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An introduction to Austrian Audio OC616, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The OC616 is what happens when legendary DNA meets modern attitude. Handcrafted in Vienna around the CKR12 capsule for clear, direct sound with punch and presence.
— Austrian Audio official site
What is OC616?
The Austrian Audio OC616 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone handcrafted in Vienna. It is built around a 1-inch CKR12 capsule and offers five switchable polar patterns.
The CKR12 is an edge-contacted true condenser capsule with a ceramic isolator. The maker says the design aims for clear, direct sound with punch and presence.
The patterns are cardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid, omni and figure-8. Three high-pass filters (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz) and -10 dB and -20 dB pads are also provided.
Open Acoustic Technology reduces internal reflections to improve rear rejection. Suggested uses include vocals, speech, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, guitar and bass amps and stereo recording.
The OC616 centres on the CKR12 capsule, hand-built by the maker, and packs five polar patterns, pads and high-pass filters into one studio condenser. It is easy to consider if you want to try one mic on vocals, instruments and room pickup.
Retailer specification lists include the OCS6 spider (an elastic suspension shock mount), the OCH8 microphone clip and the MSC616 case, so the holders you need to start recording may already be in the box.
CKR12 capsule
A 1-inch edge-contacted condenser capsule with a ceramic isolator, handcrafted in Vienna according to the maker.
Five polar patterns
Switch between cardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid, omni and figure-8 to adapt to a vocal, a group or stereo recording.
Three high-pass filters
40 Hz (2nd order), 80 Hz (2nd order) and 160 Hz (1st order down to 80 Hz, 2nd order below), for low rumble or proximity effect.
-10 dB and -20 dB pads
Switchable pads help with loud sources. Max SPL is 147 dB SPL (157 dB SPL with a pad).
Open Acoustic Technology
A structure that reduces internal reflections and improves rear rejection, relevant for multi-mic sessions and reflective rooms.
Wide dynamic range
The maker lists a dynamic range of 134 dB, equivalent noise of 13 dB SPL (A) and sensitivity of 13 mV/Pa.
Broad range of uses
The maker lists vocals and speech, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, amps and stereo techniques such as M/S and Blumlein, plus studio, live, content creation, podcasting and broadcast.
OCS6 spider included
An elastic suspension shock mount is listed as part of the package, which may save you buying one to reduce stand vibration.
MSC616 case
A dedicated case is listed, which may help when moving between studios or storing the mic at home.
Capsule built in Vienna
The CKR12 is a 1-inch capsule that retailers describe as hand-made by the maker in Vienna.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Large-diaphragm condenser (1-inch CKR12 capsule) |
| Polar patterns | Cardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid, omni, figure-8 |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 13 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent noise | 13 dB SPL (A) |
| Max SPL | 147 dB SPL (157 dB SPL with pad) |
| Dynamic range | 134 dB |
| Pads | -10 dB / -20 dB |
| High-pass filters | 40 Hz / 80 Hz / 160 Hz |
| Impedance | 108 ohm (balanced) |
| Load impedance | > 1 kohm |
| Power | 48 V phantom (< 3 mA) |
| Connector | 3-pin XLR |
| Size and weight | 157 x 66 x 34 mm, 345 g |
| Warranty | Up to 3 years |
| Accessories (retailer listing) | OCS6 spider, OCH8 clip, MSC616 case |
What is included and system requirements
- OC616 microphone
- Quick Start Guide and Declaration of Conformity available as downloads
- Warranty: up to 3 years
- OCS6 spider (shock mount)
- OCH8 microphone clip
- MSC616 case
How to use it
- Mount the mic on a stand and connect it to an interface with an XLR cable.
- Turn on 48 V phantom power on the interface.
- Choose one of the five polar patterns to suit the source.
- Select a high-pass filter (40 / 80 / 160 Hz) if needed.
- Use a pad (-10 / -20 dB) for loud sources.
- Adjust gain and check your recording level.
- For stereo recording, try techniques such as M/S or Blumlein with two OC616 units.
Recording vocals
Cardioid is a natural starting point for singing, and the high-pass filters may help with low-end rumble.
Acoustic instruments
Acoustic guitar, piano or strings may be tried with different patterns.
Drum overheads
The maker lists overheads, and the pads may help with loud sources.
Stereo recording
Omni and figure-8 may be used for M/S or Blumlein-style stereo recording.
Multi-purpose home studio use
With switchable patterns you could try a directional pattern for vocals and another for acoustic instruments.
Who it may suit
- People who want one mic for vocals, instruments and stereo recording
- Those wanting to change patterns to widen recording options
- Users looking for on-board filters and pads
- Home recordists considering a large-diaphragm condenser
Good to know before you buy
- 48 V phantom power is required.
- The official page listed USD 749.00, GBP 499.00 and EUR 599.
- The accessory list comes from retailer listings and may differ by retailer or bundle, so check before buying.
Price
$749 (Austrian Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
Sources: austrian.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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