Austrian Audio OC18 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Studio Set)

Precision Engineering for the Modern Studio

The Austrian Audio OC18 is a high-performance cardioid condenser microphone engineered for those who demand absolute sonic transparency and reliability. Handcrafted in Vienna by a core team of industry veterans, it delivers the legendary character of the classic CK12 capsule within a robust, modern housing. Whether you are a tracking engineer capturing acoustic guitars, a voice-over artist seeking vocal clarity, or a producer looking for the ultimate drum overhead, the OC18 provides the vivid detail required for professional results.

The Legend Reimagined
At the heart of the OC18 is the handcrafted CKR12 ceramic capsule. Inspired by the iconic "brass ring" CK12, Austrian Audio’s engineers replaced the traditional conductive brass with high-precision ceramic sourced from the watch industry. This innovation eliminates common humidity-related failures while preserving the open, airy frequency response that made vintage microphones famous. The result is a microphone that offers timeless sonic character with the rugged stability required for modern high-pressure environments.

Open Acoustics Technology
The OC18 utilizes Austrian Audio’s proprietary "Open Acoustics" design, featuring a single-piece zinc-aluminium alloy housing and a specialized internal diffuser. By minimizing internal reflections and resonances, the capsule is allowed to operate as if it were suspended in a virtually free acoustic field. For the artist, this provides exceptional off-axis frequency response and a natural soundstage that requires significantly less correction during the mixing process.

Precision Unit Consistency
Meticulous manufacturing standards and laser-aligned component placement ensure that every OC18 is built to a tolerance of within 1dB of any other unit. This removes the need for expensive "factory matched" pairs; any OC18 can be seamlessly paired with another OC18, or even an OC818 in cardioid mode, for perfect stereo imaging. This level of consistency offers professionals the flexibility to expand their microphone collection over time without sonic compromise.

Main features:

• Handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule crafted in Vienna
• Fixed cardioid polar pattern for focused audio capture and superior rear rejection
• Ultra-low self-noise of 9 dB SPL (A) for professional low-level recordings
• High SPL handling of up to 158 dB when utilizing the internal pad
• Switchable -10 dB and -20 dB analogue pads for capturing loud sound sources
• Three-position high-pass filter to eliminate low-frequency rumble and proximity effect
• Durable zinc-aluminium alloy construction for long-term studio and stage use
• Internal elastic capsule suspension to significantly reduce handling noise

Package Includes

1x OC18 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
1x OCS8 Spider Mount Shockmount
1x OCH8 Mic Clip
1x OCW8 Windscreen
1x Protective Carrying Case
1x Quick Start Guide

Tech Specs:

• Type / Product: Professional Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 13 mV/Pa
• Equivalent Noise Level: 9 dB SPL (A)
• Maximum SPL: 148 dB (158 dB with pad)
• Analogue Pads: -10 dB, -20 dB
• High Pass Filter: 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz
• Impedance: 275 Ohms (Symmetrical)
• Load Impedance: > 1 kOhm
• Supply Voltage: 48 V Phantom Power (< 2.2mA)
• Main Connector: XLR 3-pin
• Dimensions: 157 x 63 x 35 mm
• Weight: 335 g
• Explore Austrian Audio Premium Microphones: https://austrian.audio/oc18/