Austrian Audio OC16 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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.

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. ;-)

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.

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.

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.