Austrian Audio OC-18 (with comparisons to TLM103 and E100s)| Booth Junkie

[@pugtom7114]

Mike could review tins of beans for 20 minutes and I'll still watch the whole thing

[@elizabeths8416]

Absolutely! 😁👍

[@rileymcmead]

I'd watch if he released everything he used in the signal chain in the description

[@halowatcher7]

Word.

[@matthewcebrian]

The realest of real talk.

[@saintmora]

This guy's voice could make any mic sound amazing. That said, the OC18 is my favorite mic and I don't have to EQ anywhere near as much when recording.

[@ScottOtt]

For the first time in 15 years doing videos and voice work, I think I now understand "high pass" and "low cut". I really shouldn't be legally allowed to own the mics I do. Thanks, Mike.

[@eugenes6370]

OC-18 is an exceptionally good mic. In fact, all of the mics in this comparison are really good. But right of the bat when Mike plugged in the Neumann and started talking you can notice that TLM 103 has so pleasant and mellow low end, buttery smooth. Anyway, you cannot go wrong with any of these mics! Great review.

[@ParaLightWorX]

Thanks for that very detailed video! I got the Austrian Audio OC818 some months ago and I absolutly loving it. Greetings from Germany :)

[@shrarneomar8080]

Hey! Ich wollte fragen, was du mit dem Mic aufnimmst? Außengeräusche, Gesang/Gespräch, Percussion? Ich wollte mir das Mic evt. als Allrounder kaufen

[@ParaLightWorX]

@@shrarneomar8080 ja habe sowohl Sprache (klingt trotz noch schlechter Raum akustik gut), eine Trompete und natur Geräusche in stereo aufgenommen. Mit dem kann man alles machen

[@shrarneomar8080]

@@ParaLightWorX danke für die Antwort :)

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Hi does the oc18 sound the same as the oc 818?

[@dangayle]

@@QuantumGamingUploads Yes. In cardioid mode, the OC818 is considered a matched pair with the OC18

[@snakebaby7349]

Im not buying a new mic but you always makes my day a bit more joyful, thanks for the pep-talk in the beginning

[@PoppyTales]

So glad you are back my friend. I hope you are doing well! Great video as always.

[@ChristianEbnerVIE]

As an Austrian, a OC-18 user and a fan of yours I would highly recommend you coming to Vienna ;)

[@weedeeohguy]

Well, maybe not Vienna,...not just now.

[@john-henric]

1:53 Funfact: That video game was made by an austrian studio. And I didn't even know that Lewitt is also from Austria. Beeing from Austria myself, this kind of makes me proud now :D

[@RobKristjansson]

Great video, Mike! It would be cool to watch a "tour" of your mic locker, and hear about the situations you would use mic X over mic Y

[@werner77wda]

OC-18 and 540 sound different but very similar sound quality. TLM103 is so smooth sounding mic, still very impressed with that.

[@drewgibson3319]

Man... this video is what I needed to start my morning. Friendly feel-good intro using the mic I got for myself recently as a birthday present (lewitt 540) was just icing on top of yet another awesome voiceover cake.

[@FelixTBat]

To provide a little perspective for anyone wondering how much 10db really is, it's enough to cut a signals total volume in half. An increase of 10db to a signal effectively doubles the volume; i.e. something at say 50db is going to be half as loud as something at 60db, but twice as loud as something at 40db. The fact that the microphone has a 20db (effectively 1/4th the volume) switch is something that I personally would really enjoy for vocalists that really like to belt. Definitely gonna have to get one of these for my locker!

[@TheHypeCom]

Mike always makes me want to buy more mics, so many mics

[@ocediis]

I heard of Austrian Audio, and then I watched this video from you and the one from Podcastage (on the OC818) to “make up” my mind (maybe make me feel good for the decision I’d already made). I ordered my OC18 and soon found myself in the Whisper Room with it. Thank you for making this video to help nudge me in the right direction. I couldn’t be happier! By the way, my shock mount holds my mic firmly. I record with my mic inverted and have had no problems whatsoever.

[@tomazzaman8472]

Mike, please start reviewing everything and anything. I'll listen to your voice all day long.

[@JimMcNicholas]

I saw a great video from george The Tech on the 818 where he used the figure 8, and it was truly astounding how much different it was, sounded amazing. Thanks as always for the shootout, my Synco Mic D2 is coming today, can't wait to play.

[@corvinking4996]

Dude. We just had a big loss, and your encouragement hit hard. Thank you 🥹

[@Chomper_r]

I expect nothing less from the engineers behind AKG's long line of brilliance. What a mic 😍

[@flyfisherjames]

From the evidence on listening here (with all the concomitant audio limitations) I would say OC-18 marginally pips the LCT540 for your voice, and both are on a par with the TLM 103 for which there seems no justification in shelling out $400 more (and I believe the foam pop filter is extra from Neumann) - but both Austrian mics sounded way better than your CAD E100S. Thanks for another great video.

[@joeljrichards]

Yeah, but he only speaks directly into the e100s for a split second, otherwise he's too far to the side and it effects the tone-which itself is a great illustration as to why I passed on buying an e100s. However, if you can deal with that hypercardiod pattern, I do think the e100s should fair better than shown here.

[@TheZeroSbr]

I think he didn't focus so much on giving the CAD E100s comparison since he's done it so many times with so many other mics at this point. I own one myself, and it sounds great. Perhaps a bit harsh, but nowhere near the harshness of a Rode NT-1A. The OC-18 does seem boomier here, which could be due to its 20Hz-20kHz frequency response vs. the CAD's 40Hz-18kHz range, although I doubt that would present a noticeable difference anyways. More likely it's because he was almost never on-axis with the CAD. I would still take the E100s over the OC-18 because it's basically a budget TLM 103 with a pad and high pass.

[@empressironbladder8942]

@@TheZeroSbr Thank you for this great explanation, filled with tech lingo I don’t know, about why I LOVE my E100S. It absolutely makes my voice sound like smooth liquid gold, AND the recording engineer who came over to help me get set up on it, told me that the microphone was so excellent, that very little adjustment was needed to remove unwanted noise in the background, and he hardly added any compression or effects to my spot. If I could marry this AMAZING mic…….I would!😆👰🏽‍♀️💐👏🏽

[@pppaiste]

Great to see a video from you mike! It's crazy.. in the time since I've started watching your channel I've progressed so far in my VO career. Your relentless positivity has been an inspiration. Hope all is well.

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

Great review! My 0c18 is rock solid, perhaps you influenced a modified approach to their process as mine is stiff even to put in the holder so amen to that! :) I actually like the 0c18 more than my 103 or u87ai on my recorded voice.

[@morrismarschik6846]

As someone from Vienna I absolutely adore the new wave of Austrian/Viennese Mics. Thanks for the review! If you come to visit I‘d gladly show you around the city. Cheers!

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Vienna the city of Music. So much history there.

[@celtickendall]

I have been loving every review I've seen of these Austrian Audio mics. The tech in the OC818 is insanely cool.... you can adjust the polar pattern in post, yes, but even further, you can break up the frequency spectrum and apply different polar patterns to each chunk! Like a parametric eq, but just done with polar patterns instead of cut/boost. That said, the sound of either the OC18 or 818 have just blown me away. Super smooth on every source I've seen/heard them demo'd on, vox or musical instrument. Gorgeous.

[@Thomas_Speck]

as an Austrian myself: Thank you.

[@weedeeohguy]

So sorry about attacks in Vienna

[@Thomas_Speck]

@@weedeeohguy Thank you. I appreciate that!

[@goodknightvo]

Got the OC18 on your recommendation and LOVE IT!! I do nit have any issues whatsoever with the mic and shock mount being loose. Maybe you should have them send you a new shock mount. Thanks again for all your content!!

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Hi if I may ask do you have a treated place where you put your oc18? How does it sound in a not treated room? Thank You.

[@jer7255]

@@QuantumGamingUploads use a blanket over your head if you don’t have a treated room

[@fgabrieltomas]

Like your channel, and as famous Austrian once said "I'll be back."

[@jaredferguson2999]

Gotta love Arnold

[@keithdmyers]

Was a bit worried about you - glad to have you back. Love your content.

[@nktcell]

Great to see you back! Found your channel a couple of weeks ago and have been binging out on your videos - fantastic channel, every video is so insightful! Thanks so much for making so much content 😃

[@benkleschinsky]

The OC18 is the jack of all trades, master of none. Neumann is the master of one trade, and that will be $200 for a pop filter.

[@uruguayan1312]

The Booth Junkie is back! Oh yes 🙌🏻. Great to see another video 😎🎤 - Hope you’re keeping well mate.

[@randomgeocacher]

Well hello to you too! That warm welcome was awesome, I should have thing like that on repeat!

[@jonramer8984]

Good to see you Mike 👍 Nice comparison! As always.

[@MadRC]

Ahh that’s voice 😎. I hope you are safe and well Mike. Outstanding to see you and you make people feel better by just being you.

[@pickleman5041]

One of the few videos where one mic sounds exceptionally better than the other. OC18 shredded that Lewitt.

[@andreklein4474]

welcome back! man that OC18 is awesome

[@thenotoriouscam1]

Awesome video!! I wanna sound like you when I grow up lol and I’m almost close. Awesome video!!

[@clarenceewe]

OC-18 is great mic, as a tight budget bedroom studio user, I wish to listen review from its little brother OC-16, hope Booth Junkie will do it in the future😊😊😊

[@MelodiousEtude]

I've been upgrading my studio and going back and forth between the OC18 and the TLM103, this is so helpful!!

[@tommyferraz3154]

Which one did you choose at the end?

[@Tarkov.]

Always great to see (and hear) you.

[@snotvlek4721]

Damn, some microphones sound really muddy when you get right up to it, but the OC18 just becomes smoother and deeper!

[@mypersonalphotosite]

OC!!! No question. Very smooth. The other is a little hot on syllables. IMO

[@andrewpeters2775]

The OC mics are fabulous, in fact all my other LDC mics are back in their boxes. Incidentally I have three, two OC18's and an OC818. Don't ask why I have three!

[@marinbastonetv]

when akg was sold to samsung they start to manufacture the pro-audio in china + cutting personal the engineers wasnt happy by this during the fact that akg was an austrian company where very piece of gear was austrian made so yes even dough is a new company you got veterans professionals and new blood behinde this amazing mic the lewit brand as well was form by some formers akg engineers ..grettings from vienna,Austria nice channel..lots of blessings

[@AnthonySchneider1990]

I hope you can make it to Vienna one day! It's beautiful and I'd happily be your tour guide 😊

[@UriskOfTheFae]

This mic sounds just a lovely on your voice as all the others awesome mics demonstrated here. It is always super interesting to hear the subtle differences between every one. As some that mounts my mics upside down, an insecure shockmount definitely concerns me, I do hope that's a defect unique to the one you were sent, because otherwise this mic definitely interests me. Some of the mid-highs do sound smoother on the Neumann tlm103 to my ears, though, so I might still end up going for that down the line since my voice tends to produce a bit of a grating sound that can be somewhat painful on some mics or preamps. Honestly, though, as long as the OC18 stays in its shockmount I'm sure I'd adore either pick.

[@GamingPyromania]

Hessss back let’s go! Was waiting for another video!

[@edwarddsullivan]

I think it's most likely a problem with your specific shock mount. I have an OC818 which I believe uses the same shock mount. When I tighten it, the mic will absolutely not not budge.

[@robotninjashark1684]

We’re happy you’re here too!!!

[@maninironmask7925]

That Austrian Audio was the best mic on the review

[@mzonemusicful]

Bro I absolutely love your content..

[@Vertshark]

Just saw this video and can't afford either that Lewitt or the Austrian Audio, but having visited Austria on a number of occasions I would highly recommend a visit as it is a great destination.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

Welcome back! Missed you!

[@craigmhamm]

Can't afford a new mic right now, but I definitely bought a copy of Drone Swarm on Steam just to hear that buttery voice while I play games.

[@matthewcolosus]

Good to see you again Mike!

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Great video. Happy Monday.

[@EposVox]

Awesome detailed video!

[@THESNOWBOARDPROJECT]

been waiting for this video. T%hanks Mike. I hope your day gets better too!

[@NicStride]

I've been looking for a nice mic like this for a long time. I was always aprehensive with the Neumanns, and I know they're top end and industry standard... But also.. I don't really love their sound for whatever reason. I liked the idea of Lewitt, but I don't like the green and black branding, it reminds me of Razer/Alienware, teenage-y gaming brands. Not the image I want to present to people in my studio, and also puts me in a weird headspace. The Austrian Audio mic's seem like they're perfect for my tastes, both aesthetically and sonically. Gonna get the OC-18 as a condenser alternative to my SM7B, in situations where the 7B isn't the most flattering choice (Female vocals, for example). Thanks for the great and indepth review! Ends my literal years of searching! :)

[@Dom-hd5zh]

No, you are awesome, kind gentleman ^^

[@smoofles]

If you ever need a quick rundown of finding your way around Vienna feel free to ping me/ask on your channel. I bet plenty of your viewers would be willing to help.

[@joewieseavoicetalent]

I luv you man! You are the best!!! I am thinking very hard on the oc 18.

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

wonderful, great voice ! the OC18 is great, love, but the other´s are close, like the a little bit oc more than the TLM

[@skyace888]

Thanks for the review. Trying to decide if I go with the OC18/OC818 or another option like TLM103, M930, 017 FET, etc. Hope to try this one out soon!

[@EliasKinay]

"I can hear myself! That makes me happy." 😂💯

[@FrostS1de]

Damn yeah! We deserve it!!

[@danmahoney11]

I love your reviews, Mike. You do a great job!

[@S.T.G.]

I could do with an Austrian Audio OC-818 vs. AKG C414 comparison.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Yes it would be nice to see from Mr Mike

[@Mcsteveberry]

i fucking love this channel!!!!! 🤘

[@agambhasin]

Its definitely a great microphone!

[@zpolt]

Nice and revealing mic. I do like the tlm103 though for you voice. But still thats really good quality mic.

[@TheDecompressionZone]

Very insightful and informative! I had no idea that happened to AKG... Being Austrian myself, and with the dip in the silibin frequency range, the OC-18 is ticking a lot of boxes. Perfect advice ;) Thanks Mike!! Marcus

[@rudolfwormstall1196]

This is the fairytale version about AKG, Lewitt and AA living peacefully in Vienna ever since. But in reality it was a nasty breakup with a lot of bitching and badmouthing between the parties. Further, several non-tube Lewitt mics are build in China not in Austria. And even though the AA mic is pleasant and warm in its response, the track will not really sit solidly in a mix's context. The 8 khz roll-off is just ridiculous and not created by phase cancellation chambers within the mic. And ever since Neumann has been bought by those pea counters from Sennheiser, the incorporation of cheap capacitors and the lack of transformers, make it very difficult to justify the price tag.

[@danielpaulson8838]

00:51 I see how you get animated and loud, while maintaining mic and booth presence. Hmmmm, practicing, practicing.

[@FredsTech1]

Great as always! Thank you :)

[@tinthefatty]

Welcome back Mike!!

[@martinaatmusicmarcom6157]

❤️ it!! Thanks so much!

[@fluphybunny930]

Just out of curiosity it would be interesting to compare the current AKG microphones ( ie AKG C314 ) to the Austrian Audio offerings.

[@BandrewScott]

He does exist! They do exist! Edit: Did your e100s go bad? When you switched to that I was shocked!

[@zachzimmermann5209]

I was surprised by the e100s as well

[@dobbatron]

Surprised how? It was def quieter than the OC but honestly the OC sounded a bit overcooked with too much proximity effect for me. The E100s sounded balanced and usable, could listen to that all day.

[@honeste6652]

Mike's new T-shirt for sale: "Clamping with Authority!"

[@AccountingInstruction]

Thank you

[@lintontulloch9036]

I recently bought a Sennheiser MKH416 with the aim of getting a TLM 103 at a later date to give me a balanced mic selection. Then I saw this review. I think the Austrian Audio mics have taken the crown from Neumann as the best sounding "Warm" microphones. and for much, much cheaper. Theres nothing wrong with the Neumanns. I just can't see how they can justify their price in todays market.

[@lorenzschimpf2162]

thank you so much...finally a usefu l mic comparison on youtube!!

[@JothanGurr]

Is it just me or does the Lewitt ad some heft and authority to Mike’s voice over the OC 18? Both are amazing but I kinda like the 540 more

[@lenmusic123]

The OC18 sounds the smooooothest of the lot. I have used a TLM103 for 15 years and it always seems just that bit too bright (for me). Maybe the OC18 is the right answer!

[@TheZeroSbr]

I disagree. That sharp dip in the highs is noticeable, and it makes the OC18 muddy. The TLM 103's capsule, while not perfect, captures more detail and is more accurate. I recommend modding your TLM 103 if you're wanting to upgrade. Not only is it cheaper, but if you use the RK-87 capsule from here it makes it sound even more like a U87: microphone-parts.com/pages/neumann-tlm103-mods

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

@@TheZeroSbr I disagree respectfully. I own both and can say that the 103 has a large bump that ends up being eq'd to the extent that the natural dip in the austrian audio is pleasant. This is relative yes however they sound extremely similar and in a mix they are both fantastic. Mind you I sols my 103 for a u87ai to also free myself from as much eq dependent use and if you use all 3 of these you will notice that the 103 had the biggest unnatural boost. Even the gentler u87ai boost needs eq depending on sources.

[@lilsubtle976]

@@AnthonyMartinsRock Great comparison feedback, I'm based in Australia and the 103 / OC18 are the same price at my local music store. I'm wondering if you had to choose between buying the either at the same price, which would you purchase? PS the purpose for my future microphone is purely for vocals

[@TheZeroSbr]

@@AnthonyMartinsRock It really depends on what you are mic'ing i suppose. My point of view is that of someone who does character/voice over work. I'm sure the presence boost is too much for some instruments, but for speech it's perfect especially if you're a baritone like me. Hi-pass filter starting at 80Hz at 12dB/octave and you're set.

[@lenmusic123]

@@TheZeroSbr Agreed that for voiceover work the proximity effect and the high boost in the 103 is probably absolutely magical. But for the kinds of neutral-sounding singing I do (see my channel), I end up having to apply a lot of EQ to the 103 as it is always too bright. Different mics for different purposes for sure.

[@larrycom]

I hope so, to your opening.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

One thing I don't like with the Neumann mics you get nothing with them so you have to spend extra on shockmount and windscreen. Nice to have all three mics

[@mindbendernine]

Great to see you again Mike. Also great to hear the backstory of Austrian Audio from AKG - Does this mean that the AKG C414 is no longer going to be manufactured? Stay well !

[@xHadesStamps]

No, the brand of AKG still very much exists, and I highly doubt if they're going to discontinue the C414.

[@valerie98]

@@xHadesStamps The brand name AKG still exists. They got bought by Harman, then by Samsung, their facilities in Vienna got closed, after they fired pretty much all their employees (some of them founded Austrian Audio). It's sad for AKG, but great to see that the people behind the brand have not been stopped by that.

[@dobbatron]

Hey Mike, soooo...I know you love your E100S, but price aside, if it was E100S or OC-18 which would you go for for your voice? Also I hope you're dis-engaging 48V before disconnecting your mics there ;)

[@LEXXXRUGER84]

Oc18 sounds smooth

[@WildcatAirsofter]

Tech Zone Audio Products is coming out with a Stellar X3, any chance you will be reviewing that or their other X2 in the future?

[@ramspencer5492]

Good mic, but this one is on another level

[@voa23]

Awesome just awsome video thank you sir! That sound effect you created with the hissing sound Mike was the reason I returned the Subzero 540 from a buyer who claimed it was never used? I was expecting for it to be super quiet compared to TLM 103 or Senn 416 running through a John Hardy Preamp M1 and into an Apollo Twin Duo. Do you think there may have been something damaged with the mic - Mike - no pun intended.

[@Godzillah]

oc 18 is better loud voice if u have a soft voice tlm103 recording aside that’s something else but from a live singing perspective oc18 is better. Yes tlm103 sound great but if u are a rock singer oc18 is better it take loud vocal better. Update the new Neuman cost $1400 and they now come with switches but Oc18 I think still cost around $800. So a comparison between the tlm102 and the Oc18 would be a closer match.

[@philcibley1804]

If you want a great shockmount in which the mic will be stable get a Rycote USM.

[@tommyferraz3154]

Amazing video as usual, thanks Mike. I currently own a MKH 416 for my voice over work (mainly commercial, TVC's). I'm working at the moment on my new home studio and I was considering getting something smoother, for more listener-friendly less commercial recordings. I obviously had the TLM 103 in mind. Do you think the OC18 would be a good alterative? Would studios/clients miss the Neumann sound? Many thanks!

[@franktntx]

the legend returned

[@marcchapleau8343]

Hi Mike! I plan to do voiceover works as freebee for a non profit organisation. i only use 1 single condenser mic in recordings, no instrument. And i struggle choosing between Audient ID4 (or ID14) vs SSL2. since there is only 40 dollars difference, i wonder what is the best buy. I know Audient products are your forte but what do you thing of the SSL2? By the way, i discovered your channel a few months ago and guess what? You are the only KZbin channel that i follow as soon you release a new video. YOu are infectious! ;) Keep the good work and thanks for your attitude and tips!

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

Ssl2 unless you can wait for an id22mk2. That said they will each do the same thing for you so buy which ever fits your budget. The id 14 has slightly worse DA conversion than the ssl2 so it would only be noticeable to you if you record in and out of your daw multiple times. If this doesn't matter to you then a used id4 has the lowest quality adda of audients interfaces (*mki) then id22,id44 in that order. But if you buy a new id4 mkii or id14mkii then they are the same as each other and they are both bus powered and usbc (old id14 is usb and wired). Ssl2 is usbc and bus powered plus comes with SSL plugin channel strip making it miles better cost/value than the audient offers. Fyi

[@alex.muntean]

The Neumann TLM103 and OC-18 sound remarkably similar.

[@Byron101_]

prefer 103. sounds better in lows and transients. OC18 is a little bit harsch and something is in the mids what I dont like.

[@jeremiah5798]

Cap

[@florianmertl]

Ahh Mike, you just made me spend 699 EUR. Thanks for that ;) And even more thanks for making such an awesome content!