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.