Austrian Audio OC616

The Austrian Audio OC616 is a professional multi-pattern large-diaphragm true condenser microphone, handcrafted in Vienna around the 1-inch CKR12 ceramic capsule, with five selectable polar patterns, a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, three high-pass filter settings, -10 dB and -20 dB pads, 13 dB SPL (A) self-noise and maximum SPL handling of up to 157 dB for high-resolution studio, broadcast and live recording.

Austrian Audio OC616 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The OC616 combines the acoustic principles associated with the classic CK12 capsule design with Austrian Audio’s modern CKR12 ceramic capsule engineering. Austrian Audio handcrafts and individually measures each CKR12 capsule in Vienna, creating a large-diaphragm microphone designed to capture fast transients, open high frequencies, controlled low frequencies and fine detail with low distortion. 

This combination gives engineers a versatile microphone for vocals, speech, acoustic instruments, piano, strings, percussion, drum overheads, guitar and bass amplifiers, room capture and stereo recording.

CKR12 Large-Diaphragm True Condenser Capsule

The OC616 centres its design around Austrian Audio’s 1-inch, edge-terminated CKR12 true condenser capsule. The CKR12 develops the principles behind the classic CK12 design through modern ceramic construction, which Austrian Audio uses to achieve greater manufacturing consistency while retaining the open sonic characteristics associated with the original concept. 

Austrian Audio individually measures each capsule during production. The resulting design aims for low distortion, accurate transient reproduction and a detailed response without imposing excessive colouration on the source.

Open Acoustic Technology

Austrian Audio’s Open Acoustic Technology minimises reflective surfaces and contact points around the capsule while carefully selected diffuser materials control remaining reflections. This approach reduces the internal reflections that can create comb filtering and unwanted colouration. 

The open construction allows sound to reach the capsule more freely from different directions, helping the OC616 maintain natural detail, cleaner polar behaviour and effective rear rejection. These characteristics also support feedback resistance when engineers use the microphone in demanding live environments.

Five Selectable Polar Patterns

The OC616 provides cardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight polar patterns, giving engineers considerable control over direct sound, ambience, spill and room contribution. 

Cardioid suits general-purpose recording where rear rejection matters, while hypercardioid provides tighter directional control. Wide cardioid introduces more room information while retaining front focus, and omnidirectional captures sound around the microphone for natural room and ensemble recordings. Figure-of-eight captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting the sides, making it particularly useful for Mid/Side and Blumlein stereo techniques.

Three High-Pass Filter Settings

Three switchable analogue high-pass filters provide low-frequency control before the signal reaches the recording chain. The OC616 offers 40 Hz and 80 Hz second-order filters alongside a 160 Hz setting that uses a first-order response down to 80 Hz and a second-order response below that point. 

These options allow engineers to reduce subsonic rumble, mechanical vibration and unnecessary low-frequency energy or manage proximity effect before applying additional processing.

High SPL Handling and Switchable Pads

The OC616 handles 147 dB SPL without attenuation and reaches a maximum SPL of 157 dB with its pad engaged. Switchable -10 dB and -20 dB attenuation settings extend its usefulness with extremely loud sources. 

This headroom allows the microphone to move from detailed vocal and acoustic recording to drum, percussion and high-output guitar or bass cabinet applications without requiring a different microphone for high-level sources.

Professional Studio Performance

With a sensitivity of 13 mV/Pa, an equivalent noise level of 13 dB SPL (A), 108-ohm symmetrical output impedance and a specified 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, the OC616 targets professional recording environments where engineers require detail alongside substantial headroom. It operates from standard 48 V phantom power and draws less than 3 mA. 

The microphone measures 157 x 66 x 34 mm and weighs 345 g, providing a relatively compact format for a multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser. 

Handcrafted in Vienna

Austrian Audio manufactures the OC616 in Vienna and handcrafts and individually measures its CKR12 capsule during production. The design brings the heritage of the classic large-diaphragm condenser concept together with modern ceramic capsule construction, precision manufacturing and contemporary acoustic engineering. 

Why Choose the Austrian Audio OC616?

• A single microphone can cover vocals, acoustic instruments, drums, amplifiers, rooms and numerous stereo recording techniques.
• Five polar patterns give engineers practical control over room sound, spill, rejection and stereo capture.
• High SPL handling makes it equally comfortable with delicate acoustic sources and extremely loud amplifiers or percussion.
• Three high-pass filters allow unwanted low-frequency information to be controlled at the recording stage.
• Two attenuation settings provide additional headroom when working close to powerful sources.
• The CKR12 capsule combines the acoustic heritage of the classic CK12 concept with modern ceramic engineering and manufacturing consistency.
• Open Acoustic Technology reduces unwanted internal reflections and helps the microphone capture a more natural representation of the source.
• Vienna manufacture and individually measured capsules provide a professional solution designed around consistency and precision.

• Professional multi-pattern large-diaphragm true condenser microphone
• Handcrafted in Vienna, Austria
• Handcrafted 1-inch CKR12 edge-terminated capsule
• Modern ceramic capsule construction
• Individually measured CKR12 capsule
• Austrian Audio Open Acoustic Technology
• Five selectable polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight
• 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range
• 13 mV/Pa sensitivity
• 13 dB SPL (A) equivalent noise level
• Maximum SPL of 147 dB without attenuation
• Maximum SPL of up to 157 dB with pad
• Switchable -10 dB and -20 dB pads
• 40 Hz second-order high-pass filter
• 80 Hz second-order high-pass filter
• 160 Hz high-pass filter with first-order response down to 80 Hz and second-order response below
• 108-ohm symmetrical output impedance
• Greater than 1 kΩ recommended load impedance
• 48 V phantom power operation with less than 3 mA current draw
• Standard 3-pin XLR connection
• Suitable for vocals, speech, acoustic instruments, piano, strings and percussion
• Suitable for drum overheads and high-SPL amplifier recording
• Supports Mid/Side, Blumlein and other stereo microphone techniques
• 157 x 66 x 34 mm dimensions
• 345 g weight

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.