If you’re new to Austrian Audio’s microphones, the brand’s motto, “Built to capture the truth,” offers a clear, accurate introduction to this audio-obsessed brand. These lovingly crafted mics are purpose-built and painstakingly designed to deliver in specific recording situations, from studio vocal recording to live performances. In this buyer's guide, we’re breaking down Austrian Audio’s hearty roster of microphones and headphones to help you decide which models best suit your recording needs.
A quick history of Austrian Audio
Though Austrian Audio was launched in 2017, the company’s origin is built on decades of audio production and technology experience from a 22-member team that decided to create their own brand after AKG closed down its Vienna offices.
Though the company is still new, it boasts over 350 years of collective audio engineering experience, and AKG successor models like the OC818 and OC16 have quickly become favorites among audiophiles. Inside each of Austrian’s large-diaphragm condenser (LDC) mics sits a carefully handcrafted CKR12 ceramic capsule, designed and constructed in Vienna.
The company also has patents and proprietary technologies engineered in audio, acoustics, transducers, noise-cancelling, and measurement tools, and even creates specialised technologies for the aviation and telecom industries.
Austrian Audio Microphones
Austrian Audio OC-S10 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Designed to deliver crystal-clear recording fidelity for lead vocals and solo instruments, the OC-S10 is a large-diaphragm condenser mic that boasts ultra-fast, low-noise circuitry engineered for precision. This mic is highly customizable, with five selectable polar patterns, three low-cut filter options, and switchable -10 dB and -20 dB pads.
Paired with dual outputs (both standard XLR), the OC-S10 is designed for seamless integration with Austrian Audio’s Plug-in suite environment with Polar Pilot, Stereo-Creator, and Ambi-Creator.
Austrian Audio OC818 Condenser Microphone
Austrian’s OC818 is famous among audio engineers for being the world's first microphone with optional wireless control of polar patterns and filters, giving you the power to adjust as you go without having to get out of your chair. Austrian offers the OC818 as a standalone mic or in pairs bundled with two mini XLR cables, windshields, and two mic holders in a carry case.
The OC818 features a handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule, built to the same critical dimensions as the best legacy CK12 capsules, and includes two different analog high-pass filters with three settings, along with multiple pads. Combined with the free PolarPilot app (Android and iOS), which allows wireless control over your analog in real time, the OC818 is built for serious music producers and audio engineers.
Austrian Audio OC18 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The OC18 is a cardioid-only condenser microphone and is a solid fit for producers and artists who want to level up their recordings. With the same handmade CKR12 ceramic capsule as the OC818, the OC18 is a more affordable option that strips back the extra bells and whistles to the essential features creators need. Austrian Audio also offers a dual mic set that includes two OC18 cardioid condenser mics with handmade CKR12 ceramic capsules, spider mounts, mic clips, windshields, stereo mount bar, and an XL case.
Austrian Audio OC16 Condenser Microphone
Along with other mics in the OC lineup, the OC16 features Austrian Audio’s proprietary Open Acoustics technology that’s engineered to reduce audio interference during recordings. It’s a standout feature that helps less-experienced audio engineers achieve higher-quality results in their recordings, and it’s offered at a price that those limited by smaller budgets won’t balk at. The OC16 is built for versatility and is a great way to go if you’re looking for a one-mic solution for all your recording needs without breaking the bank.
Austrian Audio CC8 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
If you’re looking for a mic that allows you to capture super-loud audio without distorting, let us introduce you to the CC8. Made by hand in Vienna, the CC8 is a true small-diaphragm condenser mic designed to produce a linear frequency response under extremely high sound pressure levels up to 156 dB. Mids and highs sound silky and smooth with the CC8, which offers an impressive dynamic range without spiking. Austrian Audio also offers a Stereo Set and supercardioid version of this impressive mic.
Austrian Audio OC7 Instrument Microphone
Engineered for pristine instrument recordings, the OC7 instrument microphone includes a helpful swivel joint, rugged die-cast body, and switchable high-pass filter. The mic boasts an OCC7 small diaphragm capsule which, like the mic itself, is handmade in Vienna. Each model is closely inspected by hand before leaving the factory, and this model is able to rotate 220° to allow for recording instruments in tight, hard-to-access places.
Austrian Audio OC-B6 Bass Drum Microphone
Tailor-made for bass drum miking, the OC-B6 sounds great both inside and outside the kick drum. Whether placed just inches from the beater, near the resonant head, or positioned in front of the drum, it sounds great. Plus, the flexible swivel joint makes it easy to squeeze into tight spaces.
Austrian Audio OD5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Looking for an affordable instrument mic that works great for studio sessions or live performances? The Austrian Audio OD5 sounds great on drums, guitar cabs, and wind instruments. Plus, the swivel joint makes it easy to squeeze into tight stage setups.
Austrian Audio DMK1 Drum Microphone Kit
From simple drum recording sessions to summer-long tours, Austrian Audio’s DMK1 drum microphone kit delivers balanced, natural sound in a durable, rugged package that stands up to the rigors of the road. This versatile drum microphone kit includes one OC-B6, two OC18, one CC8, three OC7, one OD5, four DPH12 drum holders, and windscreens for OC18 and CC8 for outdoor use.
Austrian Audio OD303 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
The OD303 makes for not just a great stage mic for musicians, but also an alternative vocal mic for studio sessions. It delivers a powerful yet balanced sound at a low price, and is designed to take a beating and keep on ticking through tours and daily rehearsal use.
Austrian Audio Headphones
Hi-X65 Open-Back Over-Ear Headphones
Built for mixing and mastering, Austrian’s Hi-X65 open-back, over-ear headphones use the brand’s proprietary High Excursion technology to deliver a linear frequency response and hyper-accurate sound.
Combined with a copper-clad aluminum voice coil, the ring magnet reduces the weight of the membrane and the connecting voice coil, allowing the membrane to move or change direction faster, providing a more responsive impulse reaction. The result is phenomenal bass imaging, low THD at low frequencies, a linear frequency response, and open, accurate, high-resolution audio.
Hi-X60 Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones
The Hi-X60s are Austrian’s flagship over-ear, closed-back headphones, which are ideal for tracking and front-of-house. Engineered for isolated listening, the Hi-X60’s deliver a crystal-clear sound image that preserves every nuance and detail with minimal bleed.
Hi-X55 Professional Over-Ear Headphones
Designed specifically for contemporary music production, Austrian’s Hi-X55 headphones use the brand’s innovative Hi-X (High Excursion) technology to deliver professional performance. Plus, the detachable cable, all-metal hinges, and folded construction make it easy to take the Hi-X55s with you anywhere you go.
Hi-X50 Professional On-Ear Headphones
Austrian’s Hi-X50 headphones deliver clear, open sound at a more accessible price point than its other models. If you’re looking to up your headphone game for a reasonable price, you can’t go wrong here.
Hi-X20 Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality pair of closed-back headphones for tracking, music production, and more, Austrian’s Hi-X20’s deliver perfectly balanced mid and high frequencies, paired with a powerful, controlled bass response.
