Anybody tried at Austrian Audio OC 818?

[buzzardwhiskey]

This mic intruiges me. I've just been using an SM7b for vocals and a Miktec PM5 handheld condenser for my guitar.

This mic might be able to do both, maybe even use it on stage.

Any users?

[min7b5]

Yup. Great mic for sure. Like a 414, it's a great Swiss Army knife that's great on acoustic instruments and lots of other things as well. Lot of possibilities with pickup patterns with the sending output.. Can't comment on vocals but I would imagine it would very good, though completely on the other end of the spectrum from the ultra tight pickup of an SM7b. Haven't used it on stage but I've used 414's many times live with great results -as long as you're okay without monitors

[DupleMeter]

It’s very different than the sm7b. But we’re comparing a dynamic to a condenser. It’s quite a bit more sensitive & open/lively sounding.

It’s a touch bright (typical of the AKG heritage). I’m generally not a fan of mics with a top boost. There are definitely brighter mics, but be aware that there is a good +4dB a little north of 5k & then again just above 10k.

I haven’t made up my mind about the polar designer feature. There will be a Production Expert article about all of that soon.

It’s a quality piece of gear…but, after testing one, I didn’t want to own it…but I’m definitely more of a Neumann guy.

[KevWind]

They also offer a single pattern OC18 @ $849
But they just came out with the OC16 @ $399
Not sure what the difference is ???

[guitarman68]

Two years ago I compared it to my vintage C414EB and then recommended it to a friend who wanted to buy a swiss army knife all purpose studio mic. The OC is amazing. But I can't comment if the it's the right one for your purpose (vox & guitar on stage). First that comes to my mind for this application is the Ear Trumpet Edwina.

[SprintBob]

Works wonderfully in a spaced pair with an SDC for recording solo acoustic guitar. That’s my experience.

[jim1960]

From what I've heard of the 818, it's not a terrible mic but I haven't heard it stand out as exceptional as of yet. I think it's capable of producing good tracks, maybe even very good tracks, but it's not a mic that gets me excited.

[DupleMeter]

Originally Posted by jim1960

From what I've heard of the 818, it's not a terrible mic but I haven't heard it stand out as exceptional as of yet. I think it's capable of producing good tracks, maybe even very good tracks, but it's not a mic that gets me excited.

A mic that has me excited right now is the Neumann TLM67. It’s not hyped or “forward” sounding, just honest & big. It’s the closest thing to the original u87i (pre 1986) I’ve heard in a new mic in a long, long time.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by DupleMeter

A mic that has me excited right now is the Neumann TLM67. It’s not hyped or “forward” sounding, just honest & big. It’s the closest thing to the original u87i (pre 1986) I’ve heard in a new mic in a long, long time.

That is interesting and at better price than the 87 ai

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by DupleMeter

A mic that has me excited right now is the Neumann TLM67. It’s not hyped or “forward” sounding, just honest & big. It’s the closest thing to the original u87i (pre 1986) I’ve heard in a new mic in a long, long time.

It's a nice mic and there was a time when I was hunting for a deal on a used one but that was primarily to be able to use the kit shown here. A friend of mine has one for his 87ai and it's a really excellent sounding module.

The best 87 clone I've heard so far is the Serrano which is a bargain at $800. I'm going to pick one of those up one of these days.

[CASD57]

I watch this guy alot...He seems to cover most of the bases

[DupleMeter]

Originally Posted by jim1960

It's a nice mic and there was a time when I was hunting for a deal on a used one but that was primarily to be able to use the kit shown here. A friend of mine has one for his 87ai and it's a really excellent sounding module.

The best 87 clone I've heard so far is the Serrano which is a bargain at $800. I'm going to pick one of those up one of these days.

It doesn't make sense for me to buy clones. I make my living doing this stuff, so I like to have the real deals. Plus, clients like to see those badges. Brand identity is a thing & helps me sell studio time.

All that said, I'd love to believe that someone is doing a U87i clone that is true to the pre '86 versions...I've just tried so many of them & haven't heard one that hit the mark. Maybe the Serrano is that. I don't know...but I'm not willing to try anymore.

I do test mics regularly, and I've been trying out some Roswell mics that they sent me to test (mini k47 mini k87 & mini k67x). These are really nice for the money. I would say, if you're not buying a Neumann or Gefell, these are the next best things.