Behringer C-2 Matched Condenser Microphones — Pair

Behringer C-2 Matched Condenser Microphones (Pair)

The Behringer C-2 is a matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones for stereo and two-microphone recording. The two capsules are matched so that a stereo image stays balanced — left and right channels respond the same way, which is what drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, choir and room recording depend on. Each microphone is a cardioid pressure-gradient condenser with a 16 mm capsule, a switchable 10 dB pad and a switchable low-cut filter, in a compact pencil body with a gold-plated balanced XLR connector.

Key features

• Matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones for stereo recording
• Cardioid polar pattern for source isolation and feedback rejection
• Flat, wide 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
• Switchable 10 dB pad raises maximum SPL handling to 150 dB
• Switchable low-cut filter, 6 dB per octave at 120 Hz, for rumble and proximity control
• Ultra-low-noise transformerless FET circuitry
• Gold-plated balanced XLR connector; requires 48 V phantom power
• Supplied with stand adapters, windscreens, stereo mounting bar and transport case

Stereo recording with a matched pair

A single microphone records a source; a matched pair records a space. Set the C-2 pair as drum overheads and the kit keeps its width and cymbal balance. Set them in a spaced or coincident arrangement over a piano, an acoustic guitar or an ensemble and the recording carries the position of each instrument, not just its tone. Matching matters because any sensitivity or response difference between the two microphones pulls the stereo image to one side. The pair is also useful as two independent microphones — one on a guitar and one on a voice, for example — when a stereo setup is not required.

Handling loud and quiet sources

The C-2 handles a maximum SPL of 140 dB before the pad, and 150 dB with the 10 dB pad engaged, so close placement on drums, brass or a guitar amplifier stays clean. At the other end, equivalent noise of 19 dBA and a 75 dB signal-to-noise ratio keep quiet sources — fingerpicked guitar, soft vocals, spoken word — free of audible hiss at normal recording distances. The low-cut filter removes stage rumble, handling vibration and air-conditioning noise at the microphone instead of in the mix, and it counters the bass buildup that appears when a cardioid microphone works very close to a source.

Connection and setup

Each microphone connects with a standard balanced XLR cable to a microphone input supplying 48 V phantom power, and draws 3 mA. Two microphones need two phantom-powered inputs — an audio interface, mixer or recorder with two mic preamps. The included stereo bar mounts both microphones on one stand for coincident stereo work, and the windscreens cover outdoor or breath-noise situations. At 90 g each, the microphones place no strain on stands or boom arms.

For recording work that has outgrown a single microphone, the C-2 pair is the direct next step: true stereo capability, high SPL headroom and the switching needed for both loud and delicate sources, in one case.

Buying guide: microphone for podcasting guide

Complete your setup: Pair the Behringer C-2 Matched Condenser Microphones — Pair with the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD USB Audio Interface and the Gator Frameworks GFW-MIC-2120 Deluxe Tripod Mic Stand with Telescoping Boom.