Handcrafted in Vienna, the City of Music, the Austrian Audio OC818's revolutionary multi-pattern, two-channel, large-diaphragm condenser microphone offers optional wireless control. The OC818 offers four selectable polar patterns, 10dB and 20dB attenuations, and three selectable high-pass filters. With Austrian Audio's open-source PolarDesigner plug-in (Mac and Windows), you can create custom polar patterns for up to five different frequency bands. Additionally, the PolarPilot mobile app (iOS, Android) offers real-time wireless remote control over polar patterns, high-pass filter and attenuation settings via the optional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle. Note that the OC818 is always operating and changing modes purely in the analog domain; only the analog bias voltages are being controlled remotely. There is no digital signal in the audio or polarization paths. Offering the best of both worlds, the Austrian Audio OC818 is a sophisticated tool that is sure to help you produce recordings with better sound quality.
Note: The Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set Plus includes everything found in the OC818 Live Set, with the addition of two Spider Mount shock mounts and the OC Dual Case dual-mic carrying case.
Explore the sonic possibilities
The OC818 offers four selectable polar patterns onboard: figure-8, supercardioid, cardioid and omnidirectional, offering immense flexibility when it comes to exploring the sonic possibilities offered by different recording techniques. The fifth setting is Preset mode, which works in conjunction with the optional Bluetooth dongle that plugs into a port on the back of the microphone body and allows you to program custom patterns. Austrian Audio microphones are rigorously tested in state-of-the-art measurement systems and precisely matched to a tight tolerance of 1dB - meaning that with two of these excellent microphones you can confidently implement stereo techniques such as Spaced Pair (A/ B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF, Mid-Side (MS) and Omni Spaced arrangement (with or without center microphone). It's worth noting that a single OC818, with its two separate XLR outputs, is a stereo microphone in its own right. But with two OC818s, your options expand exponentially.
Dual mode and PolarDesigner
The second output on the back of the OC818 delivers the signal from the rear capsule membrane, while the front membrane is delivered via the normal XLR jack. Simply connect the OCC8 mini XLR cable supplied with your OC818 and set the polar pattern switch to the cardioid configuration (the center position with the double-cardioid icon). The OC818 will now operate in dual mode, with both capsule membranes being routed independently. In dual mode, you can record the two signals to separate tracks and use the PolarDesigner plug-in to later 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 microphones with, for example, a tight supercardioid pickup in the low frequencies, figure-8 for the mids, and omnidirectional for the highs would sound on a drum set in a great-sounding room!
Real-time remote control
With Austrian Audio's OCR8 Bluetooth module (available separately) and the PolarPilot app for iOS and Android, you can control the OC818 remotely from your smartphone or tablet. Powered by the 48 volts of phantom power that powers the microphone, the OCR8 is activated by setting the Preset mode switch (the "•" position all the way to the right). Once paired with your device, the PolarPilot app gives you full wireless control over the OC818's polar patterns, highpass filters, and pads. The app also has an overload monitor that displays a red bar if the signal is too high. In this case, activate the 10dB pad to reduce the polarization voltage on the capsule and protect the internal circuitry of the clip microphone.
Exceptional results from any sound source
The heart of any classic microphone is a handcrafted superior capsule, and this wisdom is proven in Austrian Audio's proprietary CKR12 capsule. Conforming to its multi-standard design specification, the OC818 utilizes the dual-diaphragm version of the CKR12 capsule, which, in conjunction with the microphone's custom electronics, delivers excellent results when used for vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads , strings, brass, percussion and ambient capture. Additionally, the OC818's robust maximum native SPL capability of 148 dB - further increased by the inclusion of selectable 10 dB and 20 dB pads - also makes it ideal for louder sound sources such as drums and electric guitar cabinets.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone with dual output and optional wireless control
Handmade double diaphragm ceramic CKR12 capsule
Selectable polar patterns: Figure-8, supercardioid, cardioid, omnidirectional, custom
Microprocessor control of bias values
Choice of 3 analog high-pass filters: 40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz
10dB and 20dB analog attenuators
Dual outputs for recording each diaphragm separately
Wireless control via optional OCR8 Bluetooth module (available separately)
Incorporates Austrian Audio's Open Acoustic Technology
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity (all directions): 13mV/Pa
Equivalent noise level: 9dB SPL (A)
Maximum sound pressure level: 148dB (158dB SPL with pad)
Impedance: 275Ω; load impedance: >1kΩ
Supply voltage: 48 volts phantom (<4mA, typical 2.1mA)
Handmade in Vienna
Includes 2 OCW8 windshields, 2 OCH8 mic clips, 2 OCC8 mini XLR cables, 2 cable clips, 2 OCS8 Spider Mounts and 1 OC Dual dual-mic case.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Microphone Type: Condenser
Mono/Stereo: Dual Out
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional
Diaphragm Size: Large
Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL: 148dB SPL
Sensitivity: 13mV/Pa
Output Impedance: 275 ohms
Auto Noise: 9dB SPL (A-weighted)
Low Cut Filter: 40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz
Attenuation: -10dB, -20dB
Silver color
Connector: XLR (mic), Mini-XLR (dual out cable)
Power Supply: 48V phantom power
Dimensions: 6.18" x 2.48"
Weight: 0.79 lbs.
Included Accessories: Carrying case, Spider Mount, Foam Windshield, Microphone clip, Mini-XLR cable
Manufacturer Part Number: 17002F11000
