Austrian Audio OC616: five-pattern condenser between OC16 and OC818

Austrian Audio has announced the OC616, a multipattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone. It fills the gap in the company's range between the OC16, which is made in larger volumes at a lower price, and the OC818 with dual outputs and extra features. The company describes the new model as a professional microphone meant to serve as an everyday workhorse in home recording setups, and as a way to bring a multipattern design to more musicians.

Capsule and electronics

Like other OC models, the OC616 is based on the AKG C414 concept. It uses the CKR12 dual-diaphragm ceramic capsule and transformerless FET electronics. The OC series was designed by engineers who previously worked at AKG's Vienna factory, and all OC models share the company's Open Acoustic design.

Controls

• Five polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8.
• High-pass filter at 40, 80 or 160 Hz.
• Pad of -10 dB or -20 dB.

Three OC818 features are left out: the second output, control over Bluetooth and integration with the Polar Designer plugin.

Voicing, accessories and price

The OC818 and the cardioid-only OC18 are voiced for transparency. The OC616 has a more finished, production-ready sound aimed at project and home studios. Listed uses include vocals, speech, acoustic guitar, drum overheads and room miking of drums or ensembles.

The microphone ships in an MCS616 foam-lined carry case with an OCS6 shockmount and an OCH8 clip. It is available for pre-order, with shipping planned for later in the month of the announcement, at about $563 to $749 depending on the retailer.