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An introduction to Austrian Audio CC8-SC, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Cuts through rumble and spill with surgical precision.
— Austrian Audio official site
What is CC8-SC?
The CC8-SC is a supercardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphone, handcrafted in Vienna for studio and live use.
It uses the in-house OCC7 capsule with a transformerless circuit. The maker describes a transparent, natural response, with a gentle roll-off at the top and bottom intended to tame harsh overtones and stage rumble.
It is marketed for drum overheads and close-miked quiet instruments such as violin, flute and harp.
Self-noise is a low 13 dB(A) and dynamic range is 132 dB. Each unit is calibrated to within plus or minus 0.5 dB, making matched pairs practical.
Supercardioid pattern
A tighter frontal pickup that reduces spill from the sides, which may help when aiming at cymbals among other drum sounds.
OCC7 capsule
A capsule developed and made in-house, paired with a transformerless circuit.
Low self-noise
Self-noise is 13 dB SPL(A), which may help when close-miking quiet instruments.
Pad and high-pass filter
Pad at -10/-20 dB and high-pass at 60 or 120 Hz, for loud sources and low-frequency rumble.
High maximum SPL
The maximum SPL is 155 dB, suited to loud sources such as drums.
Easy to match
Sensitivity at 1 kHz is measured to within 0.5 dB at the factory, so units can be matched in pairs.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Small-diaphragm condenser (OCC7) |
| Polar pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 18 mV/Pa |
| Self-noise | 13 dB SPL(A) |
| Dynamic range | 132 dB |
| Max SPL | 155 dB SPL |
| High-pass filter | 60 Hz, 120 Hz (2nd order) |
| Pad | -10 dB, -20 dB |
| Impedance | 275 ohms |
| Power | 48 V (<3 mA) |
| Connector | XLR 3-pin |
| Dimensions | 140 x 23 x 23 mm |
| Weight | 140 g |
What is included and system requirements
- Sold separately: CCW8 windscreen (2-pack)
How to use it
- Mount it on a stand with a clip or adapter.
- Connect to an interface or mixer with an XLR cable.
- Turn on 48 V phantom power.
- Aim it at the source and check placement.
- Use the pad for loud sources.
- Use the high-pass filter for low-frequency rumble.
- Adjust input gain.
- For pairs, match height and angle.
Drum overheads
The supercardioid pattern may suit aiming at cymbals.
Acoustic instruments
It may suit close-miking violin or flute.
Stereo pairs
Matched sensitivity may make it suitable for pairs.
Who it may suit
- People seeking drum overhead mics
- People close-miking quiet instruments
- People looking for mics to use as a pair
Good to know before you buy
- Phantom power is required.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Austrian Audio CC8
The CC8 is cardioid with 15 mV/Pa sensitivity and 16 dB SPL(A) self-noise. The CC8-SC is supercardioid with 18 mV/Pa and 13 dB SPL(A).
Price
$599 (Austrian Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See CC8-SC on the product page
Sources: austrian.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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