Austrian Audio OC18 on a Classical Guitar
Austrian Audio sent me a stereo pair of their OC818 and OC18 microphones for reviewing, so the first thing I did was to put them up against my Neumann microphones and see how they perform.
Low-cut fitlers and switchable pad.
For those of you who are not familiar with Austrian Audio, here is a little back story. When AKG offices in Vienna got closed, some of its former employees join forces and set out to create something new, true to the Viennese microphone manufacturing heritage. In July 2017, Austrian Audio was officially born.
Handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule
With their new CKR12 ceramic capsule as the centre point, Austrian Audio released their first two microphones last year. The multipattern large-diaphragm condenser OC818, and it's cardioid only version OC18 for those who don't need the extra patterns. Both are priced very competitively, considering their quality and that they are 100% made in Austria.
In a see of clones
Austrian Audio OC18.
In a see of vintage "inspired" microphones that have flooded the market the last decade, I find very refreshing that Austrian Audio, instead of releasing "clones" of the AKGs acclaimed C12 and 414 microphones, they worked two years in the development of new microphones and technologies. In other words, they were paying 22 employees for two years with nothing on the shelves to sell.
Austrian Audio OC18 vs Neumann TLM 193
Austrian Audio OC 18 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern.
Neumann TLM 193 Frequency Response.
Neumann TLM 193 Polar Pattern.
Austrian Audio OC18 and Neumann TLM 193.
In the last couple of years, the TLM193 is the microphone I've been using for my classical guitar recordings. Needless to say, I know exactly how it sounds with my guitars, and I appreciate its pure and honest character. Although I would never record in mono for any professional use, I think it is interesting to find out how a single OC18 compares at half the price of the Neumann, cardioid to cardioid.
I set them up, one on top of the other, around 55cm away from the top of my spruce top guitar, and opposite to the bride, leaning a little towards the soundhole. For the test, I used AEA TRP2 preamps and RME ADI-2 Pro FS converters.
High-quality 320kbps mp3 streams:
Austrian Audio OC18 vs Neumann TLM 102
Neumann TLM 102 Frequency Response.
Neumann TLM 102 Polar Pattern.
Austrian Audio OC18 and Neumann TLM 02
Neumann's budget TLM 102 has always been one of my favourite large-diaphragm condenser microphones for the price with its relatively low-noise electronics, small size and smooth natural capture. Considering that the OC18 is at a similar price, I wanted to see how it stands in comparison.
I set them up similarly with the TLM 102 sitting upside down on top of the OC18.
High-quality 320kbps mp3 streams:
For those who have experience with the TLM 193 or TLM 170, it should be easy to guess, which mic is which. Between the TLM 102 and OC18 it should be a little harder.
If you’d like to listen to uncompressed wav files, just send me an email.
Click here for more comparisons and a full review of both the OC18 and a stereo pair of OC818.
