OC 16 has a bigger body. The 87 is much smoother and more even. The 87 is a cleaner and can handle more dynamic sound sources. The OC 16 sounds like it can be great for a beefier version of the 87 on vocals but i wouldnt trust it for much else other than acoustic guitar. The 87 can handle it all. Great review Devvon.
The OC16 high end unfortunately is not smooth at all. It's noticably scratchy and unnatural sounding, which is a shame, because apart from that the tone of the mic is really nice. The OC18 sounds much smoother. The capsules are allegedly the same, so I'm really nor sure where these issues are coming from, but it's consistent rhoughout all the test recordings.
Could you do a full review of the Neat King Bee 2. You did a short video in the past but maybe an updated video to compare it against some of the microphone giants. It would be greatly appreciated.
The OC16 is a really good mic at that price point, but quietly if you're looking for a mic in that price range that will give you that Neumann flavor, get the Sennheiser MK4. It's a 100 bucks less (unless you get the shock mount package) and sense Sennheiser owns Neumann, it definitely has that Neumann sound. FYI
100%!!! I'm a Voice Actor and the MK4 has been my go-to for so many gigs!! That and the Shure KMS32 are so slept on. I got both of those mics used for a combined $550!
@@_YoungKDdefinitely solid for recording in general. If want a mic with that “Neumann” sound without buying an expensive clone, the MK4 will put you in the same realm sonically. Maybe a touch brighter than a TLM 103.
It's kind of crazy how much better the OC16 suits your voice imo, really brings out that lower midrange punch in the speaking example. Also, obviously you have way more experience mixing vocals compared to me but I often feel like you have a tendency to take out too much of that warmth from your vocals making them end up kinda thin and shrill sometimes. Obviously it's been working for you tho so I can't say you're doing it wrong, it's a preference thing at the end of the day.
agree. he's a great mixer for sure, but handling vocal low end and making it sound good is probably one of the hardest things to do. that's why Jaycen Joshua is the best mix engineer in this world to my ear. listen to Chris Brown's Heartbreak On A Full Moon (Jaycen Joshua) vs Indigo (Teezio) and you'll hear what I mean
Realize I like my vocals the way I like my vocals! But mixing for other people that’s a whole different sonic. For instance when I hear some other artist vocals I say to myself I wouldn’t mix my vocals that way. Every vocal sound should be mixed with the artist preference and what works for the song in mind! If it works it works
@@HelpMeDevvon I definitely agree with you on that part, always gotta work around the material provided and adapt in whatever way is necessary. There's definitely nothing wrong with how you mix your own vocals, just expressing my opinion as a music listener based on my preferences and bias I guess.
"Now let's to a sibilance test" **Expects to start singing with words testing sibilance** Devvon: Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Lol that was very direct. Good stuff man and you've been very informative.
I've recorded over 300 audiobooks and countless professional voice overs with the OC18. While I think the OC18 is the better sounding mic, I think the OC16 is plenty good enough to be your forever mic for any spoken word. I doubt many people at all would be able to tell the difference after processing.
I own and use these microphones and while I like the Oktava 319, I don't think it blows the U87 away. The 319 has a different character than most mics and is useful if you want that type of sound in the recording. The 319 housing is prone to resonance on louder sources so that is also a consideration.
the headphones you're using while recording at 4:25 , what are they? a long time ago you mentioned in a vid that they are really good for recording and arent that expensive. ive been looking ever since then & cant find them lol any help would be greatly appreciated
I don't think the OC16 sounds as nearly as good, of course that is subjective. Over UA-cam the quality difference isn't as obvious as in person since audio is compressed. Plosives were terrible with the OC16 but could be managed better with microphone technique. I think the OC16 is overrated and there are numerous better sounding microphones available.
I always felt the u87 was the most overrated mic of all time. I know tons of hits were made on them. Back in the early days of my career we would always put up a u87 and try it, and in the end we always choose another mic to use for the artist. It never made the final cut. Put it this way I would prefer a tlm 103 current day than a u87. So buying a clone not something I would be looking for.
Yea same it's actually really good just super boring, I believe there's an extreme reason why it cost 3k and some change sonically but I'll rather choose something with more mojo
I have the U87 A.I. Black Edition (but that makes no difference) I purchased it when I went solo after leaving a different studio that used the TLM 103.. After comparing dry unmixed raw vocals between a couple different artists I can say with certainty the 103 sounded muddy, dull and lacked certain detail in the top end (above 6k) compared to my U87 A.I It wasn't even close tbh...with that said : I think an important part of the equation that isn't getting mentioned is what the mics are running through and being paired with.. that matters alot. The TLM 103 was running through an Avalon 737 while the U87 A.I. goes through my Focusrite ISA 430 MKII... They have completely different sounds between the 2 mic pre amps... both then were hitting the same Pul-Tec EQ and 1176 Compressor so that made no difference there but the mic being paired with a certain pre amp definitely will play a major role in the overall audio signal quality... I will say though I definitely feel the U87 is a great mic but is overpriced for what it does - even though it's very sought after. I think the reason is because there's not a lot of post work that needs to be done when it is in a high quality vocal chain of hardware..the 103 is fairly priced fot what it brings to the table but If you really did the dry comparison like I did you would see that it doesn't hold a candle to the 87 barring any additional hardware.. like I said previously that all matters! When both mics were plugged Direct into the Saffire Pro 40 interface bypassing any hardware : they were night and day comparing the 2..That's just my long ass 2 cents on this topic.
What are you running it through though? Most People buy high end mic to run the Scarletts... That's not the same as running one through a 1073 and and 1176 into an Apollo x16 or Metric Halo... You're not getting to the 5% after the %95 a $500 Mic can give you because of your vocal chain.
@@minkfranchise6389Back in the days we were running Avalon vt737sp most of the time, and in the big studios I always grab for a neve 1073 going into a LA2a. Sometimes I do the combi of 1176 then La-2a. I stop trying to even reach for that mic through out the last 20 years. But for first 10 of my career I thought it was standard. But I was always a believer of matching mics and singers... and like i said it never was the final choice.
@Help Me Devvon most definitely, the mic you're comparing sounds good for $400 tho. I would definitely recommend it to anyone asking me for a great sounding budget microphone 🎤
Ya the high pass filter makes it sound more smooth sonically wit the 016. But the Neumann💯💯is better vocally for sure, hands down. None optioned purposes but just evident
The Austrian Audio OC 16 does sound really good for its price. Have you heard or tried the Roswell Pro Audio k87 mini? It is also a very cheap mic that is claimed to sound really good and comparable to a U87 too. Would love hear/see you to compare it to your Neumann U87.
I reviewed this mic last year. Overall it was ok to me, good for the price, but I prefer the vanguard V4, Mojave ma-50, or Roswell Delphos when it comes to transformerless mics
I’m stuck between this mic and slate ml-1. Any suggestions guys?? For the Ml-1 I’ll be getting a good deal same price as AA. Mostly I’ll be recording female vocals which is a little bit thin sounding
Oh wow i didnt even know this mic was out. Ive tried the oc18 and that mic is amazing! For the price of this and the sound it is crazy. Idk if i would compare it to the u87, maybe u87ai thats a little more bright. The u87 is so full in the mids and smooth in the highs which makes it so versatile and makes vocals really stand out over a beat. But from what i heard on here the oc16 sounds really good especially for the price.
No diss, but why is your on camera sound, sound hallow, but your VO sound is full and clear. Its funny you’re doing a microphone quality video, but the audio is inconsistent
The u87 has enough body were it needs were its not boxy and top end were there not alot of hiss the other one doesnt have that top end n theres more of a hizz n theres to much body to me were its boxy and p”s just sound boxy
I use an AT4040 for clarinet recording, do you think OC16 would surpass It? I'll probably get an OC16 and compare them. But let me know what you think.
That’s cap, if you understand basic electrical engineering concepts then you’ll know there are objectively better microphones on the market for less. Stam audio makes a U87 clone that sounds better than the vintage one for less than $1000. Theres a tube version that leans more towards the hyper modern C800g sound.
@@ari1981music Bro the u87 literally came out in the 60’s. Materials science, chemistry, and engineering are incomparably better today. I’ve A/B tested the U87 against at least 10 different microphones and there are plenty that sound as good if not better for a fraction of the cost. Still a fantastic mic, but not at the level of hype around it. It’s only expensive for the same reason a 1967 mustang is 4x the cost of a 2022 mustang. Don’t buy into the hype
Enjoyed the review, but that terrible thumping during the plosives demonstration must be managed before it can be used with male vocalists and spoken word. Helpful review - you talked me out of it. Thanks and be safe old man. JR
The oc16 sounds more tonal and not as natural. It’s not as smooth. Almost like its emulating. Although it’s close and unnoticeable to most. It could make a small difference in a final mix.
OC 16 has a bigger body. The 87 is much smoother and more even. The 87 is a cleaner and can handle more dynamic sound sources. The OC 16 sounds like it can be great for a beefier version of the 87 on vocals but i wouldnt trust it for much else other than acoustic guitar. The 87 can handle it all.
Great review Devvon.
I bought the OC18 after watching this . With the windshield it sounds perfect 👍🏼 Thank you bro.
The OC16 high end unfortunately is not smooth at all. It's noticably scratchy and unnatural sounding, which is a shame, because apart from that the tone of the mic is really nice. The OC18 sounds much smoother. The capsules are allegedly the same, so I'm really nor sure where these issues are coming from, but it's consistent rhoughout all the test recordings.
It'll be the circuitry or other components like transformer.
Could you do a full review of the Neat King Bee 2. You did a short video in the past but maybe an updated video to compare it against some of the microphone giants. It would be greatly appreciated.
Great review, amazing microphone on this price.
The OC16 is a really good mic at that price point, but quietly if you're looking for a mic in that price range that will give you that Neumann flavor, get the Sennheiser MK4. It's a 100 bucks less (unless you get the shock mount package) and sense Sennheiser owns Neumann, it definitely has that Neumann sound. FYI
Using the MK 4 and it is great
100%!!! I'm a Voice Actor and the MK4 has been my go-to for so many gigs!! That and the Shure KMS32 are so slept on. I got both of those mics used for a combined $550!
But is it good for music??
@@_YoungKDdefinitely solid for recording in general. If want a mic with that “Neumann” sound without buying an expensive clone, the MK4 will put you in the same realm sonically. Maybe a touch brighter than a TLM 103.
It's kind of crazy how much better the OC16 suits your voice imo, really brings out that lower midrange punch in the speaking example. Also, obviously you have way more experience mixing vocals compared to me but I often feel like you have a tendency to take out too much of that warmth from your vocals making them end up kinda thin and shrill sometimes. Obviously it's been working for you tho so I can't say you're doing it wrong, it's a preference thing at the end of the day.
agree. he's a great mixer for sure, but handling vocal low end and making it sound good is probably one of the hardest things to do. that's why Jaycen Joshua is the best mix engineer in this world to my ear. listen to Chris Brown's Heartbreak On A Full Moon (Jaycen Joshua) vs Indigo (Teezio) and you'll hear what I mean
It is great but I’d rather use the nu because it resists the Esses and plosives better they are a pain for mixing
Realize I like my vocals the way I like my vocals! But mixing for other people that’s a whole different sonic. For instance when I hear some other artist vocals I say to myself I wouldn’t mix my vocals that way. Every vocal sound should be mixed with the artist preference and what works for the song in mind! If it works it works
@@HelpMeDevvon I definitely agree with you on that part, always gotta work around the material provided and adapt in whatever way is necessary. There's definitely nothing wrong with how you mix your own vocals, just expressing my opinion as a music listener based on my preferences and bias I guess.
@@vael_ and I love ur opinion because it allows for conversation on perspective ton of respect for you yo!
"Now let's to a sibilance test"
**Expects to start singing with words testing sibilance**
Devvon: Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Lol that was very direct. Good stuff man and you've been very informative.
I've recorded over 300 audiobooks and countless professional voice overs with the OC18. While I think the OC18 is the better sounding mic, I think the OC16 is plenty good enough to be your forever mic for any spoken word. I doubt many people at all would be able to tell the difference after processing.
You need to review the el reys comp by acustica; jaycen joshua loves that thing for vocals
Try the Oktava 319. blow both this mics out the water for around $350.. but both the U87 & the AA O16 sound great too
I have a 219 and it's pretty neato, hot and somewhat saturated sound, definitely not bassy, but detailed and wildly sensitive
I own and use these microphones and while I like the Oktava 319, I don't think it blows the U87 away. The 319 has a different character than most mics and is useful if you want that type of sound in the recording. The 319 housing is prone to resonance on louder sources so that is also a consideration.
the headphones you're using while recording at 4:25 , what are they? a long time ago you mentioned in a vid that they are really good for recording and arent that expensive. ive been looking ever since then & cant find them lol any help would be greatly appreciated
I don't think the OC16 sounds as nearly as good, of course that is subjective. Over UA-cam the quality difference isn't as obvious as in person since audio is compressed. Plosives were terrible with the OC16 but could be managed better with microphone technique. I think the OC16 is overrated and there are numerous better sounding microphones available.
I'm trying to sell my U87 but this other mic sounds like a cheesy grater in comparison
I always felt the u87 was the most overrated mic of all time. I know tons of hits were made on them. Back in the early days of my career we would always put up a u87 and try it, and in the end we always choose another mic to use for the artist. It never made the final cut. Put it this way I would prefer a tlm 103 current day than a u87. So buying a clone not something I would be looking for.
Yea same it's actually really good just super boring, I believe there's an extreme reason why it cost 3k and some change sonically but I'll rather choose something with more mojo
The U87 is the SM58 of expensive condensers. overhyped, ubiquitous, but not that exciting, and kinda light on detail for a condenser.
I have the U87 A.I. Black Edition (but that makes no difference)
I purchased it when I went solo after leaving a different studio that used the TLM 103.. After comparing dry unmixed raw vocals between a couple different artists I can say with certainty the 103 sounded muddy, dull and lacked certain detail in the top end (above 6k) compared to my U87 A.I
It wasn't even close tbh...with that said : I think an important part of the equation that isn't getting mentioned is what the mics are running through and being paired with.. that matters alot. The TLM 103 was running through an Avalon 737 while the U87 A.I. goes through my Focusrite ISA 430 MKII... They have completely different sounds between the 2 mic pre amps... both then were hitting the same Pul-Tec EQ and 1176 Compressor so that made no difference there but the mic being paired with a certain pre amp definitely will play a major role in the overall audio signal quality... I will say though I definitely feel the U87 is a great mic but is overpriced for what it does - even though it's very sought after. I think the reason is because there's not a lot of post work that needs to be done when it is in a high quality vocal chain of hardware..the 103 is fairly priced fot what it brings to the table but If you really did the dry comparison like I did you would see that it doesn't hold a candle to the 87 barring any additional hardware.. like I said previously that all matters! When both mics were plugged Direct into the Saffire Pro 40 interface bypassing any hardware : they were night and day comparing the 2..That's just my long ass 2 cents on this topic.
What are you running it through though? Most People buy high end mic to run the Scarletts... That's not the same as running one through a 1073 and and 1176 into an Apollo x16 or Metric Halo... You're not getting to the 5% after the %95 a $500 Mic can give you because of your vocal chain.
@@minkfranchise6389Back in the days we were running Avalon vt737sp most of the time, and in the big studios I always grab for a neve 1073 going into a LA2a. Sometimes I do the combi of 1176 then La-2a. I stop trying to even reach for that mic through out the last 20 years. But for first 10 of my career I thought it was standard. But I was always a believer of matching mics and singers... and like i said it never was the final choice.
I have an Audio Technica for $100 and a Neumann for $1000 with the same processing they sound exactly alike
Same here
I'll stick wit my U87 lol
And that’s fine just showing a mic for your own opinion!
@Help Me Devvon most definitely, the mic you're comparing sounds good for $400 tho. I would definitely recommend it to anyone asking me for a great sounding budget microphone 🎤
nah
man it’s this mic is anything close to a u87 i’m buying i need a new mic anyway
Ya the high pass filter makes it sound more smooth sonically wit the 016. But the Neumann💯💯is better vocally for sure, hands down. None optioned purposes but just evident
😂😂😂😂
The Austrian Audio OC 16 does sound really good for its price. Have you heard or tried the Roswell Pro Audio k87 mini? It is also a very cheap mic that is claimed to sound really good and comparable to a U87 too. Would love hear/see you to compare it to your Neumann U87.
I’m planning to buy a k87 in the near future here. I would also love to see hmd compare it!
Have you tested the Lewitt as I was debating getting the mic you reviewed and the Lewitt
I reviewed this mic last year. Overall it was ok to me, good for the price, but I prefer the vanguard V4, Mojave ma-50, or Roswell Delphos when it comes to transformerless mics
The v4 is such a underrated mic and Mojave makes outstanding mics
You know what mic is also crazy for it’s budged? The blue ember! You should test it too
I’m stuck between this mic and slate ml-1. Any suggestions guys?? For the Ml-1 I’ll be getting a good deal same price as AA. Mostly I’ll be recording female vocals which is a little bit thin sounding
Yea I was looking at it and I’m definitely getting it now
If you can’t afford the Nuemann then get the mic it’s a good alternative on a budget but it ain’t better
I've been waiting for this review since you mentioned it at NAMM this year. I'll have to add this to my mic bag soon.
🤦🏻♂️🤣😂🤣
Oh wow i didnt even know this mic was out. Ive tried the oc18 and that mic is amazing! For the price of this and the sound it is crazy. Idk if i would compare it to the u87, maybe u87ai thats a little more bright. The u87 is so full in the mids and smooth in the highs which makes it so versatile and makes vocals really stand out over a beat. But from what i heard on here the oc16 sounds really good especially for the price.
THIS MIC IS BLOWING MY MIND!!!!
No diss, but why is your on camera sound, sound hallow, but your VO sound is full and clear. Its funny you’re doing a microphone quality video, but the audio is inconsistent
Hey Devvon, Plese get back to me. Please. You said I won a free gift. I would like the Rosetta EQ if that's possible. Thank you so much.
The u87 has enough body were it needs were its not boxy and top end were there not alot of hiss the other one doesnt have that top end n theres more of a hizz n theres to much body to me were its boxy and p”s just sound boxy
I use an AT4040 for clarinet recording, do you think OC16 would surpass It? I'll probably get an OC16 and compare them. But let me know what you think.
No
The Neumann has more resolution in the low mids...its more nimble.
Please do a shootout between Hi-X60 & Hi-X65 from @Austrian Audio.
Your voice tho!! Bruh, go get your $$
Oh, I like the mike too!
Do some Telefunken Mic reviews
Love seeing people shoutout Booth Junkie!
How is it compared to the Neat King Bee?
So the only con is the XLR click?
From this, I just know I want one.
Don't be confused guys! Because Neumann u87 is on another level! U can never reach quality of the U87 with a cheap microphone! 🙈
That’s cap, if you understand basic electrical engineering concepts then you’ll know there are objectively better microphones on the market for less. Stam audio makes a U87 clone that sounds better than the vintage one for less than $1000. Theres a tube version that leans more towards the hyper modern C800g sound.
I think what people don’t realize is that it’s getting cheaper to build higher quality things.
@@Par1s yes I know that, but on the another hand u don't need to process and work so much with audio from U87, it's gives you a best quality at once
@@HelpMeDevvon big fan of you! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
@@ari1981music Bro the u87 literally came out in the 60’s. Materials science, chemistry, and engineering are incomparably better today. I’ve A/B tested the U87 against at least 10 different microphones and there are plenty that sound as good if not better for a fraction of the cost. Still a fantastic mic, but not at the level of hype around it. It’s only expensive for the same reason a 1967 mustang is 4x the cost of a 2022 mustang. Don’t buy into the hype
Enjoyed the review, but that terrible thumping during the plosives demonstration must be managed before it can be used with male vocalists and spoken word. Helpful review - you talked me out of it. Thanks and be safe old man. JR
The oc16 sounds more tonal and not as natural. It’s not as smooth. Almost like its emulating. Although it’s close and unnoticeable to most. It could make a small difference in a final mix.
Thanks to mic mod I don't have to buy another mic again
😂😂😂😂 and yet people still don't get it
Sphere buy UAD is a beast! Never buying another mic at all lol
On your voice I prefer the OC16, and with that price it's a clear winner in the price to performance ratio
Wow