Congratulations to Austrian Audio for taking home our Best Microphone Award at CES 2023 with its cardioid condenser microphone, the Austrian Audio OC16. Let’s take a look at this exciting microphone for videographers and creators and on budget.
The OC16: A great microphone on a budget
What we appreciate more than a great microphone is a great microphone that won’t cost an arm and a leg to get. The OC16 is just that. It’s a large-diaphragm, cardioid condenser microphone that implements an “Open Acoustics” design, according to Austrian Audio, and uses Open Acoustics technology. What this technology does is it isolates the microphone’s capsule from vibrations and works as a built-in diffuser.
Plus, its cardioid pickup pattern reduces unwanted background noise, making it simpler to capture clear audio without any extra work on your part. It’s a great mic for capturing natural recordings in professional studios.
It comes with an elastic spider shock mount
The OC16’s included shock mount furthers the microphone ability to capture clean audio. The Elastic spider shock mount adds additional protection against handling and vibration noises. This makes the mic great for podcasters, livestreamers and voice-over work.
Low-cut switch
Austrian Audio included a three-position low-cut switch. This switch lets you filter out unwanted bottom frequencies.
Power source
The OC16’s condenser mic capsule requires 48V phantom power through the XLR connector.
Rundown
- Directional characteristics: Single
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 11 mV/Pa
- Equivalent noise level: 14 dB SPL (A)
- Dimensions: 157 x 66 x 34 mm
- Analog low-cut filter: 40 Hz, 160 Hz
- Impedance: 275 Ω
- Load impedance: > 1 kΩ
- Supply voltage: 48 V (< 2.2mA)
- Main connector: XLR 3 pin
- Max SPL: 148 dB SPL
- Weight: 335 g
Pricing and availability
You can get your hand on the Austrian Audio OC16 now for $399. To learn more about this great mic, check out Austrian Audio’s official site.
