Austrian Audio have announced the CC8 cardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphone, hand-built in Vienna and the first of a family of instrument microphones for use studio and stage use.
At the heart of the Austrian Audio CC8 microphone lies the newly-developed OCC7 capsule. Reportedly inspired by (AKG's) CK1, the OCC7 is said to deliver all the benefits of that classic design updated to meet the demands of today.
The OCC7 capsule and transformerless output give the CC8 a linear frequency response [clic on footer image], handling high sound pressure levels (SPL) of up to 156 dB.
"The CC8 sounds natural and open without becoming harsh or spiky, even at extreme volumes. The mids and highs are silky smooth, never exaggerated. This makes the CC8 the ideal microphone for the detailed recording of various acoustic instruments, such as stringed instruments, woodwinds and brass, and orchestral percussion, in addition, instruments like acoustic guitar, piano, snares, hi-hat, and entire drum sets", states the company.
Before leaving the factory, each microphone is measured and to a tolerance of max. +/- 0.5 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz. This means that any CC8 can be match-paired with any other, regardless of production dates.
With a built-in switchable attenuation of 0 dB, -10 dB, and -20 dB, as well as switchable high-pass filtering (60 Hz, 120 Hz or off) the microphone uses a capsule utilizing a three micron thick gold-coated polyethylene naphthalate (pen) diaphragm that is reportedly more robust than conventional Mylar alternatives.
Pricing:
EU — €399 (MSRP, incl. VAT)
UK — £359 (MSRP, incl. VAT)
USA & Asia — $479+tax