Behringer C-3 Dual-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

by Behringer

Product Features

• Professional large dual-diaphragm condenser microphone for studio recording and live applications
• Ultra low-noise transformerless FET input eliminates low-frequency distortion
• LED indicates phantom power operation
• Ultra-rugged construction with metal die-cast body
• Gold-plated 3-pin XLR output connector for perfect signal transmission

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 5.1 x 3.4 inches ; 1.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000KUA8EI
• Item model number: C-3
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,965 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The 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.

This professional-quality condenser microphone is designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy. Click to enlarge.

View frequency response. Click to enlarge.

View polar pattern. Click to enlarge.

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 power (+48 V DC) for operation. You can power them from any phantom power equipped BEHRINGER XENYX mixer, plus enjoy the benefits of our state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps.

Why the C-3?
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.

Built To Last
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. We also included a swivel stand mount so it can be affixed to your studio's mic stands.

C-3 Specs

• Transducer type: Condenser, 16 mm
• Polar pattern: Cardioid, figure 8, omni
• Connection: Gold-plated balanced XLR connector
• Open circuit sensitivity: -40 dBV/pa (10 mV/pa)
• Frequency response: 40 Hz - 18 kHz
• Max. SPL: 142 dB
• Equivalent noise level: 23 dBA (IEC 651)
• Dynamic range: 119 dB
• Rated Impedance 350 ohms
• Supply voltage: +48 V
• Supply current: 7.0 mA
• Dimensions: Shaft diameter: 54 mm; Length: 180 mm
• Weight: Approximately 0.45 kg

What's in the Box
Behringer C-3 Microphone, Swivel Stand Mount, Carrying Case, User's Manual

Product Description

Dual-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So Far So Good, March 8, 2010

By 

Mario Gozum "mgjr" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behringer C-3 Dual-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

I've researched and researched on budget mics. My budget was about $100 for a decent studio mic for my music hobby. I originally opted for an AKG Perception 120 but then I came across the Behringers. I picked the C-3 because of the multi-pickup patterns, roll-off and filter switches which allows for wider sonic possibilities. I was reluctant to purchase because there hasn't been any reviews for it. But I eventually decided to give it a shot because one, the price difference between this and the AKG was about $40 which allowed me to buy a mic stand and an XLR cable. Not bad. Secondly, it was a hobby. All I needed is a much better mic than the one I had which was a cheap $9 mic.

Physically, it's heavy, giving it that robust, hefty feel but I won't be too adventurous knocking it around. Didn't come with a manual but you can download one from their website. Comes with a foam padded case, which is nice. The mount is a bit flimsy, I think. You can only screw the mic in and position it on its swivel in such a way that the mic doesn't droop because of its weight but it's not a big deal and there are other ways to work around it.

Testing the mic... so far so good. I've only recorded one song with it. It is indeed far better than the cheap old dynamic mic I had. And since I haven't used any other mic in its class I have no way of comparing it. But in my opinion, it provided a clear reproduction on vocals. The mic's directional patterns worked as it should. It was able to filter out my noisy PC which I thought was amazing. I still need to learn proper mic'ing techniques though. I believe I can get even better results from it as I learn how to work a small home studio. I will update this review as I get more familiar with the C-3.

The reason why I give it four stars is because I really like it but I can't give it 5-stars until I'm able to compare it with other mics in its class and price range. I won't give it anything less because in my opinion, it sounded great and I'm happy with it so far.

If you'd like to have a listen on the results, here's the link to my Reverbnation page:

[...]

The song using the C-3 is a cover on Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here. Excuse my singing though. I'm a bit rusty.

The rest of the songs on the playlist were recorded on different mics which I plan to re-record using the C-3 as well.

UPDATE 03/16/10:
Oops. I guess Amazon doesn't allow active links. Well, go to[..] and search artist Mario Gozum.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great microphone for the price., September 2, 2011

By 

assortedinterests - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behringer C-3 Dual-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

Time will tell how well this mic holds up to regular use, but thus far it has been wonderfully quiet and clean for vocals, acoustic guitars, and flutes. Horns are not as good, but it could be they are too close and are just over-driving the unit. (The sample trombone player has an big horn and likes to play rather loud.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Behringer C-3 Dual-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone review, May 8, 2011

By 

Alec - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behringer C-3 Dual-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

I am just a newbie when it comes to experience using different microphones, i have actually only used 3 different ones. i am a voice over artist by profession, so condenser mics are part of my stuff and so far purchasing this c-3 has been a superlative experience. it has a solid construction to it, heavy duty and firm to the grip if handheld. one great feature of it is its mutli pattern pick up. great for all types of set up, whether be it solo voice over or accoustic sessions. this is definitely worth my money on.