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The perfect choice for an affordable, high-quality microphone
Legendary sound quality meets unrivaled state-of-the-art technology when you pick up the Austrian Audio OC16 large diaphragm condenser microphone.
This robust and powerful mic combines the patented CKR6 capsule and Austrian Audio’s “Open Acoustics” design approach to deliver an utterly transparent and natural sound that has been highly acclaimed in the press.
Each handmade CKR6 capsule is tested and measured in-house before leaving the factory in Vienna, ensuring superior precision and quality.
The OC16 performs with impressive versatility, capturing pristine sound on any instrument – from drums to acoustic instruments, electric guitars, pianos, wind and string instruments vocals, podcast recordings, live streaming to broadcast applications.
For sound engineers, recording artists, musicians, voice artists, and content creators looking for professional sound and outstanding quality, look no further than the Austrian Audio OC16 large diaphragm condenser microphone.
Outstanding results on any source
The heart of any classic mic is a superior handmade capsule, and this wisdom is borne out in the Austrian Audio’s proprietary CKR6 ceramic capsule. The CKR6 capsule, in concert with the microphone’s custom electronic circuitry, delivers excellent results when used for vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drums, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, drum overheads, room capture, and more. An onboard 40Hz/160Hz low-cut/highpass filter lets you eliminate rumble and proximity effect to tailor the mic’s low-end response to the specific task at hand. The capsule is suspended elastically at three points within its cage, which keeps structure-borne noise to a minimum, making it feasible to use the mic even without a suspension mount (although one is included).
High tech meets tradition
The OC16’s sonic profile is inspired by a coveted classic microphone, but under the bonnet it’s a marvel of modern engineering. Employing highly insulating industrial ceramics that mimic the acoustic properties and mass of traditional brass along with other high-tech materials allows for a level of precision in manufacturing that was unimaginable even a few years ago. Each CKR6 capsule and assembled microphone is tested to ensure adherence to exacting tolerances before leaving Austrian Audio’s Vienna factory. Whether deployed in music recording, broadcast, voiceover, podcasting, or streaming applications, the OC 16 provides you with consistent, reliable performance, session after session, year after year.
Austrian Audio: the new Vienna classics
Carrying on the rich legacy of high-end Viennese transducer and microphone design into the modern era, Austrian Audio is driven by an engineering team with over 300 years of combined experience. Their motto: "Making Passion Heard." Their mission: to design and manufacture a new generation of recording tools that embrace cutting-edge technologies and sonic excellence while honoring Vienna’s rich musical heritage. That vision is realized in Austrian Audio’s proprietary handcrafted capsules and the superior build quality of their products. Sweetwater is proud to bring you Austrian Audio’s distinguished lineup of fine microphones.
Mohamed SAAD
Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2024
I bought this microphone to upgrade from Rode Nt1a the sound quality is outstanding didn't regret buying it ❤️❤️ it can be your forever microphone.
jon
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 9, 2024
I wanted a stereo pair for recording acoustic guitar and these were perfect for my needs. Got them on offer for a great price too. Made in Austria by a company made up with a core team of ex AKG Employers.
CWS
Reviewed in Germany on September 13, 2023
Für dieses Geld ein wahnsinnig tolles Mikro. Wenn ich nicht zum Vergleich ein OC18 gekauft und mich lange reingehört hätte, wäre es nicht zurück gegangen. Ich hatte sogar überlegt beide zu behalten. Es ist unglaublich nahe am OC18 dran. Den Unterschied den die Kabel im Vergleich ausgemacht haben war größer als der Unterschied der Mikros. Die Optik ist auch super. Aber letztlich hat dann der Hauch besser Klang, das komplett schwarze Gehäuse und "Made in Austria" die Wahl auf das OC18.Die Spinne ist fast gleichwertig zum OC18. Mit der Spinne vom OC18 kommt man näher an den Amp. Witzigerweise kann man die Spinne vom OC16 mit der Spinne vom Rode NT1A kombinieren (Innenteil von OC16-Spinne mit Gummis/Außenteil von NT1A-Spinne) und hat so eine stabilere Spinne mit integriertem Popschutz. ;-)
Kate Jaxx
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023
I bought the OC16 brand new and tried it in different positions all over a room with a guitar cab. I put it far away, up close, on the floor, everywhere really. The result? A boominess and garbled low end that was impossible to get rid of. Wondering why there's a bass roll-off switch going all the way up to 160hz? Yep. That's why. Honestly, I even cut the bass all the way up to 500hz (combined with the 160hz roll-off) using an added hardware EQ and the boominess was still there. I could also hear a nasty garbled sound underneath the bass after doing the extreme cut. Not even software could get rid of it. Other than that, I think the midrange is ridiculously pronounced as well - to the point of sounding like a toy. This mic is not even worth $100 IMO Trash. Feels and sounds like it was made on Walmart 3D printer.
James T
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022
I got this microphone based on the fact that Austrian Audio seems to make some of the best reviewed "high end" mics on the planet, and (supposedly) this inexpensive version uses the same capsule as the ones made in Austria. I'm not a pro, but to my ears, this mic sounds incredibly warm and smooth. It does not have the harsh and brittle top end of the lower cost mics. If you want that really "bright" sound, you can always add EQ, but I found myself using the mic without any EQ and it sounds amazing. It also has a very strong output, so I did not have to turn up the pre-amp on my interface (reducing the noise floor). The packaging is first rate, and the build quality of the mic itself is very, very solid, but the shock mount seems to be a little on the cheap side. That being said, I don't expect any problems out of it.
FiveEars
Reviewed in Canada on December 16, 2022
I've been fussing about trying to find a good sounding microphone that doesn't need equalization to make sound right, or that has a natural timbre. This is the ticket for me! This and my Line Audio CM4 pencil microphones have almost the exact same sound signature. The OC16 even bests my outrageously over-priced Earthworks microphone. The screen on the OC16 is transparent and surprisingly effective. I wish it was black. It can't take direct plosives, which is to be expected. However, set at 15-30 degrees off centre, I've not needed a filter or foamy. The mic even works well in non-professional (not tediously "treated") rooms. I'm so happy with it; shamelessly so. It ain't the lowest priced mic out there -- granted --, but I'm happy with the "quality costs." The price-to-quality ratio is typically utter nonsense for high-end gear, if you are a non-professional like myself. This mic just sits at the outer threshold. I'm one happy camper.
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