Austrian Audio OC616

Austrian Audio today announced the launch of the OC616, a professional multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed to deliver open, natural sound with the precision and reliability studios demand. At the heart of the OC616 is the CKR12 capsule, a next-generation evolution of the legendary CK12 brass capsule. Edge-terminated and hand-built in Vienna, the capsule pairs the unmistakable, larger-than-life character that made the original a studio icon with the consistency of a modern ceramic isolator design.

The OC616 is built around Austrian Audio's Open Acoustic Technology, engineered to eliminate internal reflections and acoustic interference before they reach the capsule – resulting in a strikingly transparent, three-dimensional sound.

With five selectable polar patterns (omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure eight), three switchable high-pass filters, and two switchable pads (-10 dB / -20 dB), the OC616 is built for versatility. It handles everything from intimate vocals and acoustic instruments to high-SPL sources like guitar amps, brass, and live drum overheads, backed by a 157 dB max SPL and 134 dB dynamic range.

"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," said Martin Seidl, CEO of Austrian Audio.
Built for Any Recording Situation

The OC616's versatility makes it a fit across a wide range of applications:

• Vocals, voiceover & speech – exceptional clarity and presence for project studios, professional sessions, and voiceover production
• Acoustic instruments – natural, three-dimensional detail on fingerstyle guitar, piano, strings, and percussion
• Drum overheads – fast transients and wide dynamics for punchy, well-defined kit capture
• Guitar & bass amplifiers – high-SPL handling for clean tones through aggressive, high-gain sounds
• Stereo recording setups – consistent multi-pattern performance suited to advanced techniques including Mid/Side
• Room miking – wide dynamic range and open character for capturing space and ambience

The OC616 slots into Austrian Audio's OC series as the multi-pattern microphone built for musicians and producers working in project and home studios. It features the renowned dual CKR12 capsule and the full polar-pattern flexibility of our flagship OC818 ($1,399), while purposefully focusing on a streamlined and direct workflow. Three high-pass filters and two pads provide maximum control in the studio.

Where the OC818 and OC18 are voiced for a rich, smooth, unobtrusive studio sound, the OC616 – like the OC16 – is tuned for a clear, direct, assertive character, giving practitioners a multi-pattern microphone with punch at a more accessible price point.

The OC616 is available for pre-order now at $749 (€599 / £499).

www.austrian.audio