Behringer C-2 2 Matched Studio Condenser Microphones

For the price these are unbeatable, seriously.60 bucks and the only possible negative to these mics is the little bit of self noise and that's NOT something to complain about when you're getting TWO mics like this for so cheap.The sound quality (apart from the light hiss) is crystal clear, the attenuators make these work when you plug them straight into a camcorder (I used them with the Canon XA-10 XLR inputs) to prevent line overdrive. The mounting rail works perfectly and there's really nothing I can find that is actually bad about these mics other than the audiophile's old nemesis, the self noise. And even that isn't bad, it's trivial and I could care less about it.Get them if you want something cheap to bring out into the field!(edit along with correcting a typo)Forgot to mention that if you put these on the mounting rail and point them out at a 45 degree angle you can get near binaural sound (of course with the slight noise, whatever) and the sound is very natural.

I've owned the C-2s for about a year now and I have say I reach for them more than almost any other mic I own (the winner would have to be the Blue Baby Bottle because it's just so dang versatile!). A little bit about my context: I'm a full time music technology educator, performer and composer. In terms of time breakdown, those three roles end up being around 70/20/10. I've used the C-2s to record guitar with students, mic choirs for school performances and even to capture room noise for in-ear monitors during performances. Here's what I like:-The cost to performance ratio is outstanding. They fall in the bottom of the cost range but offer a performance which is entirely usable in a variety of contexts. Would I use them for a classical guitar recording? No, but any studio you go to is going to have an excellent SDC. The C-2s also come with wind screens, mic clips and a stereo mount.-The durability is also outstanding. Working with students (as you teachers out there know) means you occasionally get the "oops, I dropped it!" or "I think the stand just fell over". With the C-2s, I haven't had anything shatter, crack or disintegrate yet. They survive being tossed in my gear bag (a repurposed husky tool bag), transported to and from gigs (latin dance band) and handled by students of all ages.Here's what I don't like:-The sensitivity of the mic is difficult to control using gain. What I mean is that in applications where the source of the sound is static or you want to either capture sound or not capture sound, the C-2s shine. But I haven't found them to be very nuanced in terms of picking up dynamic changes. I adjust the gain to get a good signal and then from there on out it's either "we got it!" or "we can't hear it". For me, this makes them more usable in live/on-stage applications than for recording.My recommendation? If you want a mic which costs next to nothing, delivers durability and predictable results, the C-2s are for you. Classroom use, technology teaching, reference/scratch recordings and live performance are areas where the C-2s shine. If you want a mic to create an outstanding guitar recording or choral recording for submission for contests or sale online, I'd strong recommend looking elsewhere (the Avantone CK-1, for example).

I've been using the Behringer C-2 matched studio condenser microphones for various recording projects, and they have proven to be a reliable and affordable option for capturing high-quality audio. Here's my detailed review:Pros:Matched Pair: The C-2 microphones come as a matched pair, ensuring consistent audio quality between the two. This is particularly beneficial for stereo recording applications like drum overheads, choirs, and live performances.Affordable: One of the standout features of the C-2 microphones is their price point. They offer excellent value for money, making them an accessible option for beginners and home studio enthusiasts without compromising too much on quality.Good Sound Quality: These microphones deliver clear and detailed sound, with a relatively flat frequency response. They are well-suited for recording acoustic instruments, vocals, and ambient sounds. The low-mass diaphragm captures nuances with impressive accuracy.Versatile Applications: The C-2 microphones are versatile and can be used for a variety of recording scenarios. Whether you’re miking a piano, acoustic guitar, or using them as overheads for drums, they perform well across different applications.Durable Build: Despite their low cost, the microphones are solidly built with a metal casing that provides durability. They feel sturdy and can withstand regular use in both studio and live settings.Accessories Included: The package includes a stereo bar, windscreens, and a carrying case. These accessories add to the value and convenience, making it easier to set up and transport the microphones.Cons:Self-Noise: The C-2 microphones have a higher self-noise level compared to more expensive condenser microphones. While this is generally not an issue for louder sources, it can be noticeable in quieter recordings.Sensitivity: These microphones are quite sensitive, which can be a double-edged sword. They pick up a lot of detail, but they can also capture unwanted background noise if the recording environment isn’t well-controlled.Limited Low-End Response: The low-frequency response is not as robust as some higher-end condenser microphones. This can be a limitation when recording instruments or voices that have significant low-end content.Requires Phantom Power: Like most condenser microphones, the C-2 requires phantom power to operate. This isn’t a major drawback, but it’s something to consider if your recording setup doesn’t already include a phantom power source.Overall Verdict:The Behringer C-2 matched studio condenser microphones offer excellent value for their price. They provide good sound quality, versatility, and durability, making them a great choice for beginners, home studio enthusiasts, and even professionals looking for an affordable stereo pair. While they do have some limitations, such as higher self-noise and a less robust low-end response, these are minor issues considering the overall performance and cost. I highly recommend the C-2 microphones for anyone looking to enhance their recording setup without breaking the bank.