Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set GO Black Studio Condenser Microphone

Studio Condenser Microphone Pair with Handmade Ceramic Capsule

The Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set GO Black pairs two large-diaphragm studio condenser microphones around the handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule, manufactured and tested in Vienna. Each microphone carries two gold-plated polymer membranes routed to separate output connectors for true dual-output recording. The set ships with two OCW8 windscreens, two OCH8 microphone clamps, two OCC8 mini-XLR cables, and a protective carry case.

Dual-Output Architecture and Open-Source Software Ecosystem

What separates this matched pair from any conventional large-diaphragm condenser is the dual-output design: each diaphragm is routed to its own connector, so the open-source PolarDesigner plug-in can morph the polar pattern across five frequency bands after the take. The same architecture feeds the StereoCreator plug-in for X/Y, Mid-Side, and Blumlein stereo imaging, while the optional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle unlocks 255 polar patterns via the PolarPilot app.

Capsule and Polar Pattern — Handmade CKR12 Ceramic Architecture

The 25.4 mm ceramic capsule is built in Vienna to the same critical dimensions as the classic CK12. Two gold-plated polymer membranes per capsule give the engineer four switchable polar patterns plus a programmable preset slot.

• Diaphragm Size: 25.4 mm (1") — large-diaphragm reach for full-bodied vocal and instrument capture
• Capsule Type: Handmade CKR12 ceramic with dual gold-plated polymer membranes — every OC818 is individually factory-calibrated to ±0.5 dB
• Four switchable polar patterns plus preset — Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8, Hypercardioid, plus programmable preset — cover every common stereo and room-capture technique

Electrical Performance — Low Noise, High SPL Headroom

The OC818's solid-state circuitry delivers studio-grade self-noise and enough headroom for everything from whispered dialogue to close-miked guitar cabinets.

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz — full-range capture well below and above the vocal fundamental
• Equivalent Noise Level: 9 dB SPL (A-weighted) — quiet enough for intimate vocal and acoustic sources
• Maximum SPL reaches 148 dB, expandable to 158 dB with the -20 dB pad engaged — handles drums, brass, and amplified instruments without distortion
• Sensitivity: 13 mV/Pa — high output that pairs cleanly with standard 48 V preamps

Connectivity and Build — Dual Outputs, Pro-Grade Hardware

Each OC818 microphone exposes both diaphragms on separate connectors for dual-output recording.

• Main Connector: 3-pin XLR (balanced) — standard studio interface, 48 V phantom powered
• Secondary output on a Mini 5-pin XLR — routes the rear diaphragm independently for dual-output recording
• Output Impedance: 275 Ω (symmetrical) — pairs with any preamp rated above 1 kΩ
• Pad: -10 dB / -20 dB switchable — protects the capsule from loud transient sources
• Three-position high-pass filter at 40 Hz / 80 Hz / 160 Hz — tames rumble, proximity effect, and low-end build-up

Who This Microphone Pair Is For

Producers, engineers, and project-studio owners who want one matched pair that covers vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and stereo room capture will find the Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set GO Black a natural fit. The dual-output design rewards engineers who commit to a performance first and shape the polar response later, while the included windscreens, clamps, and mini-XLR cables mean the pair is session-ready the moment the case opens. A discreet black finish suits light-critical broadcast, video, and stage applications. For owners who already use the OCR8 Bluetooth dongle, the PolarPilot app adds 255 polar patterns and remote switching from the control room.

Austrian Audio — Made in Vienna

Austrian Audio was founded by a team of former AKG engineers carrying forward the microphone design heritage of the original Vienna facility. The OC818 is the brand's flagship large-diaphragm condenser, with every CKR12 ceramic capsule still handmade and tested in Vienna to the same critical dimensions as the classic CK12.