The Austrian Audio Revolution, Redux
Handcrafted in Vienna, the City of Music, the Austrian Audio OC-S10 is a reference-grade large-diaphragm condenser microphone that is fastidiously designed for recording lead vocals and solo instruments with unprecedented precision. With its pristine sonics, five selectable polar patterns, two highpass filters, and switchable 10dB and 20dB pads, the OC-S10 would be a high-performance conventional LDC in anyone’s book. But conventional it’s not: while plugging an XLR cable into the mic's main output enables normal operation, plugging an additional XLR cable into the second output allows you to record the rear capsule signal separately. Moreover, you can use the dual outputs in conjunction with Austrian Audio’s groundbreaking plug-in suite, allowing you to craft custom polar patterns after recording to achieve your absolute sound. The OC-S10 ships as a complete package with a custom shockmount featuring a unique ball joint connection for exacting mic placement on any source. In addition, the included magnetic metal-mesh pop filter effectively reduces plosives that can mar a perfectly good vocal take while maintaining the full richness and detail of a singer’s range. With all this going for it, we think you’ll agree that the Austrian Audio OC-S10 is no ordinary mic. Put it to work on your next project, and you’ll be convinced!
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Dual mode and Austrian Audio’s plug-in suite
Austrian Audio’s plug-in suite, consisting of PolarDesigner, StereoCreator, and AmbiCreator, works together with the OC-S10’s dual outputs to let you create custom polar patterns, soundstaging, and ambience after recording. In Dual Mode, the OC-S10’s front and rear capsule membranes are output independently, so you can record them on separate tracks and use, for instance, the PolarDesigner plug-in to subsequently modify the polar pattern in post production. PolarDesigner even lets you independently choose the polar pattern for up to five different frequency bands. Imagine how a pair of room mics with a tight supercardioid pickup in the low frequencies, figure-8 for the mids, and omnidirectional for the highs would sound on a drum kit in a great-sounding room! Or, for that matter, how would the lead vocal sound in stereo? The StereoCreator plug-in can make that happen. And as its name would suggest, AmbiCreator is handy for creating atmospheres around lackluster sources that need a bit of sprucing up.
Outstanding results on any source
The heart of any classic mic is a superior handmade capsule, and this wisdom is borne out in the Austrian Audio’s proprietary CKR12 capsule. In keeping with its multipattern design specification, the OC-S10 uses a dual-diaphragm version, which — in concert with the microphone’s custom circuitry — delivers excellent results when used for vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads, strings, brass, percussion, and room capture. What’s more, the OC-S10’s robust native 147dB maximum SPL capability — further increased by the inclusion of selectable 10dB and 20dB pads — also makes it ideal for louder sources such as tom toms and electric guitar cabinets.
Austrian Audio: the new Vienna classics
Carrying on the rich legacy of high-end Viennese microphone design into the modern era, Austrian Audio is driven by an engineering team with over 300 years of combined experience. Their motto: “Making Passion Heard.” Their mission: to design and manufacture a new generation of recording tools that embrace cutting-edge technologies and sonic excellence while honoring Vienna’s rich musical heritage. That vision is realized in Austrian Audio’s proprietary handcrafted CKR12 large-diaphragm capsule, which is used in the company’s excellent OC18 and OC818 condenser microphones. Sweetwater is proud to bring you Austrian Audio’s distinguished lineup of fine musical instruments.
Austrian Audio OC-S10 Features:
- Multipattern, dual-output large-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Handmade, dual-diaphragm capsule
- Selectable polar patterns: omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8, custom (with dual output)
- 3 highpass filters: 40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz
- Selectable 10dB and 20dB pre-attenuation pads
- Dual outputs for recording each diaphragm separately
- Compatibility with Austrian Audio plug-in suite: PolarDesigner, StereoCreator, and AmbiCreator
- Frequency response: 20Hz–22kHz
- Sensitivity (all directions): 14mV/Pa
- Equivalent noise level: 8dB SPL (A)
- Maximum SPL: 147dB (157dB SPL with 10dB pad)
- Supply voltage: 48V phantom
- Connectors: 2 XLR 3-pin
- Includes shockmount, windscreen, storage box, and travel case
- Handcrafted in Vienna
