Austrian Audio CC8

Small-diaphragm condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern.

With the CC8, Austrian Audio has developed a microphone that is suitable for modern recording applications and yet has a timeless sound character that is appreciated by all. The CC8 is a small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone with true condenser, handmade in Vienna and aimed at professional users. Inside each CC8 small diaphragm microphone beats the heart of an OCC7 condenser capsule from Austrian Audio. Inspired by the legendary CK1, the newly developed capsule takes on the heritage with the benefits of the classic and the demands of today. Shaped by the past, built for the future.

The CC8 with True Condenser technology was created for the professional market. The gold vaporized membrane inside the capsule is made of 3 micron thick polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and is much more robust than conventional Mylar alternatives. The filter fabric used guarantees constant and very broadband extinction. This results in an outstandingly precise cardioid characteristic with excellent attenuation of incident lateral and rear sound.

The OCC7 capsule and the transformerless design of the feed section give the CC8 a remarkably linear frequency response. The microphone can handle extremely high sound pressure levels of up to 156 dB SPL. Combined with a very low self-noise of only 16 dB(A), this results in an impressive dynamic range. The CC8 always sounds naturally open and is neither harsh nor sharp, even at extreme volumes. The mids and highs are always silky smooth and are not overemphasized.

The CC8 is ideally suited for recordings where fast transients must be reproduced and the spatial information must be captured as unaltered as possible. Small-diaphragm microphones are especially popular for the detailed recording of various acoustic instruments found in classical ensembles and jazz formations. These include stringed instruments, woodwinds and brass, orchestral percussion, classical vocalists, as well as instruments found in all genres such as acoustic guitar, piano, snares, hi-hat and overheads.

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).

Even extremely quiet signals such as fine violin sounds, delicate voices or the softest atmospheric sounds can be recorded without any problems thanks to the low inherent noise.

The small dimensions allow a targeted positioning even in narrow and difficult places, both in the studio and on stage.

Each CC8 is hand-built in Vienna. A special feature is Austrian Audio's in-house anechoic chamber. Before leaving the factory, each microphone is measured and tuned to a maximum tolerance of +/- 0.5 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz. Thus, all CC8s, regardless of production date, can be used as matched pairs.

Features:

• Small-diaphragm condenser microphone
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Out-of-the-box match paired with any other CC8 (+/-0.5dB @ 1 kHz)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Best-in-class off-axis frequency response
• Sensitivity: 15 mV/Pa
• Inherent noise: 16 dB (A)
• Output impedance: 275 Ω (balanced)
• Load resistance: >1 kΩ
• Maximum sound pressure: 156 dB SPL
• Power supply: 48 volts (<3mA)
• Switchable low cut filter: 60Hz, 120 Hz
• Switchable pre-attenuation: -10dB, -20dB
• Requires 48 volts phantom power
• XLR connector
• Metal housing, cap and mesh grille
• Designed and manufactured in Vienna
• Includes OCH8 microphone clamp, CCW8 windscreen and MSC8 transport case
• Dimensions: 140 x 23 x 23 mm
• Weight: 160 g

Specs:

• Converter: Condenser
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Color: Black
• Set Offer: no
• Type: Studio Microphone
• Theme: Recording and Studio

Instruction manual / Safety instructions:

• Manual (1.06 MB)

Further links:

• Print View