Austrian Audio OC18 Dual Set Plus Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphones

Austrian Audio OC-18 DUAL SET PLUS Overview

The Austrian Audio OC18 Dual Set Plus is a matched set of large-diaphragm studio condenser microphones designed by a team of former AKG workers. They provide comprehensive audio recording and are perfect for stereo miking solo instruments, drum kits, and groups. The OC18’s handcrafted 1″ ceramic capsule has a gold-plated polymer membrane and a cardioid polar pattern, providing consistent on-axis directivity with improved off-axis rejection. The OC18 is 48 VDC phantom-powered and does not require batteries or an additional power supply.

Front-panel switches provide for simple access to the pad and roll-off settings. Set the pad to -10 or -20 dB to reduce distortion while recording loud sources like drums or guitar cabinets. Activate the high-pass filter at 40, 80, or 160 Hz to reduce low-frequency issues like rumbling and proximity effects. The OC18’s housing is made of a zinc-aluminium alloy for strength and endurance. The OC18 Dual Set Plus comprises two shock mounts, two mic clips, a stereo bar, two windscreens to reduce noise from breaths and blasts of air, and a secure carry box to transport and store the complete bundle.

Outstanding outcomes from any source

Austrian Audio incorporates what they’ve learned over their combined 300 years of expertise. This understanding is reflected in the company’s distinctive CKR12 capsule, and a high-quality handcrafted capsule is at the core of each classic microphone. In keeping with a fixed cardioid polar pattern, the OC18 employs a single-diaphragm version of the CKR12 capsule, which, when combined with the microphone’s custom electronic circuitry, produces excellent results for vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads, strings, brass, percussion, and room capture. Furthermore, the OC18’s powerful, inherent 148dB maximum SPL capabilities — which are enhanced by optional -10dB and -20dB pads — make it perfect for louder sources like tom-toms and electric guitar cabinets.

A versatile cardioid polar pattern

If you had to pick only one polar pattern for all of your studio microphones, cardioid would be it. Although multi-pattern microphones, such as Austrian Audio’s OC818 are recommended for difficult recording settings and sophisticated stereo miking techniques, cardioid microphones will be your “go-to” mics for the vast majority of recording and sound reinforcement duties. The OC18 has the same handmade-in-Vienna CKR12 ceramic capsule as the OC818, but with only a single diaphragm, which reduces the cost. After all, if you don’t require various polar patterns, why pay for them? With the OC18 dual set plus, you receive virtually precisely the same microphone as the OC818, with equal sound quality.

Austrian Audio: The New Vienna Classics

Austrian Audio dual set plus is led by an engineering team with over 300 years of combined experience, continuing the long history of high-end Viennese microphone design into the present era. Their motto is: “Making Passion Heard.” Their objective is to create and produce a new generation of recording equipment that includes cutting-edge technology and audio perfection while paying tribute to Vienna’s rich musical tradition. That goal is realised in Austrian Audio’s unique, handcrafted CKR12 large-diaphragm capsule, which is utilised in the company’s renowned OC18 and OC818 condenser microphones. is pleased to present Austrian Audio’s excellent portfolio of quality microphones and accessories.

Austrian Audio OC18 Dual Set Plus Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Features:

•  Handmade ceramic capsule with a single diaphragm for CKR12.
•  Accurate stereo capture with a precision-matched pair of OC18 microphones within 1dB tolerance.
•  Compatible with Austrian Audio’s OC818 for mixed-pair applications.
•  Cardioid polarisation pattern.
•  Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz.
•  Sensitivity in both directions: 13 mV/Pa.
•  Equivalent noise level: 9dB SPL (A).
•  Maximum SPL is 148dB (158dB with -10dB pad active).
•  Switchable pad: -10dB or -20 dB.
•  HPF switchable between 40Hz, 80Hz, and 160Hz.
•  Impedance: 275 Ω (symmetrical)
• Gold-plated Polymer Membrane.
•  The pad may be set at -10 or -20 decibels.
•  High-pass filter options include 40, 80, and 160 Hz.