At the upcoming NAMM 2022 show at the Anaheim Convention Center, Austrian Audio is announcing the launch of the OC16, a new large-diaphragm condenser microphone offering a combination of a handmade-in-Vienna CKR capsule and the company’s proprietary “Open Acoustics Technology” approach.
The OC16 is designed to be a robust microphone, equipped with a patented CKR6 ceramic capsule. The design is inspired by the CK12 capsule, which was made of brass, with Austrian Audio opting for industrial ceramics instead because it’s an insulating material that has the same mass and acoustic properties as brass but is less error-prone in production and can be manufactured much more consistently. Each capsule is made by hand in Vienna, tested and measured in-house before it leaves the factory.
Open Acoustics Technology is designed to reduce acoustic problems such as unwanted reflections and standing waves within the microphone, fostering a more open and natural sound. The elastic capsule suspension is designed to allow the mic to be positioned very close to loud sound sources, reducing unwanted noises, bass boosts and distortion. It is stated to handle sound pressure level of up to 148 dB SPL.
A low-cut filter at 40 Hz is designed to eliminate the lowest interference while a high-pass filter at 160 Hz counteracts proximity effect (bass boost). The flat design of the microphone in combination with its low weight (335 g) allows more precise alignment in hard-to-reach places. The CKR capsule is hung via three elastic points reduces interference from structure-borne noise so that the mic can also be used without a spider. (For example, hanging on the cable in front of a guitar amplifier.)
The new OC16 is available in the U.S. for $399; in Europe for €349; and in the UK for £319.
