Austrian Audio has announced the first in a new line of instrumental microphones for use in the studio and on stage: the CC8.
What makes this new small diaphragm microphone remarkable is Austrian Audio’s OCC7 condenser capsule. Inspired by the legendary CK1, this newly developed capsule delivers all the benefits of that classic design updated to meet the demands of today.
The capsule’s three-micron-thick gold-coated polyethylene napthalate (PEN) diaphragm is much more robust than conventional mylar alternatives. The OCC7’s filter fabric guarantees a constant broadband cancellation, resulting in outstanding cardioid characteristics with exceptional attenuation of sound coming from the sides and rear.
The capsule and transformerless output give the CC8 an outstanding linear frequency response. It can handle extremely high sound pressure levels of up to 156 dB SPL without distorting. Combined with a very low self-noise of only 16 dB SPL (A), this results in an exceptional dynamic range. The CC8 sounds natural and open and never becomes harsh or spiky, even at extreme volumes. The mids and highs are silky smooth, never exaggerated.
The CC8 is excellent for recordings in which fast transients and spatial information needs to be captured as accurately as possible, for example for the detailed recording of acoustic instruments like in jazz ensembles, orchestras, acoustic guitars, pianos, and more.
Thanks to the built-in switchable attenuation of 0 dB, -10 dB, and -20 dB, the microphone can be positioned very close to loud sound sources such as trumpets without fear of distortion. Rumble and impact noise are effectively eliminated with the switchable high-pass filter (60 Hz 2nd order, 120 Hz 2nd order). When things get quiet and the finest nuances of, for example, a soft stringed instrument or a voice are recorded, the CC8’s low self-noise comes into its own. The CC8’s small dimensions allow targeted positioning even in tight and difficult places, both in the studio and on stage.
The Austrian Audio CC8 is hand-built in Vienna. Before leaving the factory, each microphone is measured and tuned (in Austrian Audio’s special in-house anechoic chamber) to a maximum tolerance of only +/- 0.5 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz. This means that any CC8 can be match-paired with any other, regardless of their production dates.
The CC8 is available in October for at a MSRP of 399 EUR (Europe) / £359 GBP (UK). It will be available in USA and Asia starting November, priced at a MSRP of $479 USD. The CC8 Stereo Set including 2x CC8 microphones, 2x OCH8 mic-clips, 2x CCW8 windscreens, a carrying case and a stereo bar will be 799 EUR / £719 GBP / $949 USD. Prices incl. VAT where applicable.
More information: Austrian Audio
