Ohma World launches Ohmie, a £265 condenser mic with switchable 48V/80V capsule voltage

Ohma World has launched the Ohmie, a £265 ($349) cardioid condenser microphone with a “Dual Voltage” switch that changes the capsule’s polarisation voltage between 48V and 80V. Both modes run from ordinary 48V phantom power, so no special preamp or power supply is needed.

At 48V, the company says, the mic sounds “natural, smooth and relaxed.” At 80V it becomes “immediate, punchy and defined,” with about 5dB more sensitivity. Ohma says the extra voltage is generated by circuitry inside the mic and describes the two settings as different sounds rather than presets from particular sources, both with ample headroom.

The Ohmie is a transformer-less design with a high-output, low-noise circuit and an edge-terminated cardioid capsule. It ships with a custom isolation chip and a capsule that sits inside an isolated mount to reduce stand noise. Ohma says it works with audio interfaces and portable field recorders alike.

Key specifications

• Sensitivity at 1kHz: 32mV/Pa at 48V; 57m/VPa at 80V
• Max SPL (0.5%THD): 138 dB at 48V; 133 dB at 80V
• Self-noise: 8dB-A equivalent noise level
• Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Output stage: Transformerless, 3-pin XLR, 90Ω nominal impedance
• Size and weight: 157 x 56.5 x 25 mm, 218 g
• Power draw: 8mA from 48V phantom power

Pricing and availability

The Ohmie costs  £265 ($349) and is sold through Ohma’s website and its dealer network. An optional Magnetic Pop Filter, which snaps onto the front of the mic without clamps or goosenecks, is available with the mic in a Black Friday bundle for £303.

Shipping is free worldwide, though international buyers are responsible for any VAT, duties and customs fees. Orders include 30-day returns and a one-year warranty, extended for  two years if the mic is registered.

Positioning against the Ohma line

The Ohmie sits alongside Ohma World’s existing modular microphones, which are transformer-coupled condensers or active ribbons. Those mics are shaped and swappable magnetic acoustic screens and can be customised with different colours, finishes and logos.

The Ohmie takes a different approach: its character comes from the voltage switch rather than interchangeable hardware. Like the rest of the range, it is designed and assembled in East Los Angeles.

Engineer Hotae Alex Jang, whose credits include Beyoncé, John Legend and Raphael Saadiq, is quoted by the company praising its smooth highs and its low and mid frequencies. He called it “one of the best looking microphones out now”.

For more information, or to purchase Ohmie, visit ohmaworld.com.