Behringer C-3 Studio Condenser Microphone
Switch pickup patterns from cardioid, to omni, to bidirectional with Behringer's budget-friendly dual-diaphragm condenser microphone.
Overall User Ratings (based on 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!"
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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 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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Submitted July 22, 2012 by David R in Linden, PA
"The best place to shop for sound gear!"
The Behringer mic we bought for our congregationi is exactly what we were looking for and works perfectly in our application. And the switchable pick-up pattern allows us to use the mic in different settings without having to have two other mics. The figure 8 pattern and phantom power is just a great way for us to interview two people with having two mics and the people don;t have to be standing close to this mic for it to pick up. All-in-all, this is a terrific mic!!
Musical Background:
none
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Submitted April 21, 2012 by Frank de Vries
"Noisy microphone!"
I bought this Behringer C-3, but is is VERY noisy... I can't use it for anything else than recording hardrock! I think I will remove the PCB and replace it with my own low-noise head amplifier. The C-3 uses a TL072 as head amp, no surprise that you get noise. (The noise is even higher in the omni and fig.8 mode.)
Musical Background:
Recording engineer
Musical Style:
All styles
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