Austrian Audio’s earlier OD505 and OC707 represented a plucky transfer into reside sound merchandise; we noticed as a lot potential for these mics within the studio as on the stage, with the dynamic capsule performing particularly impressively. Since then, the model has expanded its reside providing by venturing into producing mic capsules for wi-fi methods, and just lately launched a supple, versatile pair of microphones to follow-up the ‘505 and ‘707.
The model claims that its OD5 and OC7 instrument mics can attain locations that different microphones can not, swivelling into place on stage (and within the studio) with a 220-degree rotation of the pinnacle basket. Like most of Austrian Audio’s vary, they’re constructed in Vienna and, removed from being in unknown territory, the engineering group have appreciable type on this discipline, having beforehand been related to the event of swivel joints for AKG’s modular/small diaphragm condenser traces.
The lowdown
The OD5 is an lively dynamic mic that homes a unique capsule and voicing to that of the sooner OD505 and, moreover, lacks the previous’s dual-diaphragm, pop-stopping design. The benefits of being lively embody having loads of acquire (so much less noise and sign loss), and the inclusion of each a high-pass filter and pad on board; particularly useful for taming boomy, loud drums and guitars on stage previous to the sign reaching the blending desk.
The cardioid sample of the OD5 shouldn’t be as tight because the OD505’s supercardioid response however is simpler to put and keep away from spill from surrounding devices. Its tonal response has barely thicker low mids than the OD505 in free discipline – useful for wealthy tom sounds and the like – with proximity additional including weight nearer to the supply. The presence increase within the high-mids has a barely wider bandwidth than the OD505 and a gentler increase; these attributes promise a smoother high finish than apparent rivals like the ever present Shure SM57 – and extends decrease downward.
Austrian Audio’s OC7 shares the identical OCC7 capsule because the OC707 and the CC8 small diaphragm condenser, taking a wholesome dollop of inspiration from the ever-versatile AKG CK1 capsule – a staple in numerous drum recordings for hi-hat, backside snare and overhead duties. The OC7’s voicing is just like the OC707, however with an additional presence peak on high to deliver out ethereal frequencies. In the meantime, the frequency contour steadily thins out within the low mids, maybe to assist the mic sit within the combine extra immediately – and keep away from undesirable increase – when positioned near hi-hats, underneath a snare, or shut to a different acoustic instrument in a reside setting.
Each the OC5 and OC7 mics are constructed to final, with an honest weight, sturdy thumbwheel and twist mechanism, plus handily recessed switches. The padded case is bulkier than it must be however will present ample safety on the highway. A mic stand clip and thread adapter full the accent pack. At £249, the OD5 is aggressive with different premium dynamic mics (particularly contemplating the lively know-how). Nevertheless, the OC7’s £399 worth appears a little bit steep, contemplating there’s loads of alternative for compact small diaphragm condensers. Plus, it’s a little bit extra area of interest than the (extra typical) similarly-priced Austrian Audio CC8.
Sharpen the axe
On strummed, distorted electrical guitar tones, the OD5 presents a devoted copy of indicators leaving the speaker cupboard, exhibiting the fully-rounded sound of different high-end dynamics just like the Sennheiser MD421. Pleasing proximity may be put to make use of proper as much as the speaker grille; not as overbearing as you may count on, with the choice to experiment with the high-pass when it’s required.
In distinction, our reliable Shure SM57 has much more high-mid fizz and barely extra proximity build-up, so the general consequence seems barely scooped. The Beta 57a we even have at hand comes a lot nearer to the OD5 when it comes to the stability between current low-/mid-mids and high-mid chew.
On much less aggressive, crunch distortion finger-picked traces, the OD5 stays the perfect all-rounder, though the Beta has a equally pleasing contour for the supply, albeit extra twangy within the mids.
In the meantime on acoustic guitar, the OC7 presents loads of articulation, reducing by means of the busiest of mixes and proving it’s worthwhile for purposes the place a quick transient response is necessary (hi-hat, cymbal spot mics, underneath the snare and so forth). For the capturing of extra delicate acoustic devices, the OC7 is probably a little bit too brittle in isolation, in want of a delicate excessive minimize to easy issues out. Even with the excessive move disabled, there’s no tangible proximity build-up; identical to the OD5, this makes it an important alternative for shut seize.
Snare pair
Subsequent up is a shootout check on snare, with the OD5 on the high and the OC7 beneath. The mics may be positioned with accuracy and repeatability, totally on-axis every time and with out the danger of snagging different {hardware}. The top baskets do appear a little bit outsized nevertheless, significantly within the case of the smaller-diaphragm OC7.
On snare high, the OD5 is full-bodied and never as excessively boosted within the excessive mids because the SM57. When used alone, it would require EQ shaping for reside work as a way to poke its manner by means of a crowded rock combine, however the flip facet is that it’s pure sounding at supply, much less liable to highlighting annoying resonant rings on an undamped drum. For additional crispness and maintain, the OC7 is added beneath with its polarity flipped. The 2 mics represent a critically compelling mixture for studio work.
Across the again
Like different Austrian Audio mics we’ve examined, the off-axis response and rear rejection functionality are stellar, with no resonant or scooped colouration of sounds reaching the mic on the null factors of the polar sample. It is a main promoting level of their meant purposes, significantly with a number of mics organized round a drum package. It reduces the necessity for intrusive noise gating on shut mics, permitting you to easily embrace the spill with open arms (in the event you’re courageous sufficient).
Not so stellar is the outstanding, high-pitched resonant frequency and hole sound that comes from a faucet check on the OD5’s physique. Customers must work laborious to decouple the mic from different {hardware}, so (handy) drum-mounted clips may need to be dominated out altogether. Our Beta 57a fares much better in rejecting dealing with noise and we’re happy to report that the OC7 doesn’t endure the identical downside.
If you happen to’re in search of easy-to-place microphones, Austrian Audio’s new pair is effectively price consideration, with essentially the most versatile being the OD5. Regardless of some points with physique resonance, it even may turn out to be a brand new go-to for guitar cabs and drums.
Key Options
OD5:
OC7:
Each:
- Cardioid
- 220-degree swivel mechanism
- -10dB pad
- Comes with padded case, mic clip and thread adapter
