Behringer C-3 Studio Condenser Microphone

No longer available at zZounds
Switch pickup patterns from cardioid, to omni, to bidirectional with Behringer's budget-friendly dual-diaphragm condenser microphone.

The Behringer C-3 is a home recording enthusiast's dream come true. This professional-quality condenser microphone is designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy.

Features

- Professional large dual-diaphragm condenser microphone for studio recording and live applications
- Ideal as main and support microphone for studio and live applications
- Selectable cardioid, omnidirectional or figure eight pickup pattern
- Pressure-gradient transducer with shock-mounted dual-diaphragm capsule
- Perfect for acoustic instruments, overhead, piano, etc.
- Exceptionally flat frequency response and high sound resolution
- Low-noise transformerless FET input eliminates low-frequency distortion
- LED indicates phantom power operation
- Rugged construction with metal die-cast body
- Gold-plated 3-pin XLR output connector for perfect signal transmission
- Swivel stand mount and transport case included
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
- Conceived and designed by Behringer Germany

What is a Condenser Mic?

Condenser microphones are the ideal choice for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. They're the primary type of microphone used in recording studios and radio stations. They are capable of capturing much more detail than dynamic microphones because of their wider, flatter frequency response. Another difference between condenser and dynamic mics is they contain active circuitry that requires phantom read more power (+48 V DC) for operation. You can power them from any phantom power equipped Behringer XENYX mixer, plus enjoy the benefits of these state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps.

Why the C3?

The C-3 is an affordable, high-quality way to put this essential studio tool to work for you. It has three selectable pickup patterns: omnidirectional for capturing sound equally on all sides; cardioid for picking up your source signal while rejecting off-axis sounds; and figure-eight for capturing sound both behind and in front of the mic, but not all the way around. With its excellent transducer and gold-plated XLR output, the C-3 is very neutral-sounding and truly delivers on the promise of noise-free transmission.

But That's Not All...

The C-3 is built to be your go-to condenser mic for years to come. Its tough, die-cast body can withstand all the rigors of bleary-eyed late-night recording marathons. And with its rugged foam-padded carrying case, it travels in safety and style. They also included a swivel stand mount so it can be affixed to your studio's mic stands.

Value

This condenser mic is an excellent choice for live and studio applications, and it's available at a price that will leave you with enough cash left over to secure other recording essentials.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://www.behringer.com/service.html

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars. (5 ratings)
Submitted March 8, 2011 by a customer from comcast.net

"Great bang for the buck.....not Neumans but they will get the job done with a little jingle left in your pocket!"

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
So far what I have experienced with these, I would replace them with the same should something happen to them. In cardiod pattern there is some low self noise with the other settings it is greatly increased because of the additional diaphragm being active.

Sound
For the money these are a good bang for the buck. That having been said, it is what you pay for. You are not buying Neuman mikes. Therefore, to compare them to Neuman would be a disservice to both. Because of the several options, cardioid, figure-8 and omni, these are performing exactly as I have need. These serve as ambient mikes in a live setting for in ear monitoring. With these set at front of stage with the figure-8 setting, performers are able to hear themselves in a "room" setting, and they are also able to hear the audience. They do it very well. The indicator on the face of the mics is a great visual clue that "phantom" is on. Comparing them in studio to MXLs, the tonal quality is about the same, with the gain attenuated more for these to acheive the same output. When compared to Octavas, let us just say that they really are in a different league. The Octava(s), gain set at 12 o'clock, had more output than with these set at 3 o'clock. But again, keep in mind that what these are currently providing in an inexpensive package makes sense and cents.

Features
The shipping box (carrying case) is very adequate for getting to me, but I immediately read more put them in a padded/divided mic case (SKB). The mic holder is plastic, I would be careful in handling it. Are they road worthy for an every night set up and tear down? probably not!

Quality
The switches appear to work well and do not anticipate any thing breaking but I also do not have any plans to need to change settings all to often. Very possibly the only one would be the low cut switch should there be any low rumble transmitted to these.

Value
At the normal retail price I would probably pass on these for something with a little better specs.

Manufacturer Support
I have used Behringer boards for many years and have not had anything that would cause me hesitation to use their products.

The Wow Factor
The chromed mesh has me a little concerned as to how long it will hold up. I would have much preferred a more matte finish or black. They would be so much less conspicuous had they been a matte black finish for what I am using them for.

Musical Background:
Recording engineer, producer, singer, live sound engineer

Musical Style:
Gospel, Classical
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