The Austrian Audio OC818 is one of those microphones that feels like a modern classic in the making.

Designed by many of the former AKG engineers responsible for some of the most respected microphones ever built, the OC818 takes that Austrian microphone heritage and pushes it into entirely new territory. At its heart is Austrian Audio’s handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule, inspired by the legendary CK12 designs that helped define countless classic recordings.

What immediately stands out is the balance. The OC818 has an openness and clarity that feels detailed without ever becoming harsh. The top end is airy and refined, the midrange stays natural and articulate, and the low end remains solid and controlled. It captures the nuance of a performance without imposing an overly obvious sonic fingerprint, which makes it remarkably versatile across a huge range of sources.

Vocals are an obvious strength, but the OC818 rarely feels limited to one role. Acoustic guitars, piano, drum overheads, strings, room mics, voiceover work—it consistently delivers a polished, high-end sound that sits comfortably in a mix. It has that rare ability to be both flattering and honest at the same time.

What really separates the OC818 from other premium condensers, though, is its flexibility. Multiple polar patterns, dual-output capability, and the ability to manipulate polar response after recording make it one of the most adaptable microphones available today. You can capture each diaphragm independently and fine-tune the microphone's behavior later, opening up creative possibilities that simply don't exist with most traditional condensers.

Despite all the advanced technology, it never feels complicated. At its core, it's still a fantastic-sounding microphone first and foremost. The extra features simply expand what it's capable of rather than getting in the way of the recording process.

What we appreciate most about the OC818 is that it feels equally comfortable in traditional and modern workflows. It can function as a straightforward, world-class large diaphragm condenser, or it can become an incredibly powerful creative tool for engineers who want to explore new recording techniques.

For engineers looking for a flagship microphone that combines classic Austrian craftsmanship, exceptional versatility, and genuinely innovative features, the Austrian Audio OC818 is one of the most compelling large-diaphragm condensers on the market today.

The New Viennese Original

Engineered and manufactured in Austria, The OC818 is Austrian Audio’s premier, professional, large diaphragm microphone. Its high sensitivity, low self-noise and ability to handle everything from a whisper to extreme SPLs make it the most advanced microphone for studio, broadcast and live applications. As the unique ceramic capsule design is so consistent, any OC818 is match-paired with any other OC818, and when in cardioid mode, it can also be match-paired with any OC18, its affordable, smaller sibling.

Key Features

 ♦ Handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule

Made to the same critical dimensions as the classic CK12 capsules

 ♦ Multiple polar patterns

Cardioid, omnidirectional & custom programmable

 ♦ Microprocessor control of polarisation voltages

Allows remote controlled polar pattern settings

 ♦ Two different analogue high-pass filters with three settings

40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz

 ♦ Two different types of analogue pads

-10 dB, -20 dB

 ♦ Dual outputs

for recording each diaphragm separately

PolarPilot App

Our free PolarPilot app (Android and iOS) allows real-time wireless control over your analogue patterns, high-pass, and pad in realtime via Bluetooth

 • Save, recall, and share favourite settings

 • Discover and create 255 discrete polar patterns

 • One setting may be stored in OC818 for use without the PolarPilot app

 • The OC818 is always pure analogue: only the analogue bias voltages are being governed remotely

 • Switching also is always analogue

 • No digital in either the audio or bias paths. It’s everything you want, with none of what you don’t

 • 60 second OC818 clipping monitor/logger

 • Wireless control from the comfort of your chair

The Heart of the OC818

CKR12 Ceramic Capsule

Making Passion Heard

We bring passion to everything we do, and nobody brings more than our engineering team. Every CKR12 ceramic capsule is handmade in-house at our facility in Vienna and now we are developing the next generation of transducer and microphone builders to serve our expanding customer-base.

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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