I liked the OC16's sound most - it's balanced and better than the others on presence and, well, bit more of body, without sounding boosted. Great response, actually. It's a couple of streets ahead of the others in the shootout. Wonderful fir the price too. Thanks for the video
Thanks for the comment. The mic definitely punches way above its price point. Since the OC18 and 818 share the same capsule, all you're getting with the more expensive versions are polar patterns (if you think you'll need different ones) and for the 818 the ability to change polar patterns after the fact.
We wanted to hear you overal thought and opinion, we will form out own, but it helps when guy with well equipt studio can say how he sees it. Nice video, kind regards.
I try to stay out of the opinion giving aspect of things because what works for me may not work for you or someone else. In watching the video, it's my hope that the viewer can make their own determinations if the product is right for them. That being said... down here in comment land, I can express things differently. The mic is solidly built and has a great overall tone. I don't like that the pickup pattern tends to be on the wider side (doesnt reject off axis stuff very well, especially on drums or a busy stage/floor). For the price, you're getting a mic that sounds WAY better than most in the price point. Since the capsules are the same as in the OC18 and a dual in the 818, if you dont find yourself needing other polar patterns or the ability to change patterns after recording, the OC16 is a great, more budget friendly alternative to the other mics in the series. If you do need the other polar patterns, expect about the same sound from the other mics, just with that added functionality. I am not a huge fan of the shock mount, but it does the job. With enough use, im sure the mounting harware will loosen up a bit to make it more user friendly. Mine is EXTREMELY tight and hard to get the mic in/out of.
Any thoughts on doing a proper comparison between oc16 and oc18 as I haven’t seen any on youtube. I’m really curious if oc18 is much or any better, since they bought use the same capsule. Thank you
I'd love to, just got to find a way to get one i dont have to pay for lol. But I couldn't see the mic sounding much different if at all for exactly the reason you stated. The only difference i see with the two is the inclusion of the pad and i think a couple extra hpf settings. If i can get my hands on one I'll def put em up.
I had them both side by side. Although they share the same capsule, they are both tuned slightly differently. OC18 is a bit mellower in the high mids and highs. I ended up buying the OC16, because it was just a touch clearer and punchier on my voice. Not a major difference tho.
It’s not a clone it’s made by same people that used to work for AKG that’s the difference between someone copying Akg and someone who use to work for them. I got an oc16 simple the price fit the voice u can change your voice it will fix the mic problem this is for any mic at all learn your voice and fix your pitch.
Thanks for watching but, not sure what you mean. I was shooting the mic out with my C12 clone. Wasnt saying the OC16 was a clone. And their capsules are nothing like what AKG is putting out now, IMO its even better! The quality seem to be where AKG USED TO be years ago before Harman took over.
hi there sir, im commenting from the Caribbean. can you please do a review of the Audio Technica AT897 shotgun Microphone? i need a professional opinion on the sound quality for voice over
why would you want to use a shotgun mic for voiceover? Typically you'd want to use a shotgun mic for field recording, sports or recording for video on set. VO typically use nice dynamic or condenser mics. What exactly is the situation you're looking to use the AT897 in?
@@meistudiony ever since the sennheiser mkh416 was announced as on of the industry standards, i started exploring shotgun options, because im not yet in a position to purchase the sennheiser and so i have used less expensive options and it has been working well for me. clients have been pleased with my work. but i came across the audio technica at897 in a review on youtube and i was blown away. sir you do a comprehensive review on microphones and thats why i chose to seek you to do areview on that shotgun, before i finally purchase
Not sure I'd go that far. We've shot our clone out against an original C12 a few years ago, and no one in the room thought it sounded terrible or too far off from the original (which after almost 60 years was certainly a lot duller than it would have been new). On the vocal test, i think most would be hard pressed to pull any of them out in a blind test. To me the AKG is extremely bright, and I certainly wouldn't use the word warm to describe it. On the acoustic guitar the mid range differences shown through a lot more and I kind of felt the OC16 was a little too forward in the mids, could have also been position since there would have been no way to put all the mics in the same exact position on the same performance. But such is the nature of these kinds of tests. Appreciate you checking the video out though!
It shines on acoustic and vocals. For an untreated room, nothing is really going to be "great". That being said, if you can find a good sounding spot IN the untreated room the OC16 may work well. RE20 is not bad on vocals, (better for broadcast vocals IMO), but I don't really like it at all on acoustic guitar. As far as picking up both at the same time... the RE-20 probably not as good as the OC16.
Thanks for the review! I have been eyeing this mic for guitar cabs... It would be awesome if you could please do a video on condenser mics on guitar cabs - High end options like C414 variants, cheaper takes on the C414 like the SE Electronics 4400A (this is my weapon of choice if I am not using a R121+SM57 or an e906). And Perhaps the OC16/18? Advantages/disadvantage vis-a-vis the top ribbon and dynamic mic choices, placement tips different to that of dynamics on cabs, etc. Look forward to it! Cheers.
Thanks for the suggestion! You're not the first to suggest this and I think perhaps its worth looking into! Funny that I literally NEVER think to put a condenser up for electric guitars, where so many people seem to want to go for that. Theres some REALLY cheap alternatives to the 414 (one of which i have laying around here) Might be a good reason to bust that out! Thanks again!
I have one and feel it's the cheapest way to get a mic with European made capsule of quality . Btw. the specs of the mic announced are the worst case ones, in practice they are closer to OC18. A very balanced mic.
I started using the OC16 for acoustic guitar over my C414 lately, couldnt be happier. Im having to EQ a little less and its just got a great rich sound. I have another one of their mic's on the way for another Austrian Audio review coming up in the next week or two. Thanks for watching!
No arguments there. Since we did this review, ive been using the OC16 for almost every acoustic guitar session thats come in. Thanks for checking out the channel!
I preferred the oc16 to the 414, the 414 had a bit more graininess / brittleness to the treble. But preferred the C12 to the oc16, the C12 had a fuller mid-range.
very good shootout, thanks a lot, i like the c12 clone, the 414 is a little bit to harsh for my liking, the oc16 is quite balanced, how do the OC16 react to EQ, if you put some "Air" to the mike?
Im very impressed by the oc16 especially for the price. To me its a little smoother 414 but you can still get that sizzle out of it if you put a high shelf on it. Eq wise its very pliable.
To my ears the oc16 has the most balanced sound, for the price a real masterpiece
For the price, yeah, it's really a winner!
Agree 100%
I liked the OC16's sound most - it's balanced and better than the others on presence and, well, bit more of body, without sounding boosted. Great response, actually. It's a couple of streets ahead of the others in the shootout. Wonderful fir the price too. Thanks for the video
Thanks for the comment. The mic definitely punches way above its price point. Since the OC18 and 818 share the same capsule, all you're getting with the more expensive versions are polar patterns (if you think you'll need different ones) and for the 818 the ability to change polar patterns after the fact.
I feel the mids more present with the OC16? cool video! Thanks for posting.
Thanks for checking it out! Appreciate it!
We wanted to hear you overal thought and opinion, we will form out own, but it helps when guy with well equipt studio can say how he sees it. Nice video, kind regards.
I try to stay out of the opinion giving aspect of things because what works for me may not work for you or someone else. In watching the video, it's my hope that the viewer can make their own determinations if the product is right for them. That being said... down here in comment land, I can express things differently. The mic is solidly built and has a great overall tone. I don't like that the pickup pattern tends to be on the wider side (doesnt reject off axis stuff very well, especially on drums or a busy stage/floor). For the price, you're getting a mic that sounds WAY better than most in the price point. Since the capsules are the same as in the OC18 and a dual in the 818, if you dont find yourself needing other polar patterns or the ability to change patterns after recording, the OC16 is a great, more budget friendly alternative to the other mics in the series. If you do need the other polar patterns, expect about the same sound from the other mics, just with that added functionality. I am not a huge fan of the shock mount, but it does the job. With enough use, im sure the mounting harware will loosen up a bit to make it more user friendly. Mine is EXTREMELY tight and hard to get the mic in/out of.
Any thoughts on doing a proper comparison between oc16 and oc18 as I haven’t seen any on youtube. I’m really curious if oc18 is much or any better, since they bought use the same capsule. Thank you
I'd love to, just got to find a way to get one i dont have to pay for lol. But I couldn't see the mic sounding much different if at all for exactly the reason you stated. The only difference i see with the two is the inclusion of the pad and i think a couple extra hpf settings. If i can get my hands on one I'll def put em up.
I had them both side by side. Although they share the same capsule, they are both tuned slightly differently. OC18 is a bit mellower in the high mids and highs. I ended up buying the OC16, because it was just a touch clearer and punchier on my voice. Not a major difference tho.
@@mik1533 Great, thank you for sharing your experience.
@@dantimofei you can't really go wrong with either. Both top notch mic's. The OC16 is a steal for that price.
@@mik1533 interesting, thanks for the info!
Great video! Hard to believe the OC-16 is only $399 as it compared very favorably with the other two microphones.
Thanks for checking out the video! Yeah, this mic definitely punches above its weight (price) class. It's become a go to for me on acoustic guitar.
It’s not a clone it’s made by same people that used to work for AKG that’s the difference between someone copying Akg and someone who use to work for them. I got an oc16 simple the price fit the voice u can change your voice it will fix the mic problem this is for any mic at all learn your voice and fix your pitch.
Thanks for watching but, not sure what you mean. I was shooting the mic out with my C12 clone. Wasnt saying the OC16 was a clone. And their capsules are nothing like what AKG is putting out now, IMO its even better! The quality seem to be where AKG USED TO be years ago before Harman took over.
with that preamp OC 16 kills on each example and becomes readily apparent on the mix .. on my RME gear it kills .
Definitely punches above its weight class. Thanks for checking out the channel.
hi there sir, im commenting from the Caribbean. can you please do a review of the Audio Technica AT897 shotgun Microphone? i need a professional opinion on the sound quality for voice over
why would you want to use a shotgun mic for voiceover? Typically you'd want to use a shotgun mic for field recording, sports or recording for video on set. VO typically use nice dynamic or condenser mics. What exactly is the situation you're looking to use the AT897 in?
@@meistudiony ever since the sennheiser mkh416 was announced as on of the industry standards, i started exploring shotgun options, because im not yet in a position to purchase the sennheiser and so i have used less expensive options and it has been working well for me. clients have been pleased with my work. but i came across the audio technica at897 in a review on youtube and i was blown away. sir you do a comprehensive review on microphones and thats why i chose to seek you to do areview on that shotgun, before i finally purchase
@@antoineinniss5586 thanks for watching and Ill see if i can get my hands on one in the near future and give you my opinion.
@@meistudiony thank you so much Sir. your professional opinion and advice matters
Next video we post on wed is for you!
The clone sounded terrible. The AKG and OC16 were very similar in sound. I would say the AKG is a little warmer.
Not sure I'd go that far. We've shot our clone out against an original C12 a few years ago, and no one in the room thought it sounded terrible or too far off from the original (which after almost 60 years was certainly a lot duller than it would have been new). On the vocal test, i think most would be hard pressed to pull any of them out in a blind test. To me the AKG is extremely bright, and I certainly wouldn't use the word warm to describe it. On the acoustic guitar the mid range differences shown through a lot more and I kind of felt the OC16 was a little too forward in the mids, could have also been position since there would have been no way to put all the mics in the same exact position on the same performance. But such is the nature of these kinds of tests. Appreciate you checking the video out though!
Subjective
414 on the piano, OC16 on vocals and guitar.
How do you think this mic would do in an untreated space for vocals and acoustic ? I am considering this or the re20
It shines on acoustic and vocals. For an untreated room, nothing is really going to be "great". That being said, if you can find a good sounding spot IN the untreated room the OC16 may work well. RE20 is not bad on vocals, (better for broadcast vocals IMO), but I don't really like it at all on acoustic guitar. As far as picking up both at the same time... the RE-20 probably not as good as the OC16.
Thanks for the review! I have been eyeing this mic for guitar cabs... It would be awesome if you could please do a video on condenser mics on guitar cabs - High end options like C414 variants, cheaper takes on the C414 like the SE Electronics 4400A (this is my weapon of choice if I am not using a R121+SM57 or an e906). And Perhaps the OC16/18? Advantages/disadvantage vis-a-vis the top ribbon and dynamic mic choices, placement tips different to that of dynamics on cabs, etc. Look forward to it! Cheers.
Thanks for the suggestion! You're not the first to suggest this and I think perhaps its worth looking into! Funny that I literally NEVER think to put a condenser up for electric guitars, where so many people seem to want to go for that. Theres some REALLY cheap alternatives to the 414 (one of which i have laying around here) Might be a good reason to bust that out! Thanks again!
I have one and feel it's the cheapest way to get a mic with European made capsule of quality . Btw. the specs of the mic announced are the worst case ones, in practice they are closer to OC18. A very balanced mic.
I started using the OC16 for acoustic guitar over my C414 lately, couldnt be happier. Im having to EQ a little less and its just got a great rich sound. I have another one of their mic's on the way for another Austrian Audio review coming up in the next week or two. Thanks for watching!
Awesome shootout! Very thorough and well-made :)
Did Austrian Audio ever end up responding?
Lol yes they did but only a couple months ago. I think i mentioned it when it happened but it was more than 6 months from my original contact.
@@meistudiony
Woof! Not a fast turnaround time
Thanks for the reply! :)
very little difference between oc16 and the akg414
Yeah, besides having the polar pattern selections… (which the 818 has) the sound is close. Both are good. Just a little different.
C12 for piano oc16 for guitar
No arguments there. Since we did this review, ive been using the OC16 for almost every acoustic guitar session thats come in. Thanks for checking out the channel!
I preferred the oc16 to the 414, the 414 had a bit more graininess / brittleness to the treble. But preferred the C12 to the oc16, the C12 had a fuller mid-range.
very good shootout, thanks a lot, i like the c12 clone, the 414 is a little bit to harsh for my liking, the oc16 is quite balanced,
how do the OC16 react to EQ, if you put some "Air" to the mike?
Im very impressed by the oc16 especially for the price. To me its a little smoother 414 but you can still get that sizzle out of it if you put a high shelf on it. Eq wise its very pliable.
Thank you@@meistudiony an it is cheaper (-:
Shootout starts at 7:55
Awesome video !
Thanks for checking out the video!
No AB test against anything? Uh
not sure what you mean. We ABC'd it. Tested it against the AKGC414 XL2 and our very pricey C12 clone.
Shootout starts at 7:55