Austrian Audio CC8

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 everyone. The CC8 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern and true condenser, handmade in Vienna and aimed at professional users.

Inside every 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 over the heritage with the advantages of the classic and the requirements of today. Shaped by the past, built for the future.

The CC8 with true condenser technology was created for the professional sector. The gold-vapourised membrane inside the capsule is made of 3 micrometre thick polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and is much more robust than conventional Mylar alternatives. The filter fabric used guarantees constant and very broadband cancellation. This results in an outstandingly precise cardioid characteristic with excellent attenuation of sound coming from the sides and rear.

The OCC7 capsule and the transformerless design of the feed section give the CC8 a remarkably linear frequency response. The microphone can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels of up to 156 dB SPL. In combination with a very low self-noise of just 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 overemphasised.

The CC8 is ideal for recordings where fast transients need to be reproduced and spatial information needs to be captured as accurately as possible. Small diaphragm microphones are particularly popular for the detailed recording of various acoustic instruments found in classical ensembles and jazz formations. These include, for example, string instruments, woodwinds and brass, orchestral percussion, classical singers, but also instruments that can be 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 having to worry about distortion. Rumbling noises and impact sound 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 quietest atmospheric sounds can be recorded without any problems thanks to the low inherent noise.

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

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

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