Designed by a team of former AKG personnel, the black Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set Plus is a matched pair of large-diaphragm studio condenser microphones, offering detailed audio capture and immense sonic customization that's ideal for stereo miking solo instruments, drum kits, and ensembles. The handmade 1" ceramic capsule features two gold-plated polymer membranes to enable multiple polar patterns. Utilize the 5-position switch to set the OC818 to figure-8, hypercardioid, cardioid, omnidirectional, or wide cardioid. Each diaphragm is routed to a separate output connector for dual-channel recording, which allows you to design custom polar pattern responses across five frequency bands via the open-source PolarDesigner plug-in or achieve a tweakable stereo image thanks to the StereoCreator plug-in (also open-source).

Alternatively, the secondary output can be connected to the optional OCR8 Bluetooth module if you wish to enjoy convenient wireless control and selection of 255 polar patterns via the free iOS/Android PolarPilot app. Front-panel switches are provided for easy access to the pad and roll-off settings. Set the pad to -10 or -20 dB to avoid distortion when miking loud sources such as drums or guitar cabinets. Activate the high-pass filter at 40, 80, or 160 Hz for attenuation of low-frequency problems, including rumble and proximity effect. The OC818's housing is constructed of zinc-aluminum alloy for strength and durability. The OC818 Dual Set Plus includes two shockmounts, two mic clips, a stereo bar, two mini 5-pin XLR to 3-pin XLR cables, two windscreens for mitigating noise from breaths and blasts of air, and a protective carry case for easy transport and storage of the entire bundle.

Matched Pair of Mics for Stereo Setups    5-Position Polar Pattern Switch    Handmade Dual-Diaphragm Capsule    Per-Diaphragm Output Connectors    Selectable Pad at -10 or -20 dB    Selectable 40/80/160 Hz High-Pass Filter    Design Custom Polar Patterns via Plug-In    Allows Wireless Remote Control via OCR8    Mounts, Stereo Bar, Windscreens & Case    48V Phantom Powered

• Both bundles include two OC818 microphones, two mic clips, two windscreens, and two mini-XLR cables
• The Dual Set Plus bundle adds two shockmounts, a stereo bar, and a large case to house the entire bundle

• CKR12 ceramic capsule is handmade in-house at Austrian Audio's facility in Vienna
• Made to the same critical dimensions as the classic CK12 capsules
• Matched within 1 dB of every other OC18 or OC818

• High sensitivity and low self-noise means it can handle everything from a whisper to extreme SPLs without distortion
• Two-stage pad (-10 or -20 dB) to prevent distortion
• High-pass filter with three positions (40, 80, or 160 Hz) for reduction of low-frequency rumble and excessive bass

• 5-position polar pattern switch for figure-8, hypercardioid, cardioid (dual-cardioid mode when using the secondary output), omnidirectional, and "preset mode," which defaults to wide cardioid, but can be set to anything via the free iOS/Android PolarPilot app and optional OCR8 Bluetooth dongle (required for PolarPilot control)
• Microprocessor control of polarization voltages allows remote controlled polar pattern settings
• Dual outputs for recording each diaphragm separately
• Balanced 3-pin XLR main output
• Mini 5-pin XLR secondary output
• Includes mini 5-pin XLR to 3-pin XLR adapter cable for secondary output
• 48V phantom powered
• Includes mic clip and windscreen per mic
• Includes protective carry case
• Debuts Austrian Audio's Open Acoustics Technology
• Works with select downloadable open-source plug-ins for extra flexibility

• Wireless control of polar pattern, pad, and high-pass filter settings in real time via Bluetooth (optional OCR8 required)
• Save, recall, and share favorite settings
• Discover and create 255 discrete polar patterns
• One setting can be stored in OC818 for use without PolarPilot app
• No digital technology in the audio or bias paths
• 60-second clipping monitor/logger

• Craft different polar pattern responses across 1-5 crossover bands
• Store, recall, and share presets
• Powerful Terminator AI for eliminating or rescuing selected frequencies and instruments
• Equalization control for imprinting the tonality of free-field or diffuse-field idealized responses
• Per-band solo/mute
• Supports comprehensive automation
• Linear phase
• Optimized for use with the OC818 in dual-output mode, but works with any dual-output source

• Stereo with one OC818
• Three different stereo techniques with fantastic post-processing possibilities using two OC818s
• One 4-channel recording, three different stereo techniques (X/Y, Mid-Side, Blumlein)
• Adjust spatiality in post processing
• Change stereo width in post processing
• Change orientation in post processing

• Create an Ambisonic B-format signal with two OC818 microphones

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this mic work with plug-in power or strictly by battery?

A: The Audio-Technica ATR6250 is powered strictly by AA battery.

Q: 2. What size thread are the included shock mounts?

A: The shock mounts that are included with the Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones have a 5/8"-27 thread.

Q: 3. Is it possible to change the capsules to put some with other polar patterns?

A: I was a little surprised to find that the C02 does indeed have a modular capsule design, and it would suggest this intent. However, Samson does not appear to make or sell any other capsules that would fit (at this time). Perhaps they will in the future.

Q: 4. Can these take batteries, or is it phantom power only?

A: These small diaphragm condenser microphones require +48 volt phantom power, and do not have a battery power option.

Q: 5. How do I connect a single or pair of these mics to a Sony A7VR or Sony equivalent camera?

A: The Sennheiser MKH 8020 Compact Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone require an XLR to XLR cable and 48V phantom power to function. The Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera has a 3.5mm mic input as well as the Multi Interface Shoe. In order to connect and power either one or two of the MKH 8020 mics to the camera you will need to use a separate active XLR adapter/mixer or an external recorder. One of the best options is the Sony XLR-K3M Dual-Channel Digital XLR Audio Adapter Kit with Shotgun Microphone which connects to the camera using a cable-free digital connection through the Multi-Interface Shoe. Another option is the TASCAM CA-XLR2d-AN XLR Microphone Adapter Kit for Cameras (B&H # TACAXLR2DAN) which will connect through the camera's 3.5mm mic input. The Comica Audio CVM-AX3 Dual-Channel Audio Mixer for DSLRs (B&H # COCVMAX3) is a budget-friendly alternative that will also connect through the camera's 3.5mm mic input. The three adapters mentioned all have two channels with phantom power which will allow you to connect both mics at the same time.

Q: 6. Where would I find other 8000 series capsules to use on this model?

A: According to the Manufacturer, there are no other capsule options for this microphone model at this time.

Q: 7. How would I connect this to a mic stand? Is there a way to do so that would not involve screwing it on (to release it more quickly)?

A: You could try using a mic quick release adaptor. It's a device you would mount to the stand and screw the MV51 into that would allow for you to separate the two with a quick intentional motion (varies by model). Shure does not make one, however there are various models available from other manufacturers, such as the GFW-MIC-QRTOP from Gator Frameworks.

Q: 8. Can I use a 6DJ8 in my Rode K2?

A: RODE has installed a hand selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valve. We would recommend no other tube as a replacement.

Q: 9. As I mentioned in my review, there is no ON/OFF switch. Does B&H sell a USB-C power/data ON/OFF switch?

A: Yes, we do sell a USB-C data power switch, which is the OBSBOT USB-A to USB-C Data Power Cable with On/Off Switch (B&H # OBOCB2107CT).

Q: 10. Will this fit a pair of AudioTechnica 2050 w/ their shock-mounts?

A: The Austrian Audio XL Aluminum Dual Case for OC Microphones is specifically designed with a custom-cut foam interior to fit OC series microphones and their compatible shockmounts. The dimensions of the Audio-Technica AT2050 Large Diaphragm Microphone and its compatible shockmount differ slightly from those of the Austrian Audio equipment, so as is, this case is not going to work unless you wish to recut the foam to fit the Audio-Technica components.