Mic Archive
Austrian Audio OC818
Photo: Austrian Audio, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Austrian Audio

Austrian Audio OC818

Large-diaphragm multi-pattern condenser with ceramic capsule; a second output carries the rear diaphragm for setting the pattern after recording, and the pattern, pad and low cut can be set remotely

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

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / wide cardioid / cardioid / hypercardioid / figure-8
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 cardioid, p. 1. Titled "OC 818 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 cardioid, p. 1. Full circle, 0° at the top, 5 dB per ring from +5 to -25 dB; 125 Hz to 1 kHz drawn on the left half (solid), 2 to 16 kHz on the right (dashed). Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1.5 dB; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsulelarge dual diaphragm, ceramic capsule. "the unique ceramic capsule design"; front and back diaphragms (manual p. 2).p. 1
Sensitivity−37.7 dBV/Pa (13 mV/Pa), all patterns. "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 bracketed figure is not explained. 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.
Current draw2.1 mA, typical; below 4 mA with the OCR8 remote. "Supply voltage: 48 V (< 4mA, typical 2.1mA)".
ConnectorXLR-3 male (main) and mini XLR-5 (rear diaphragm or remote). "Main Connector: XLR 3 pin"; "Connector for back membrane or remote: Mini XLR 5 pin".
Weight360 g. "Weight: 360 g"; the product page says the same.
Dimensions157 × 63 × 35 mm. "Dimensions: 157 x 63 x 35 mm"; the product page says 157 x 63 x 36 mm. Which dimension is which is not stated (presumably height × width × depth).
Supplied accessoriesOCS spider mount suspension; OCW8 foam windshield; OCH8 mic clip; OCC8 mini XLR cable with cable clip; protective carry case. The "OC818 Studio Set". The "Live Set" is two OC818 with two OCW8 windshields, two OCH8 clips and two OCC8 cables.
Remote controlOptional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle on the mini XLR socket, with the PolarPilot app (iOS, Android): 255 discrete patterns, low cut, pad and a 60-second overload logp. 2
Plug-inPolarDesigner (VST, AAX, AU): sets the pattern after recording from the dual outputs, in 1 to 5 frequency bands
MatchingAny OC818 can be paired with any other OC818, and in cardioid with any OC18p. 1
From the manual
Poweringphantom 48 V (P48, 48 V ± 4 V). "This product requires a phantom power source of 48V (+/-4V), max draw is 4mA (with OCR8 connected)."p. 1
Low cutoff, 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz; high-pass. 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 ("Analog Low Cut filter").p. 2
Pad−10 dB; also −20 dB. 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."
Pattern changeTakes a few seconds, longest between figure-8 and omni
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. 5
From the quick guide
CalibrationFactory calibrated, ±0.5 dB at 1 kHzp. 2

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.audioRecording Hacks

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