For today's podcastage, I will be reviewing the Behringer C-1 Condenser Microphone. If you are interested in this microphone, it can be purchased on Amazon for $50, or for $10 more ($60), you can purchase the USB version of this microphone.
Before we get into the actual review, I need to make an IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER. This microphone requires a minimum of 36v phantom power. That means that a USB audio adapter, or USB mixer will not provide sufficient power. You will need a mixer/preamp that has Phantom Power or a stand alone phantom power supply.
What's In the Box
This is a very simple box. You get a hardshell plastic carrying case and inside you get the Microphone, the Mic Mount, and a 5/8" Male to 3/8" Female Mic Stand Adapter. That's it. You're not getting cables, shock mounts, pop filters or anything else. You are paying $50 just for the mic. Don't misunderstand, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Performance / Features
This is a Cardiod Condenser microphone that requires phantom power. The frequency response is 40Hz - 20KHz, and it provides approximately 180-degree polar pattern at 1KHz.
The build quality on this is great. All metal construction, metal grill, metal body. It feels like you could beat someone to death with this thing (but I wouldn't recommend it). The mic mount is plastic, and doesn't feel like the most sturdy mount I've handled. You also need a screw driver to tighten/loosen the hinge on the mount.
The carrying case is a "hard shell" plastic case. The reason I put hard shell in quotation marks is this case is because it is plastic, but not sturdy plastic. The locking mechanism on the case is a cheap plastic hinge that will break if you use it too much, and the case doesn't seem like it will protect the mic from too much. HOWEVER, most mics I have tested out, only come with a carrying pouch, so this does offer more protection than most.
Pros
- Sturdy Construction
- Good Sound Quality
- Carrying Case
- XLR Microphone (can use different preamps, interfaces, etc.)
Cons
- Frequency Response rolls off at 40hz. Doesn't provide full audible frequency range.
- Requires 36v of Phantom Power (not necessarily a con, but for some people this means an additional investment which could be a bad thing).
- No cables included.
Conclusion
Overall, I really like this microphone. It is a great sound for the cost, and it is one of my favorites that I have tested out to date. As I mentioned before, it does require a minimum of 36v of phantom power, so if you are planning on plugging this directly into your USB adapter, it will not work. You will also need to purchase cables if you are going to be purchasing this mic.
If you are just doing gaming videos, I don't think you need to invest in a $50 microphone like this that requires phantom power and a bunch of other stuff, I think you will be fine with a $30 mic that works with a $5 adapter. The people that will get the most benefit out of this higher quality are musicians who are recording vocals, or acoustic instruments. This will give you that little bit of an edge. It is also an XLR microphone so you will be able to upgrade to better preamps, or interfaces.
If you have any questions about the microphone, leave them in the comments down below or on youtube and I will get back to you ASAP. Thanks for watching & reading.
Behringer C-1: http://amzn.to/1X1aj1w
Behringer C-1u: http://amzn.to/1NV8jYf
Phantom Power Supply: http://amzn.to/1lqCFGV
USB Audio Adapter: http://amzn.to/1X1asBV
