice on a desk for podcast recordings, dubbing of video content or web streaming.
The OC16 ships in a practical soft case and includes an elastic microphone spider and a mic clip. Available in the US for $399 and in Europe for €349.
www.austrian.audio
