Sound Pure's Take

When Austrian Audio emerged from the legacy of AKG's former Vienna team, they set out to modernize one of the most legendary sound signatures in recording history. The Austrian Audio OC18 is the purest realization of that vision. It takes the hand-built, edge-terminated capsule architecture of the iconic C12/C414 family and reimagines it with cutting-edge materials and a single-diaphragm, fixed-cardioid design.

At the heart of the OC18 is the handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule. By replacing traditional brass capsule housings with precision-molded ceramic, Austrian Audio achieved unmatched physical consistency. The result? Any single OC18 off the production line is factory-matched to within 1dB of any other OC18 or OC818. Sonically, it delivers that coveted Viennese character: open, detailed top-end air and articulate midrange without the harsh, hypes-up sibilance that plagues many modern condensers.

From Austrian Audio

Consistent performance

Engineered and manufactured in Austria, its high sensitivity and low self-noise means it can handle everything from a whisper, to extreme SPLs without distortion, making it the perfect choice for studio, live and broadcast applications. The unique ceramic capsule design is so consistent, the OC18 can be match-paired with any other OC18 or paired with any OC818 set in cardioid mode.

 

Key Features

 ♦ The same handcrafted design as the OC818

Classic cardioid

 ♦ Handcrafted CKR6 ceramic capsule

like the CKR12 capsule, but with single diaphragm

 ♦ Every Austrian Audio OC18 and OC818 is within 1dB of each other,

Making any two microphones a stereo pair

 

Directional characteristics
Single
Impedance
275 Ω (symmetrical)
Polar pattern
Cardioid
Load impedance
> 1 kΩ
Frequency range
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Supply voltage
48 V (< 2.2mA)
Sensitivity (all directions)
13mV/Pa
Main Connector
XLR 3 pin
Equivalent noise level
9 dB SPL (A)
Max SPL
148 dB SPL (158 dB SPL)
Dimensions
157 x 63 x 35 mm
Switchable pad
-10 dB, -20 dB
Weight
335 g
Analog Low Cut filter
40 Hz (2nd order), 80 Hz (2nd order), 160 Hz (1st order down to 80Hz, 2nd order below)

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

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Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

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