Austrian Audio applied its masterful microphone-design expertise to the CC8 small-diaphragm condenser mic, and the results are impressive, indeed. Featuring a modern transformerless design built around a custom handcrafted true-condenser capsule, the CC8 is superbly engineered to deliver rich, classic sound in the Viennese tradition. Equipped with 10 and 20dB preattenuation pads, the CC8 achieves a stunning 156dB maximum SPL, which makes it ideal for high-decibel onstage and studio applications such as drum overheads and percussion. But the CC8’s pristine sonics and fast transient response also lend it to the capture of strings, piano, steel-string guitar, and other acoustic instruments where nuance is critical. A switchable 60Hz/120Hz highpass filter further enhances the versatility of this incredible microphone. Add one — or preferably, a stereo pair — to your mic locker today and hear what you’ve been missing.

Amazing versatility and value

Designed, engineered, and manufactured in Vienna, the City of Music, the CC8 delivers outstanding performance, flexibility, build quality, and value — but then, that’s what we expect from Austrian Audio. The CC8 boasts class-leading dynamic range, with a robust 156dB SPL handling and a 16dB equivalent noise level. Combined with its versatile cardioid polar pattern and excellent off-axis response, this means you can deploy it onstage on, let’s say, drum overheads — with high-gain guitar amp stacks on either side — and it will pick up the subtleties of the drummer’s cymbal work. Meanwhile, in the studio, it will flawlessly capture the nuances of a quiet classical string quartet performance, with thrilling realism in the playback. Whatever you aim the Austrian Audio CC8 at, you will be impressed with the results. Now, that’s what we call value!

Outstanding build quality and performance

As a class, small-diaphragm condenser mics are the precision, fine-tipped arrows in the recording engineer’s quiver. In contrast with large-diaphragm designs (which offer their own unique advantages), their low-mass capsules allow for the speed to optimally capture the sparkling detail in transient-rich sources such as acoustic guitar and cymbals. With its Austrian pedigree, the CC8 naturally not only excels in such applications, but also on relatively low-dynamic sources like classical ensembles and choirs. And you can be confident when using a pair of them for stereo pickup, as each CC8 is precision calibrated to within +/-0.5dB at 1kHz. Whether you work in music recording, live sound, or broadcasting, the Austrian Audio CC8’s linear frequency response, beautifully natural and open sound, and smooth, silky highs make it a mic you will reach for constantly.

Austrian Audio: the new Vienna classics

Carrying on the legacy of high-end Viennese transducer and microphone design into the modern era, Austrian Audio is driven by an engineering team with over 300 years of combined experience. Their motto: “Making Passion Heard.” Their mission: to design and manufacture a new generation of recording tools that embrace cutting-edge technologies and sonic excellence while honoring Vienna’s rich musical heritage. That vision is realized in Austrian Audio’s proprietary handcrafted capsules and the superior build quality of their products. Music Experience is proud to bring you Austrian Audio’s distinguished lineup of fine microphones.

What Austrian Audio Says...

Austrian Audio have created a state-of-the-art microphone ready for modern recording applications yet with the timeless sonic character appreciated by all. The CC8 cardioid small-diaphragm true condenser microphone is hand-built in Vienna and created with professionals in mind. At the heart of the Austrian Audio CC8 microphone beats the newly-developed OCC7 small-diaphragm condenser capsule. Inspired by the legendary CK1, the OCC7 delivers all the benefits of that classic design updated to meet the demands of today. Shaped by the past; built for the future. The OCC7 capsule and transformerless output gives the CC8 a remarkably linear frequency response, handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL) of up to 156 dB, without distorting. 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. Before leaving the factory, each microphone is measured 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.