Austrian Audio OC818 Studio Set

Austrian Audio OC818 Studio Set — a multi-pattern condenser microphone with a dual-diaphragm CKR12 capsule and separate outputs per diaphragm, bundled with a spider shockmount, a mini XLR cable, a windscreen, and a carrying case.

The OC818 is Austrian Audio's flagship microphone, built around a handmade CKR12 capsule based on the classic CK12 design but with two independent diaphragms. A five-position switch selects cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8, omnidirectional, or a Preset mode for custom settings, and each diaphragm has its own output — a standard XLR for the front and a 5-pin mini XLR for the rear. The Studio Set includes the OCS8 shockmount, the OCC8 cable for dual-output mode, a mic clip, a foam windscreen, and a carrying case.

Choosing the polar pattern after the session instead of before it

A common problem with multi-track recording: the polar pattern has to be chosen before the session, and a wrong call only shows up at mix time, when fixing it means re-recording. The OC818's dual-output mode captures both diaphragms separately via the OCC8 cable, letting you shape any polar pattern after the fact in PolarDesigner, including custom patterns spread across five frequency bands. The same signal can also feed StereoCreator to experiment with stereo miking techniques without repositioning the mic.

Remote parameter control without stepping into the room

Changing polar pattern, pad, or high-pass filter directly on the mic body requires physical access to the stand, which breaks session flow, especially with vocalists tracking in an isolated booth. The optional OCR8 Bluetooth module, paired with the PolarPilot app, lets these parameters be changed remotely from the control room, without entering the space and interrupting the performer's focus — particularly useful for live broadcasts, streaming, or multi-take sessions.

KEY FEATURES

• Handmade CKR12 capsule with two independent diaphragms
• 5 polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8, omnidirectional, Preset mode
• Dual output: separate XLR and mini XLR outputs per diaphragm
• Compatible with PolarDesigner, StereoCreator, and AmbiCreator (post-production)
• Optional remote control via the OCR8 Bluetooth module and PolarPilot app
• Switchable -10 dB / -20 dB pad and 40/80/160 Hz high-pass filter
• OCS8 shockmount, OCC8 cable, clip, windscreen, and case included
• 48V phantom power

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Polar pattern: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, hypercardioid, programmable mode
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 13 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level: 9 dB SPL(A)
• Maximum SPL: 148 dB SPL (158 dB SPL with -20 dB pad)
• Low cut filter: 40 Hz (2nd order), 80 Hz (2nd order), 160 Hz (1st order down to 80Hz, 2nd order below)
• Impedance: 275 Ω (symmetrical)
• Load impedance: >1 kΩ
• Supply voltage: 48V (<4mA, typical 2.1mA)
• Main connector: 3-pin XLR; second connector: 5-pin mini XLR (rear diaphragm)
• Dimensions: 157 x 63 x 36 mm
• Weight: 360 g