Austrian Audio OC16 Review / Test (vs. P214, OC818, LCT440, NT1)

[@BoothJunkie]

Glad to see you review this! Love hearing it in context with a bunch of mics I don't have. I think it's a good performer!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Mike, glad to see ya!

[@keithgendler8727]

Great work Bandrew. I like the sound of the OC16, but when you asked if the OC818 sounded like it was worth 3X the cost, I was nodding yes.

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

not sure if it is worth 3x the cost but i would say it sounds more organized, pleasant and clearer.

[@larrymarso4492]

Likely obtainable for 2x in the OC18.

[@Dracomies]

Yeah I still say the OC18 is the better buy. The OC18 sounds identical to the OC818 minus the extra polar patterns.

[@keithgendler8727]

@Dracomies OC18 has the great tone also. I agree it's got an economic edge. OC818 is more flexible and gives you a second physical output. It doesn't sound better than the 18, but since you can manipulate the recorded outputs in post to change the polar pattern (!), it extra special.

[@djyudai1481]

Nice to meet you, I'm a Japanese voice actor. Your video made me decide to buy this microphone! I will continue to purchase microphones based on your opinions! I'm really thankful to you! I would like to express my gratitude from Japan.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I truly hope the mic lives up to your expectations and you get some fantastic recordings with it, and record some amazing characters with it. Happy recording.

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@artysanmobile]

This company is building the classics of the future. I hope all success for them.

[@Podcastage]

Absolutely agree. The OC818 was such a great introduction for a company. "Hey we're new, yeah old AKG employees, but we are not messing around, this thing is FANTASTIC!"

[@JKCover]

Your review is always the greatest mic review on the earth!

[@charliebell5073]

I bought the OC18 in large part due to your mic-of-the-year level of enthusiasm. I like it so much for my storytelling and audiobooks that I lost all interest in further microphone purchases or reviews. Returning now, just out of curiosity, I made the right choice: 18 and 818 sound better to me than the 16, but I don't need any of the 818's bells & whistles. Thank you HUGELY for pointing me towards the OC18. (Paired with an Audient iD4 MkII, in case anyone is interested.)

[@Podcastage]

So glad that the 18 s working so well for you. It sounds like you bought it once and you bought it right. Happy recording!

[@julesc8054]

Wow love the sound of this mic.

[@JoshBattershell]

I’m very excited for this review. It’s be been debating this mic for a while

[@nikolayew]

Soooo amazing, Thank you! I was waiting for your review since the mic was released :))))

[@michaelj.4187]

Oh, baby! I've been waiting for this review...thanks...sending love and peace to everyone...

[@polmorgan3533]

Theres always another mic to buy i guess. I use a Rode NT2A that i had used before and liked then i made the piurchase after your review. I still think its ideal for my rather lack luster voice. but not a day goes buy without me envying your U87. Thank you for all your great reviews Bandrew.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

IMO most people should put all of their mic budget on only one or two good mics. Actually with as good as everything is nowadays, I think people should spend all of their budget on treating one extra large room to actually sound good (hire pros to treat the room), and 1 or 2 microphones. Cheap AD/DAs sound great. Cheap headphones/monitors sound good enough. Free software is good enough. And you can use that room to mix in, after you track everything. PS NEVER BUY GEAR ON CREDIT.

[@joanyadhatan]

2:49 I miss the visual effect 😟 bring it back please

[@ethnicacesar]

Exellent explanation!!!!! Thank you.This information is exatly that i was looking for get a Austrian Audio Mic.Congratulations.

[@baldmandoom]

Small typo, AKG C214 box and chapter says P214 (oh and video title too)

[@Rosko333]

The sticker made it out alive.

[@SgtStevePH]

Don't be fooled, it is already suffering in the eternal damnation of Bandrew Scott

[@jayho6563]

Very nice mic Cristal clear sound

[@drbrownmusic]

As I was listening, the word that kept coming to my mind to describe the OC16 was "inoffensive". I thought it sounded consistently "ok". The step up in sound quality starting with the 4400 was certainly noticeable though. I'd definitely rather pay the extra $100 for the 4400.

[@creativical]

I actually came to like the Lewitt LCT440 more than this, even though it was shown just for a couple seconds. The OC16 has this almost aggressive high boost at around 5kHz i believe, that is almost straining for my ears after a long listen. All the other Mics didn't have that but where sounding a bit dull in comparison. The Lewitt strikes a nice balance between the two, having a really smooth Highend and still no muddyness or to less lowend extension in my opinion. These differences are obviously minute and were talking at 0.5dB differences here.

[@mickeymessstudios109]

hands down the best microphone review channel !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you SO much. Do you prefer THIS over the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE ??? Which one would you get as your ONLY home studio mic for vocals, accoustic guitars ... one of these two or something else (budget max 400 $)

[@Zwidawurzn]

Now this is how a microphone demo is properly done!

[@Regular-Person-Guy]

The SE 4400A sound the best to me. It sounds very similar to the OC818, and $500 cheaper. The OC16 probably the best bang for buck, however I would have to eq it. Boost the low end a bit, and cut a little of the brittleness up top, and it would sound like the OC818 or C414. Just my two cents.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it. The 4400a is a really fantastic microphone.

[@Everyonesvoice2024]

Please, sir .if I want to buy one of these, what are your thoughts? Oc16 or lct 441flex? Please tell me im confused

[@goneil9866]

Excellent review as always, Bandrew! I'd like to suggest a review of the much maligned AKG C-1000. I think you'd have fun with that one

[@spacemandave2345]

2 things I learned from this. The OC16 sounds really nice but I think the NT1 will give you a comparable sound for less The OC818 sounds better than the u87

[@dillpereira250]

I respect your opinion but I didn't say that. I think NT1 is a good mic for its price but less versatile than oc16 because it sounds dull and still "sibilant" in so many sources, for a broadcast/vocal mic I think you can be right. Between oc818 and u87Ai I'd say both are great mics for different applications. Also it's a matter of taste at the end of the day

[@RockmannMusic]

Any general statement is not valid. A test that involves just the timbre from one human speaking voice is way too restricted to allow a final opinion. Of course a shitty mic will also sound shitty from the get-go in such minmal test

[@Kragatar]

lol I kept expecting you to eventually snap and go to town on that sticker. But you held it together!

[@Ephruz]

Just seeing the list of mic comparisons reminds me the market has only become more stacked.

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

i am super interested in the OC707. i want to have it for our culture club stage als alternative to the dull sm58 for singers.

[@JoshAwuh]

You're a legend man, appreciate the videos!

[@ryanshook8284]

Great playing for the demo. Kudos to that.

[@johnnymiller3684]

Does the OC818 windscreen fit the OC16?

[@aleksamrkela831]

What a great microphone. Definitely one of the best budget options for a large-diaphragm condenser!

[@Podcastage]

It's a good one, not my favorite, but a very competent mic that anyone could get a great sounding recording out of. I just wasn't as in love with as I was with the OC818 (and I shouldn't be given the price difference).

[@aleksamrkela831]

@@Podcastage Indeed. To be honest, I preferred the Roswell Mini K87 to this mic. It sounds a touch more neutral.

[@lalocura1828]

The 440 does better in rejecting reflections. The diaphragm is likely bigger

[@ryanshook8284]

The riff writing has gotten significantly better over time

[@meistudiony]

Interested to see if your shock mount is ridiculously tight also. First time i put it in I thought i couldn't get it out without breaking the mic or the shockmount.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Seen 3 or 4 reviews on this mic already but I’ll reserve judgment til I get your opinion 💪🏽

[@thatonefatkid1162]

I had bought an AKG c214, but quickly returned it because I thought it sounded too bright. Just bought the oc16 hopefully it's the better choice.

[@Podcastage]

I hope the OC16 works well for you.

[@larrymarso4492]

Quite a gap between the OC818 and the OC16. Whew!

[@Dracomies]

Oc18 is the one to get :P OC18 sounds identical to the OC818 :P

[@filiprangus5826]

Greetings earthling, I have a question for you... I have watched quite a few of your mic reviews for mics between 100-400$.. and you didn't really recommend any of them (awesome that you are honest), but I'm wondering which one would you recommend the most in this price range? Did any really impress you?

[@Slipsch]

I want to see a condenser broadcast/podcast end address mic from Austrian Audio. Ideally, with the same capsule as their OC18. I don't mind it being the same price as the OC18 as long as they have off axis rejection like the Lauten LS-208.

[@Podcastage]

That's the dream. AA and Lewitt broadcast condensers would be very interesting.

[@maidintaiwan]

great mic for streamer as well... I gave my OC16 to a streamer and he loves it~

[@damienvalites5455]

Hey, do a review on that Neumann MT48 interface. Let us know if it’s worth $1850 (my guess is it probably ain’t but I want your opinion on it).

[@andie2themost]

Great review like always. Thanks.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Andie that really means a lot.

[@IBC89]

Hey! I just found out about a U87 clone mic (the dachman audio 87i) and if you could get it, that would be be dope to hear the similarities/differences. It is supposed to be the best mic closest to the U87 mic.

[@Fludded]

The AKG D19 was the goto Beatles vocal mic on occasions... any chance of a review/comparision? Abbey Road only has 3 left.

[@videntemusic2465]

You need review the neumann tlm 107

[@enriquekahn9405]

No KSM32 comparison? No Ethos? My heart is broken.

[@jonasjacobsen9702]

OC818 sounds incredible. Probably worth the upgrade from the OC16 tbh

[@Podcastage]

The 818 does sound absolutely fantastic.

[@legacyShredder1]

@pbaudinat The OC16 will not null with the OC18 or the OC818 even when all are set to cardioid. There are circuitry differences between the OC16 and the other two that alter the frequency response to a considerable degree, in my opinion favoring the OC18 & OC818. The OC16 is considerably more mid forward, lower sensitivity across the spectrum, and the top end reacts in a remarkably different way compared when compared with the others. The difference in the polar rejection and proximity response play a major factor in how differently the OC16 delivers frequency information. (I'm not saying its a bad microphone, not at all. Just stating that there are indeed differences despite similarity of key components.)

[@billlord4203]

I have a pair of OC16s and like them, but gotta say it is not my fav on your voice. Your essess not only strike like a dart, but sound, I dunno, funny. I can't put my finger on the funny-ness. But it is a nice mic. I do like it on guitars.

[@prod.lyelye]

Can you review the CAD e50? It seems like there are hardly any videos reviewing this mic, and for the the price I wonder why.

[@ubacow7109]

pretty rare for a manufacturer to actually publish accurate measurements of their mics response but AA does own a anechoic chamber afterall~

[@Podcastage]

Absolutely love seeing companies publish accurate specs.

[@romelloverture]

That's the NT1 4th Gen isn't it? The 5th Gen has the Silver grill with the black body.

[@Godzillah]

He is using wrong way up and if u use it in a treated room big difference. My first impression of it is same but after using it for awhile it’s growing on me. The future of the oc18 is just software which u can download anyway. At 9:00 thats the only way it should pointed. Also he put his mouth very close to it it’s very open and u will hear the breathing.

[@Podcastage]

Whether the top of the mic is pointed towards the ceiling or the floor should have 0 impact on the sound of the microphone. If you're adjusting the angle of the microphone as well, then that can have an impact on the sound but if you flip a mic over 180-degrees and keep the other positions the same there should be no difference.

[@cheesebiscuit9182]

This is great. Will you be reviewing the Senheiser profile usb microphone next?

[@AverageBlud]

Hey Brandew. Have you ever tried the TM58? I think it's a pretty neat mic- would love to see a review of it!

[@hespassed859]

Could you do a review of the DJI mic?

[@DadoSimicStudiostriver]

This mic or Lewitt 440 Pure? Which one you would choose?

[@jimis3167]

In the frequency response graphs, OC16 seems more balanced than the OC18 and AT4040, correct? Highs seem more balanced in OC16..

[@Podcastage]

I haven't compared graphs of the AT4040, but OC16 to OC18, the mids on the 16 don't have the little cut focused around 600hz, the 18 also has a 2dB cut around 8khz, and then 2dB less of a bump around 12-14khz. But that's all nitpicking, I'd suggest to listen to them to determine which one you like the sound of better.

[@rpmaskill]

I really enjoy these reviews. Do you happen to have the AKG P5i or MXL V87 on your to do list?

[@jhs564]

Hey, I feel a bit bad about the Millhouse comment. Sorry if I offended you. You are way cooler than Millhouse! You do the "doobli-doo" Flanders thing, but "Microphone Flanders" didn't have the same ring to it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your new name

[@Davidlovesmusic311]

I'd like to hear some vocals through it

[@antoineinniss5586]

hey bandrew, with an equivalent noise level at 14dB. can this be used for voice over work?

[@carriesolomonmusic]

Has anyone compared it to the OC18? I’ve had my eye on that one but obviously the OC16 is a lot more budget friendly! Really debating between the two

[@bbbeats72]

Please just don't throw the boxes The review is great as always

[@uvicjames]

Good review, but I'm not sure this is a good move by AA. If they want to establish AA as an elite brand it might not be a good idea to have a budget model made in China. The Chinese make a lot of good mics (SE electronics comes to mind) but they struck me as aiming for a more prestigious market position.

[@everyhandletaken]

I wanted to like this, as it looks really classy. I think the 4400a was far better & the 818 is in a totally different league, sounded really nice.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Sounds smooth, still hard to beat a Lewitt.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

Man, I'd love to see you test the sE Electronics 4400a vs their T2.

[@AngloSaxon1]

So, I am looking at the OC16 or the SE4400a. I dont know which one to buy, I have a bassey voice. Which one do you think would be better?

[@Podcastage]

I know it's not what you want to hear but it really comes down to which one you like the sound of better. They are both very good sounding, I personally prefer the 4400a to this, but if you like the sound of the OC16 over the 4400 then go for the OC16.

[@AngloSaxon1]

@@Podcastage thank you for taking the time to answer my question, I think I’ll go for the 4400a

[@TheRolyPoly]

Woah! Actually took care of the sticker for once!

[@George-in3ig]

Hi. Looking forward for you to test Beyerdynamic MC 840

[@jimis3167]

I have an AT4040 for instrument recording, do you think It's worthed upgrading to the OC16? I wonder how different It is..

[@Podcastage]

I don't think it would be the largest difference, but I haven't done a direct A/B comparison. You'd have to determine what it is that you are not liking about the AT4040 and then see if thee OC16 resolves those issues. I advocate upgrading to solve a problem as opposed to upgrading just to upgrade.

[@nopeoplecorp]

Thanks for the exhaustive and practical review. Do you think Aston make anything to compete, like the Spirit?

[@Podcastage]

I mean, sure. But the question isn't really "do the compete", I think that it is "which one fits your use case and needs and which one do you prefer the sound of more?"

[@nopeoplecorp]

@@Podcastage I have only ever been impressed with the Spirit in reviews. I immediately heard the difference between the C16 and it's big brother, to the extent that it put me off spending anything on a mic that can be so easily distinguished by it's lack of polish. Also SteamPunk :p

[@RhysMorganpewpew]

Not a bad mic at all. I might have to add one to the locker. Might make a decent kick mic.

[@meistudiony]

It's not good on kick. Doesn't handle gusts very well. It can handle high SPL, but nothing with a lot of air movement. If you put it outside the kick a ways away or not near any kind of port, you might be ok.

[@Puttyankit11music]

Sir , Bro.. Which Will be a good mic for singing voice Akg c214 or Oc 16 ... Tell me😊 I want to buy... N Thnku for the Review 😍 of this mic... Is this mic will be best for me 😊... Love From india ❤

[@Podcastage]

It's really going to come down to your preference. I can tell you what I prefer, but that's no use to you. You're the one who is going to be recording, so you need to be the one who enjoys the sound.

[@Puttyankit11music]

​@@Podcastageyup.... Thnku For ur feeling❤.... Shawn Michiel 😃

[@betosoares3189]

Review Maono PD100 Please...

[@casianrod3762]

What headphones you used in this review? Thanks

[@Podcastage]

They are the Rode NTH-100

[@jimis3167]

NT1 5th gen has the same frequency response graph as the 1st gen NT1?

[@Podcastage]

The NT1 4th gen and 5th gen sound different to me. But you asked about 1st and 5th gen. I don't have the 1st gen NT1 that was released in the 90's and was produced in very limited quantities IIRC. I am guessing those two mics are drastically different.

[@jimis3167]

@@Podcastage Sorry I meant the 4rth gen, my bad. How does It sound compared to the 5th gen? More flat as the frequency graph indicates?

[@tjzuppe]

I … am not the biggest fan for this one on your voice. I found myself liking almost every other mic more on you. Bringing out a sort of nasal tone that wasn’t present on others. Every review I’ve seen of this leaves me feeling meh about it, which makes me sad given how much I love the 818 sound. Loved it on both guitars tho.

[@2fd742]

Akg P214, something new? 😅

[@MrNicknayme]

Man, that Austrian Audio OC818 sounds great. Not that it’s voiced interresting, more like a blank canvas and all tools and colors available to you. I prefer it to the Neumann, Hello Neumann, which DOES sound good. The OC16 I don’t really care much for..

[@Podcastage]

Yeah the 818 was something super special when it came out. I was really surprised at how much I loved it.

[@Pummelfay]

I like how it handles sibilance but I think there are much better mics at that pricepoint

[@Podcastage]

Austrian Audio sure is making some great sounding mics. But I agree, this price point is very very competitive. But there will be many people who love the sound of this mic and get years of use out of it.

[@_YoungKD]

Like what? Pretty good price imo

[@THEmatthewone]

You got a sub, do you still have the explorer?

[@THEmatthewone]

also, I have this mic and its fantastic for the money.

[@Podcastage]

Which explorer are you referring to? Also thank you for sharing your experience with the mic, it helps people make more informed decisions when they're researching, I appreciate it very much.

[@THEmatthewone]

@@Podcastage I thought I remembered you had an explorer 1, I thought it was an older 36 mm, perhaps I’m mistaken though.

[@Podcastage]

I'm glad that video helped you determine that it's not right for you. Thanks for watching and listening.

[@DNGMaestro]

My good man, when will you review the slate digital ml-1 vs the mics it emulates? That would be awesome with your format!

[@Vertshark]

The ØC16 sounds great but the Lewitt LCT-440 Pure has a very similar sound for $100+ less

[@MrBrawl]

Huh?

[@Vertshark]

@@MrBrawl I'm not sure how that statement could be made clearer

[@BojanBojovic]

How does it compare with NT1?

[@Podcastage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJu9dJmgj66tibMsi=qHw7-csesdxJ4FYk&t=333

[@lastsonofthewest2444]

The Lewitts are bloody awful mics! The sE sounded surprisingly neutral and transparent, quite liked it! I own the OC818, and I do believe it outperformed the 16 in your tests. Triple the cost? I only paid double, and for me, to have the additional patterns, two discrete capsules, and remote control of the patterns, was very much worth it. Sounds spectacular!

[@dijjidog]

I would love to see Austrian Audio to make a OC616 with all the fancy features of the OC818 but with the affordable OC16 sound.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

818 costs what it does because of exactly those features. They’re doing their best for the consumer, surprisingly affordable for their quality. Wanting a flying car doesn’t make it possible.

[@GenosGlory]

Who would buy the OC818 if they do that?

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

I swear, the amount of microphones you have, You should be like a CIA agent, like in the movie... Meet the Parents!

[@mr-waffle341]

A 400$ Austrian Audio? Interesting🌶

[@MikeBroderick33]

I'm really underwhelmed by the sound of this microphone. To me, it's a big come down for Austrian Audio. I think most if not all of the review microphones sound better than the OC16 including the AKG, the Rode, and the Lewitt. And the Rode and the Lewitt are significantly cheaper than the OC16. And to clarify, the OC16 sounds unclear, artificial, cheap, and unpleasant to my ears.

[@jimis3167]

So AT4040 you think sounds better than OC16? I ask because I have an AT4040 and I plan getting an OC16 to compare them, return OC16 If I don't like.

[@MikeBroderick33]

@@jimis3167 It just didn't sound great to my ears, but I would love to hear your thoughts if you get one.

[@jimis3167]

@@MikeBroderick33 I think the purpose might vary the result. You may don't like on voice but I use mic to record me playing clarinet, so who knows, the results may vary.

[@jimis3167]

@@MikeBroderick33 The AT4040 is quite neutral already thought. Will be a tough call.

[@MikeBroderick33]

@@jimis3167 True. It would be great to hear your thoughts.

[@arabicmlm7524]

lewit is Banger

[@Podcastage]

Lewitt does make some very good microphones with a very specific sound too.

[@78SE]

Parraaa.. en español?

[@vaporizer1000]

good mic for a price.

[@badmiddens]

Ohhh, for another 100 bucks, I'd grab that sE 4400

[@yourforeignlocal]

To me, OC818>U87 Ai but NT1>OC16 :p

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much for sharing your opinion and thoughts and rankings on the mics. It's always fascinating hearing how people enjoy them.

[@ben81]

👍🏻✅

[@sinocelt]

Bandrew, could you provide me with your physical address? I now keep all the promotional stickers I receive, with the goal of sending them to you so you can grow your precious collection. I'll do it for free, because I'm that kind of guy. 🤗

[@mexidraw]

Interesting…

[@senzayyzone]

I can see the difference, so this was made in china and it feels the sound is cheap