Austrian Audio have announced the upcoming launch of a new multi-pattern large-diaphragm capacitor mic that occupies the middle ground between their entry-level OC16 and flagship OC818. 

The new OC616 features the renowned dual CKR12 capsule employed in the OC818, but with a slightly simplified feature set and different voicing. It’s built around the company’s Open Acoustic Technology, which serves to eliminate internal reflections and acoustic interference before they reach the capsule, resulting in a strikingly transparent, three-dimensional sound. Austrian Audio say that where the OC818 and OC18 are voiced for a rich, smooth, unobtrusive studio sound, the OC616 — much like the OC16 — has been tuned for a clear, direct, assertive character, delivering a multi-pattern microphone with some ‘punch’ at a more accessible price.

Five selectable polar patterns are provided — omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-eight — along with three switchable high-pass filters, and two switchable pads (-10 / -20 dB). It’s said to be capable of handling everything from intimate vocals and acoustic instruments to high-SPL sources like guitar amps, brass and drum overheads, and boasts a maximum SPL handling of 157dB and dynamic range measurement of 134dB.

"The OC616 captures sources exactly as they're meant to be heard — clean, direct and assertive, with the depth and realism our engineers have long been known for. — Martin Seidl, CEO, Austrian Audio

The OC616 is available to pre-order now, priced at $749£499 including VAT /€ 599.

austrian.audio/microphone-family