Austrian Audio
Austrian Audio is a Vienna-based audio manufacturer founded in 2017 by 22 former AKG engineers. It designs professional microphones, headphones, and amplifiers using proprietary ceramic capsule technology, serving studio, live, broadcast, and audiophile markets across 40+ countries through authorized dealer networks.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersVienna, Austria
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Austrian Audio does
Austrian Audio is a Vienna-based professional audio equipment manufacturer founded in July 2017 by 22 former AKG engineers carrying 350+ years of cumulative engineering experience, following the closure of AKG's Vienna offices. The company designs and handcrafts professional microphones, headphones, and a headphone amplifier in Austria, with proprietary ceramic capsule technology (CKR12, CKR6-B), Hi-Xcursion driver technology, and True Transient Technology as core technology platforms. Its product portfolio spans large-diaphragm condensers (OC-S10, OC818, OC18, OC16, OC-B6), small-diaphragm pencil condensers (CC8, CC8-SC), dynamic microphones for instruments and vocals (OD5, OD303, OC7), USB content-creation microphones (MiCreator Studio, Satellite, Y-Lav), wireless handheld systems (OC707WL1, OD505WL1), factory-matched stereo sets, the DMK1 drum kit, professional headphones (Hi-X65/60/55/25BT/20/15), premium audiophile headphones (The Composer, The Arranger), and the Full Score one headphone amplifier. A proprietary software ecosystem—PolarDesigner, PolarPilot, AmbiCreator, StereoCreator, and Spatial Soundcard—extends the value of dual-output microphones by enabling frequency-dependent polar pattern control and spatial audio.
Austrian Audio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Austrian Audio
- Legal name
- Austrian Audio
- Website
- https://austrian.audio
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Austrian Audio is a Vienna-based audio manufacturer founded in 2017 by 22 former AKG engineers. It designs professional microphones, headphones, and amplifiers using proprietary ceramic capsule technology, serving studio, live, broadcast, and audiophile markets across 40+ countries through authorized dealer networks.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Austrian Audio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Audio Equipment
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)
- SIC
- Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Studio / Pro Monitoring Headphones & Reference Speakers (CRACANAK), Hi‑Fi / Audiophile Components (DACs, Amps, Turntables, Streamers) (CRACANAI), Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring) (MPAIAJAD)
Keywords
Where Austrian Audio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vienna
- HQ country
- Austria
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Austrian Audio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Professional Microphones: Large-diaphragm condensers (OC-S10, OC818, OC18, OC16), dynamic microphones (OD505, OD303, OC707), pencil condensers (CC8), and specialty mics (OC-B6 kick drum mic). Prices range from $99 to $2,999 for individual units.
- Microphone Sets and Kits: Factory-matched stereo pairs, drum mic kits (DMK1 featuring three large-diaphragm condensers), and system bundles. DMK1 priced at $4,999.
- Professional Headphones: Hi-X series headphones (Hi-X65, Hi-X60, Hi-X55, Hi-X50, Hi-X25BT, Hi-X20, Hi-X15) ranging from $129 to $399, plus premium audiophile models The Composer ($2,499) and The Arranger ($999)
- Headphone Amplifiers: Full Score one premium headphone amplifier at $1,699, designed for reference-grade audio reproduction
- Software Ecosystem: Free PolarDesigner plugin for dual-output microphones; AmbiCreator, StereoCreator, Spatial Soundcard, and PolarPilot app for enhanced microphone control and spatial audio
- Accessories: Cables, stands, shock mounts, windscreens, cases, ear cushions, and replacement parts for microphones and headphones
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Flagship Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Dynamic Microphones |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty Microphones |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Microphone Sets and Kits |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Hi-X Professional Headphones |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Premium Reference Headphones |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Headphone Amplifiers |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Software Products |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Austrian Audio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Austrian Audio designs, engineers, and handcrafts in Vienna a portfolio of professional audio equipment including large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm condenser microphones, dynamic and wireless microphones, USB content-creation microphones, professional studio and audiophile reference headphones, a reference headphone amplifier, and complementary software plugins (PolarDesigner, PolarPilot, StereoCreator, AmbiCreator). The company sells these products globally through authorized distributors and dealers to recording engineers, producers, touring artists, broadcasters, content creators, and audiophiles.
Product overview
Austrian Audio is a Vienna-based audio technology company founded in 2017 by former AKG engineers. Its product portfolio spans three core hardware categories — professional studio and live microphones, headphones for studio and audiophile use, and a reference headphone amplifier — complemented by a suite of proprietary software plugins and mobile apps. The microphone lineup includes large-diaphragm condensers (OC-S10, OC818, OC18, OC16, OC-B6), small-diaphragm pencil condensers (CC8, CC8-SC), dynamic instruments and vocal microphones (OD5, OD303, OC7), USB content-creation mics (MiCreator Studio, Satellite, Y-Lav), wireless handheld systems (OC707WL1, OD505WL1), and the DMK1 drum microphone kit (the world's first with three large-diaphragm condensers). The headphone range covers studio monitoring (Hi-X65, Hi-X60, Hi-X55, Hi-X25BT, Hi-X20, Hi-X15), premium audiophile reference (The Composer with 49mm DLC driver, The Arranger with 44mm DLC driver), and the Full Score one dedicated amplifier. Software extensions include PolarDesigner (frequency-dependent polar pattern control), PolarPilot App (wireless mic control), StereoCreator, AmbiCreator, and Spatial Soundcard L. The ecosystem is unified by Austrian Audio's proprietary ceramic capsule technology (CKR12) and Hi-Xcursion driver platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Hi-X: Professional headphone product line featuring various models including Hi-X65, Hi-X60, Hi-X55, Hi-X50, Hi-X25BT, Hi-X20, and Hi-X15.
- The Composer
- The Arranger
- Full Score one
- PolarDesigner
Products and services
- OC-S10 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Flagship large-diaphragm true condenser studio microphone with dual-diaphragm design and Austrian Audio ceramic capsule technology, designed for professional studio recording with advanced polar pattern control via PolarDesigner software.
- OC818 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Professional large-diaphragm true condenser microphone with dual-diaphragm design and ceramic capsule. The 'Austrian Standard' for studio recording, supporting wireless control via PolarPilot and polar pattern shaping via PolarDesigner software.
- OC18 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Professional large-diaphragm true condenser microphone delivering 'true tone' with ceramic capsule technology. Available as matched dual set for stereo recording applications.
- OC16 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Accessible large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for real-world studio applications, delivering professional quality at an entry-level price point.
- OC-B6 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Kick Drum Microphone World's first large-diaphragm condenser microphone purpose-built for kick drum. Features CKR6-B ceramic capsule, handles 170 dB SPL, 25 Hz subsonic filter, 220° swivel head, discrete electronics. Handcrafted in Vienna.
- OC7 Instrument Microphone Professional condenser instrument microphone with swivel-head design for precise placement on snares and toms. Part of the DMK1 drum kit.
- OD5 Active Dynamic Instrument Microphone Active dynamic instrument microphone with swivel-head design, engineered for drums and percussion. Provides high SPL handling with dynamic capsule characteristics.
- OD303 Dynamic Handheld Microphone Dynamic handheld microphone designed for live vocal applications with professional-grade construction and sound quality.
- CC8 Pencil Condenser Microphone Small-diaphragm pencil condenser microphone for precision instrument capture. Available in standard cardioid and CC8-SC supercardioid variants.
- CC8-SC Supercardioid Pencil Condenser Microphone Supercardioid variant of the CC8 pencil condenser microphone engineered for tight source isolation.
- MiCreator Studio USB Condenser Microphone USB condenser microphone system for content creation and podcasting. Includes free Steinberg Cubase LE and WaveLab Cast software. Priced at $129.
- MiCreator Satellite USB Microphone Dual-channel USB microphone system providing two independent input channels for flexible recording setups. Priced at $79.
- MiCreator Y-Lav Lavalier Microphone Lavalier microphone with Y-connector for MiCreator Satellite, enabling two-channel lavalier recording. Priced at $39.
- DMK1 Drum Microphone Kit World's first drum microphone kit featuring three large-diaphragm condensers (OC-B6 kick mic + two OC18 overheads) plus CC8 pencil condenser, OD5 active dynamic, and OC7 condenser mics. Optimized for transparent, honest drum capture. Priced at $4,999.
- OC818 Dual Set Plus Microphone Set Factory-matched pair of OC818 microphones with individual frequency charts and certificate. Designed for stereo recording applications with perfect channel matching.
- OC18 Dual Set Plus Microphone Set Matched pair of OC18 microphones for stereo recording, offering professional-grade matched condensers at an accessible price.
- OC707WL1 Wireless Condenser Handheld Microphone Wireless handheld condenser microphone system for live performance. Combines the OC707 condenser capsule with wireless connectivity.
- OD505WL1 Wireless Dynamic Handheld Microphone Wireless handheld dynamic microphone system for live vocals, featuring the OD505 active dynamic capsule with wireless freedom.
- Hi-X65 Open-Back Studio Headphones Professional open-back over-ear headphones with 44mm High-Excursion drivers. Designed for mixing and mastering with wide, natural soundstage and honest frequency response. Winner of the TEC Award 2022.
- Hi-X60 Closed-Back Professional Headphones Closed-back professional headphones for studio tracking and monitoring with Hi-Xcursion 44mm driver technology.
- Hi-X55 Closed-Back Studio Reference Headphones Closed-back studio reference headphones with 44mm Hi-X driver, delivering detailed monitoring for professional environments.
- Hi-X25BT Bluetooth Wireless Headphones Bluetooth wireless headphones with Hi-Xcursion drivers, combining professional sound quality with wireless convenience for portable use.
- Hi-X20 Compact Professional Headphones Compact professional headphones with 44mm Hi-X driver, delivering full-detail monitoring in a smaller frame. Priced at $169.
- Hi-X15 Entry-Level Professional Headphones Entry-level professional headphones offering Austrian Audio's honest sound signature at an accessible price point. Priced at £89.99.
- The Composer Premium Open-Back Reference Headphones Premium open-back reference headphones with 49mm Hi-X driver featuring diamond-like carbon diaphragm. Flagship audiophile model engineered and manufactured in Vienna. EISA High-End Headphones 2024-2025 award winner.
- The Arranger Open-Back Reference Headphones Open-back reference headphones with 44mm DLC-coated driver and foldable design. Mid-premium audiophile headphone bridging studio and high-end listening. Priced at $1,299 / €999.
- Full Score one Reference Headphone Amplifier Reference-grade headphone amplifier with True Transient Technology (TTT), fully discrete analog design, ultra-low THD (0.0005%), supporting headphones from 10Ω to 600Ω. Designed as optimal pairing with The Composer.
- PolarDesigner Plugin Free post-production plugin for OC818 and OC-S10 enabling real-time frequency-dependent polar pattern control across up to five bands. Features automated spill detection/elimination and target-to-spill ratio optimization.
- PolarPilot Mobile App Mobile app for wireless control of OC818 microphone parameters including polar pattern, high-pass filter, and pad directly from smartphone.
- StereoCreator Plugin Plugin for stereo microphone applications, enabling advanced stereo techniques with Austrian Audio dual-diaphragm microphones.
- AmbiCreator Plugin Plugin enabling ambisonic audio recording with OC818, converting dual-output signals into immersive spatial audio formats.
- Spatial Soundcard L Binaural Audio Application Binaural audio application for headphones, enabling immersive listening experiences from stereo content.
- MiCreator Software Bundle (Steinberg Cubase LE and WaveLab Cast) Free Steinberg software bundle (Cubase LE and WaveLab Cast) included with MiCreator Studio microphone purchase.
Quantifiable outcome
- 170 dB maximum SPL handling for OC-B6 kick drum microphone
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Austrian Audio
Customer profileNamed customers17 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Austrian Audio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature8 records
Austrian Audio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Sweetwater StudioscoreSweetwater Studios conducted professional testing of the DMK1 drum mic kit and OC-B6 kick mic, featuring Casey Cooper (COOP3RDRUMM3R) in demonstration videos showcasing product capabilities in professional recording environments
- Vienna Business AgencyminorAustrian Audio receives support from the Vienna Business Agency (Wirtschaftsagentur Wien) for company formation and growth
- Erikson Music (Canada)coreAuthorized Canadian distributor for Austrian Audio professional audio products
- Gentec International (Canada)coreAuthorized Canadian distributor covering Quebec and additional regions for Austrian Audio products
- Group Technologies / Interdyn (Australia)coreAustralian distributors representing Austrian Audio across the Australian market
- Mi7 JapancoreJapanese distributor for Austrian Audio professional audio products
- DPA Microphones (France/Ireland/USA)coreDPA Microphones serves as authorized distributor for Austrian Audio in France, Ireland, and USA sales office regions
- Henley Audio (UK)coreUK distributor representing Austrian Audio for audiophile products including The Composer and The Arranger headphones
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Austrian Audio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Shure Incorporated: Shure is the dominant global pro microphone and headphone manufacturer (SM7B, KSM series, SRH headphones) competing head-to-head with Austrian Audio across studio recording, live performance, and broadcasting segments with overlapping artist endorsement programs and global dealer networks.
- Sennheiser: Sennheiser is a direct rival in studio/live microphones (eMKH, e900 series) and pro/audiophile headphones (HD 600/800 series), and through ownership of Neumann also competes at the premium tier where Austrian Audio's OC818 and The Composer are positioned.
- Neumann (Sennheiser): Neumann sets the reference benchmark for large-diaphragm studio condensers (U87, TLM series) and studio monitors, competing directly with Austrian Audio's OC-S10, OC818, and DMK1 at the premium tier of professional recording.
- RØDE Microphones: RØDE is a comparable challenger-style pro microphone and headphone brand (NT series, NTH headphones, Wireless Go) targeting the same studio, broadcast, and content-creation segments and rapidly expanding into headphones, overlapping with Austrian Audio's Hi-X and MiCreator lines.
- DPA Microphones: DPA is a premium direct peer in instrument and studio condenser microphones (d:vote, d:dicate, 4000 series), and notably is also an authorized distributor for Austrian Audio in France, Ireland, and the USA, illustrating direct product overlap at the high end.
- Beyerdynamic: Beyerdynamic is a German pro audio manufacturer that competes with Austrian Audio across both studio and live microphones (M series, TG series) and professional/audiophile headphones (DT 700/900 ProX), with overlapping global distribution and award-winning headphone lines.
- Audio-Technica: Audio-Technica is a broad direct competitor across studio condensers (AT4050, AT4040), live mics, broadcast, USB/content creator microphones (AT2020, AT2040), and pro/audiophile headphones (ATH-R70x, ATH-M50x), spanning nearly every Austrian Audio product vertical.
- Lewitt: Lewitt is an Austrian-headquartered microphone challenger founded by ex-AKG engineers that directly competes with Austrian Audio in large-diaphragm and pencil condensers (LCT series, DGC), targeting the same global pro audio dealer channels with similar price-band positioning.
- Focal (Naim): Focal is a premium French audiophile brand (Utopia, Stellia, Clear MG headphones; Arche amplifier) competing head-to-head with Austrian Audio in the high-end reference headphone and amplifier categories where The Composer, The Arranger, and Full Score one are positioned.
Broad incumbents
- AKG (Harman International): AKG is the heritage predecessor firm whose Vienna closure birthed Austrian Audio; now under Harman it competes across the same pro and consumer mic and headphone categories at scale, and is the incumbent whose customers, dealers, and brand Austrian Audio is directly challenging.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Austrian Audio social profiles
Digital presenceAustrian Audio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Austrian Audio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Austrian Audio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Austrian Audio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Austrian Audio
What does Austrian Audio do?
Austrian Audio designs, engineers, and handcrafts in Vienna a portfolio of professional audio equipment including large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm condenser microphones, dynamic and wireless microphones, USB content-creation microphones, professional studio and audiophile reference headphones, a reference headphone amplifier, and complementary software plugins (PolarDesigner, PolarPilot, StereoCreator, AmbiCreator). The company sells these products globally through authorized distributors and dealers to recording engineers, producers, touring artists, broadcasters, content creators, and audiophiles.
Is Austrian Audio a public or private company?
Austrian Audio is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was Austrian Audio founded?
Austrian Audio was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Austrian Audio based?
Austrian Audio is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, in the Europe region.
How does Austrian Audio make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Professional Microphones are the primary driver. The others are microphone Sets and Kits, professional Headphones, headphone Amplifiers, software Ecosystem and accessories.
Who are Austrian Audio's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Shure Incorporated, Sennheiser, Neumann (Sennheiser), RØDE Microphones, DPA Microphones, Beyerdynamic, Audio-Technica, Lewitt and Focal (Naim). AKG (Harman International) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Austrian Audio have an API?
No public API is recorded for Austrian Audio.
What industry is Austrian Audio in?
Austrian Audio's product category is Professional Audio Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAB, Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors), with a secondary code of CRACANAK, Studio / Pro Monitoring Headphones & Reference Speakers. Its NAICS code is 33431 and its SIC code is 3651.