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Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone

Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone

$629.00 to $899.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

4 Critic Reviews

All time low price

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Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (12)

$899.00

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5.0 (1)

$737.87 4 available New

$657.87 1 available Used

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4.9 (50)

$633.00 $629.00 $4.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $731

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone is a quintessential tool for any studio seeking exceptional sound quality with a touch of Viennese heritage. This microphone is crafted with a proprietary CKR12 ceramic capsule, renowned for its precision and clarity, making it a prime choice for both budding and professional sound engineers. Whether you're recording delicate vocals or capturing the thunderous resonance of a drum kit, the OC18 is engineered to deliver outstanding results across a variety of sources. Its fixed cardioid polar pattern ensures focused audio capture, minimizing background noise and enhancing the richness of the primary source.

Equipped with selectable -10dB and -20dB pads and a three-position switchable highpass filter, the OC18 offers versatile control for handling high sound pressure levels, making it equally adept at recording subtle acoustic instruments and booming electric guitar cabinets. The microphone’s precision-matched design allows it to be used alongside another OC18 or its sibling, the OC818, ensuring seamless stereo-pair configurations with a remarkable 1dB tolerance. Handcrafted in Vienna, this microphone embodies the city's rich musical tradition while integrating modern technology for today’s recording demands.

Key Features:

Handmade, single-diaphragm CKR12 ceramic capsule
Precision matched to within 1dB tolerance
Fixed cardioid polar pattern
Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
Maximum SPL: 148dB (158dB with -10dB pad)
Switchable pad: -10dB, -20dB
HPF: 40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz
Includes spider mount, mic clip, windscreen, and storage case

Product specs

Brand	Austrian Audio
Model	OC18 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Year	2019 - 2025
Made In	Austria
Categories	Microphones
Electronics	Analog, Passive
Microphone Type	Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Austrian Audio OC18 microphone?: The Austrian Audio OC18 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear, making it suitable for studio vocals and instruments.
Does the Austrian Audio OC18 microphone have a built-in pad switch?: Yes, the OC18 includes -10dB and -20dB pad switches, allowing it to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, making it versatile for recording loud sources like drums or amplifiers.
What high-pass filter options are available on the Austrian Audio OC18?: The OC18 offers a three-position switchable high-pass filter with settings at 40 Hz, 80 Hz, and 160 Hz, enabling users to reduce low-frequency rumble and enhance clarity in recordings.
Is the Austrian Audio OC18 suitable for pairing with other microphones?: Yes, the OC18 can be matched with any other OC18 or OC818 in cardioid mode, providing seamless pairing for stereo recording applications in professional studio environments.
Where is the Austrian Audio OC18 microphone manufactured?: The Austrian Audio OC18 is handcrafted in Vienna, Austria, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in its design and performance.

Videos

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Austrian Audio

OC818 & OC18. Made in Vienna. Again! Handmade Capsules and Mics Made in Vienna.

Austrian Audio

Austrian Audio OC-18 (with comparisons to TLM103 and E100s)| Booth Junkie

Booth Junkie

Recording Genesis with ONE MIC! - Austrian Audio OC18

Produce Like A Pro

Austrian Audio OC18 vs Audio-Technica AT4040 vs Neumann KM 184

Easy Vocal Harmony

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone.

Comparisons

0 0

The Austrian Audio OC818 is often preferred over the AKG C414 for its versatility in post-production and sound quality, with features like polar pattern changes post-recording.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The OC818 has a unique Ambisonics mode for immersive audio, allowing for stereo recording with only one mic and post-recording stereo field adjustments.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Some users find the OC18 and OC818 superior to the C414, especially noting their production by former AKG employees, indicating high build quality and performance.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

OC818 users frequently highlight its excellent performance across diverse recording scenarios, from vocals to instrumentals, thanks to its adaptable polar pattern and sound profile.
Source

Critic Reviews

The Neumann Killer Has Arrived, and it's from Austria! - Nethervoice

nethervoice.com

The Austrian Audio OC18 microphone emerges as a noteworthy contender in the crowded mic landscape, delivering impressive sound quality that effectively challenges established brands like Neumann. With its C12-based capsule, the OC18 offers a warm, balanced, and clear tone, making it suitable for both studio and live applications. However, some users have noted placement issues with certain shock mounts, and comparisons to higher-end models reveal minor sound coloration discrepancies. Still, at $699, it represents excellent value for professionals and novices alike. Ultimately, the OC18 is a strong recommendation for anyone seeking a reliable, high-quality microphone without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

Austrian Audio OC818 & OC18

soundonsound.com

Austrian Audio’s OC18 offers an impressively rich and open sound, making it a strong contender in the studio microphone market. With its transformerless design, it delivers stunning clarity and a balanced frequency response that outshines many competitors, including the AKG C414. However, the microphone's design does have some drawbacks, such as compatibility issues with third-party shock mounts and a somewhat awkward secondary cable for advanced features. Still, its affordability, exceptional build quality, and innovative controls—like the PolarDesigner software—make it a noteworthy investment. Overall, the OC18 proves to be a fantastic microphone for a variety of recording scenarios, establishing itself as a great value in its class.

positive

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Austrian Audio Microphones Tested - We Review These Modern Mics With A Classic Heritage | Production Expert

production-expert.com

Austrian Audio's OC18 microphone delivers impressive clarity and versatility, showcasing modern engineering with the heritage of classic designs. Its unique CKR12 capsule offers a smooth top-end response, making it ideal for various recording applications. However, the shockmount design restricts mic rotation and complicates access to the rear output, which could frustrate users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the OC18 stands out as a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned pros, proving to be a worthy investment for long-term use in any studio.

positive

Full Review

Austrian Audio OC18 and OC818 Review

musictech.com

Austrian Audio's OC18 may not flaunt the multi-pattern prowess of its OC818 sibling, but it stands out with a bright, engaging tone that shines on various instruments. While it offers a straightforward design with essential features like pad switches and high-pass filters, its sonic character diverges slightly from the OC818, potentially affecting perceived matching in recording. Nevertheless, the OC18 excels in capturing crisp, clear vocals and instruments, making it a worthy contender in the large diaphragm condenser market. Though it may not dethrone classics like the AKG C414, its affordability and impressive quality position it as a formidable option. Just be cautious about expecting identical sound qualities across models.

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Artist usage

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Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video titled "CHARVEL Henrik Danhage / BOGNER HELIOS," Ola Englund uses the Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone.

Kristina Schiano

Drummer, Podcasters & Streamers

Verified via YouTube

Towards the end of this video Kristina talks about the Mic she was sent by austrian audio. She states that she always wanted a mic like this. She believes that the mic greatly improved the quality audio of her talking portions of videos

Sanjay C

Singer, Keyboardist

Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video, Sanjay C discusses using the Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone for mixing vocals at the 1:04 mark.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Austrian Audio OC18 Popular Cardioid Pattern Precision Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.