Austrian Audio OD303From real comments

Verdict distilled from 8 mentions across 7 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment63%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 8 mentions across 7 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want more clarity and presence than an SM58 in unprocessed sound
  • You need a feedback-resistant mic for live vocal reinforcement with high gain
  • You're looking for an affordably priced dynamic vocal mic

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need proven performance in a full mix where SM58 was reported cleaner
  • You require a mic already tested for handling noise before buying
  • You want a brighter sound signature closer to the sE V7

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
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Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
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High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
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3Premium
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Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
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Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
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Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Budget
Austrian Audio OD303
Clarity and presence vs SM58Affordable pricingGood feedback resistance with high gainMissing handling noise testProcessed sound may favor SM58Weaker performance in a full mix
Austrian Audio OD303
Clarity and presence vs SM58
Affordable pricing
Good feedback resistance with high gain
Missing handling noise test
Processed sound may favor SM58
Weaker performance in a full mix

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The OD303 stacks up favorably against classic dynamic mics in raw sound. Commenters repeatedly draw comparisons to the Shure SM58 and SM57, with one listener saying the OD303's unprocessed sound has a slight edge over the SM58 and reminds them of the SM57's tone, which they prefer over the SM58. Another found the OD303 sometimes wins with more presence and clarity in direct comparisons, positioning it as a serious contender among affordable dynamic microphones for vocal use.

It performed reliably in a real live sound scenario. One user reported buying the OD303 after watching a review and using it for school sound reinforcement with two altos singing into it. Despite significantly boosted gain, the microphone sounded great and did not feed back, running at 0dB. This suggests solid gain-before-feedback performance for live vocal applications in practical settings.

It may not be a clear winner once mixed with other elements. While the OD303 shows advantages in isolated comparisons, one commenter noted that in a full mix, the SM58 has a clearer advantage and 'fits like a champ,' suggesting the OD303's strengths may be more apparent in solo or unprocessed contexts. Additionally, a reviewer pointed out the absence of handling noise testing, leaving that aspect of live performance unverified for potential buyers.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?