Austrian Audio Releases OC16 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Austrian Audio has announced the launch of the OC16, a new large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Like the critically acclaimed OC18 and the OC818 models, the new OC16 boasts a transparent and natural sound thanks to a combination of the handmade in Vienna CKR capsule and Austrian Audio’s “Open Acoustics Technology” approach.

The OC16 is designed to be 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. This time, 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.

Austrian Audio Microphone
Coypright Robert Lunak 2021

Austrian Audio’s Open Acoustics technology reduces acoustic problems such as unwanted reflections and standing waves within the microphone. Thanks to the elastic capsule suspension, the mic can be positioned very close to even the loudest sound source, reducing unwanted noises, bass boosts and distortion.

The new OC16 is an all-around microphone for those who want to try Austrian Audio’s high-quality sound and features a price that puts it within the reach of home studios, gigging musicians, podcasters, live streamers, and professional studios looking to fill out their mic locker with an affordable workhorse.

Key Features:

Low Cut / High Pass Filter: 

  • 40Hz to eliminate the lowest interference frequencies.
  • 160Hz to counteract the so-called proximity effect – a bass boost that occurs when the microphone is positioned very close to the sound source.

Design and weight:

  • The flat design of the microphone in combination with its low weight (335g) allows miking and precise alignment even in hard-to-reach places.

Elastic capsule suspension:

  • 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.

High sound pressure tolerance

  • Ideal for use in front of very loud sources without running the risk of distortion. The OC16 can withstand a sound pressure level of up to 148 dB 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 OC16 ships in a soft case and includes an elastic microphone spider and a mic clip.

Pricing: The OC16 is available in the US for $399, in Europe for €349  and in the UK for £319.