Mic Archive
Austrian Audio OC18
Photo: Austrian Audio, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Austrian Audio

Austrian Audio OC18

Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser with ceramic capsule, three-step low cut and two-step pad

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−37.7 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
9 dB(A)
Max SPL
148 dB SPL
Impedance
275 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the graph response, p. 1. Titled "OC 18 Cardioid". Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the graph polar, p. 1. Full circle, 0° at the top, 5 dB per ring from +5 to -25 dB; low frequencies drawn on the left half (solid), high ones on the right (dashed). Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 250 Hz, 500 Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsulelarge diaphragm, ceramic capsule. "the unique ceramic capsule design"; "identical acoustic characteristics as its big brother the OC818".p. 1
Sensitivity−37.7 dBV/Pa (13 mV/Pa). Stated as "Sensitivity (all directions): 13mV/Pa"; converted: 20·log10(0.013) = -37.7.
Self-noise9 dB(A). "Equivalent noise level: 9 dB SPL (A)".
Max SPL148 dB SPL; also 158 dB SPL, in brackets on the sheet; presumably with the pad. "Max SPL: 148 dB SPL (158 dB SPL)"; the sheet does not say what the bracketed figure is. The manual (p. 2): the -10 dB pad position "reduces the bias voltage of the capsule, so the microphone can take 10 dB more input".
Output impedance275 ohm, balanced. "Impedance: 275 Ω (symmetrical)".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, more than. "Load impedance: > 1 kΩ".
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. "Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz"; tolerance not stated.
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Main Connector: XLR 3 pin".
Weight335 g. "Weight: 335 g".
Dimensions157 × 63 × 35 mm. "Dimensions: 157 x 63 x 35 mm"; which dimension is which is not stated (presumably height × width × depth).
Supplied accessoriesprotective carry case; OCS8 spider mount suspension; OCW8 foam windshield; OCH8 mic clip. The "OC18 Studio Set". The "OC18 Live Set" is two OC18 with two OCW8 windshields and two OCH8 clips.p. 2
MatchingAny OC18 can be paired with any other OC18, or with an OC818 set to cardioidp. 1
From the manual
Poweringphantom 48 V. "phantom power source of 48V (+/-4V), max draw is 2.2mA"; page 2: "according to P48 (48V +/- 4V)". The spec sheet: "Supply voltage: 48 V (< 2.2mA)".p. 1
Current draw2.2 mA, maximum (peak). "max draw is 2.2mA"; page 2: "Peak current consumption is below 2.2 mA".
Low cutoff, 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz; high-pass. Switch positions "0", "40", "80", "160": "40" and "80" are 2nd-order high-pass filters; "160 is a high pass 1st order filter from 160 Hz to 80 Hz, and a high pass 2nd order filter below 80 Hz". The spec sheet says the same.p. 2
Pad−10 dB; also −20 dB. Switch positions "0", "-10", "-20". "The -10 dB position reduces the bias voltage of the capsule ... whereas the -20 dB Setting reduces the gain by another 10 dB to protect your mixer preamp from overload."
FrontThe side with the logo faces the source
Operating temperature0 to 55 °C (storage -25 to 60 °C)p. 1
Cable lengthXLR cable no longer than 30 m
Made inAustriap. 2
From the quick guide
CalibrationFactory calibrated, ±0.5 dB at 1 kHzp. 2
Acoustics"Open acoustics technology"

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Austrian Audio, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on austrian.audio

Recommended for

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