Austrian Audio’s announcement for this year’s NAMM Show saw the introduction their first large-diaphragm capacitor kick-drum microphone, as well as a new all-in-one drum miking kit aimed at both studios and live sound. Said to achieve what has long been considered impossible, the OC-B6 integrates a large-diaphragm capsule into a remarkably compact, stage-ready design that’s capable of handling extremely high SPLs while delivering a pure, unprocessed sound.
The new arrival employs a ‘B’ version of the company’s CKR6 capsule, which doubles the distance between diaphragm and electrode and features a lower-tuned resonance frequency. The design results in a significant increase in headroom, allowing the mic to withstand SPLs that Austrian Audio say are unmatched by any other capacitor microphone on the market, as well as a subtly refined frequency response.
Key Features
- One-inch CKR6-B large-diaphragm true condenser capsule is purpose-built to withstand and reproduce extreme sound pressure levels.
- Design inspired by Austrian Audio’s OD5 and OC7 microphones, featuring innovative open acoustic technology for top-tier performance in a compact form factor.
- Austrian Audio original swivel joint with 220° rotation for maximum flexibility and accuracy in miking up any kick drum.
- Optimised subsonic filter to eliminate acoustic content below 18Hz, reducing infrasound that could otherwise limit available headroom in the mix.
- Fully discrete electronics — no integrated chips — ensuring ultra-fast transient response and exceptional clarity.
- Natural, highly detailed sound reproduction without loss of information.
- Extremely robust, compact design with an integrated thread for direct attachment to mic stands — no clip required.
- Every capsule and mic is hand-built and individually measured in Vienna, Austria.
The OC-B6 is said to work both inside and outside of a kick drum, and promises to deliver the goods whether it’s placed just inches from the beater, near the resonant head or positioned out in front of the drum. It’s been designed with both studio and live work in mind, and Austrian Audio say that it brings a new standard to live bass-drum miking by combining the richness of a large-diaphragm capacitor mic with the rugged, stage-ready construction associated with dynamic designs.
DMK1
Alongside the the release of the dedicated OC-B6 kick drum microphone, Austrian Audio have also launched the Drum Microphone Kit DMK1: a complete set of drum mics aimed at both studio and live-sound duties.
What’s Included?
- 1 × OC-B6
- 2 × OC18
- 1 × CC8
- 3 × OC7
- 1 × OD5
- 4 × DPH12 drum holders
- Windscreens for OC18 and CC8 for outdoor use
Pricing & Availability
- OC-B6: $599£449 including VAT / €499
- DMK1: $4999£3499 including VAT / €3999
