Music / Instruments
Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphones User Guide
Quick guide for the Behringer C-2 matched pair condenser microphones, covering setup, phantom power requirements, polar patterns, and basic sound adjustment.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Behringer C-2 condenser microphones are a matched pair designed for high-quality stereo recording, though they can also be used individually. This guide provides essential information for setup, connection, and basic operation to ensure optimal performance.
Power Supply
These microphones require +48 V phantom power to operate. Before activating phantom power on your mixing console, ensure your playback system is muted. Connect the microphones to the inputs and allow several seconds for them to stabilize after turning on the power.
Pickup Patterns
The C-2 microphones feature a cardioid pickup pattern, which is most sensitive to sound from the front and less sensitive to sound from the sides and rear. This pattern is ideal for isolating specific instruments or vocals and helps minimize feedback. Be aware of the proximity effect, where lower frequencies increase as the microphone gets closer to the sound source.
Low Cut-Filter and Signal Level Attenuation
The microphones include a switchable low-cut filter to eliminate low-frequency disturbances like floor vibrations. Set the switch to the middle position to activate it. For high sound pressure environments, use the -10 dB level attenuation by setting the switch to the -10 dB position.
Microphone Installation
Two microphone clamps are included. Screw the clamp onto your microphone stand first, then attach the microphone to the clamp.
Audio Connection
Use a balanced XLR microphone cable. The pin assignment is: Pin 1 = shielding, Pin 2 = +, Pin 3 = -. Using cables with gold-plated connectors is recommended to match the gold-plated contact points on the microphones.
Level Setting and Basic Sound
Adjust the gain control on your mixer so that the peak LED lights up only occasionally or not at all. Start with EQ controls in the mid-travel position. Experiment with microphone placement and angle relative to the sound source to achieve the desired sound before applying any external equalizers or signal processors.
Manufacturer information
Behringer
Practical help
Common problems
Feedback or unwanted background noise
Ensure the microphone is positioned correctly to take advantage of the cardioid pattern, which rejects sound from the rear. Use the low-cut filter to remove low-frequency rumble.
Distorted sound at high volumes
Activate the -10 dB level attenuation switch on the microphone to handle high sound pressure levels.
Microphone not working
Verify that +48 V phantom power is enabled on your mixing console and that you are using a balanced XLR cable.
Before use
- Ensure your mixing console provides +48 V phantom power.
- Mute your playback system before connecting the microphones.
- Use balanced XLR cables, preferably with gold-plated connectors.
- Attach the included clamps to your microphone stands before mounting the mics.
- Set EQ controls to mid-travel position initially.
Specs in practice
- Cardioid Pattern
- Directional pickup that focuses on sound from the front, minimizing noise from the sides and rear.
- Low-cut filter
- Reduces low-frequency noise (e.g., floor vibrations) at 6 dB/octave @ 120 Hz.
- Phantom power (+48 V)
- Required electrical power supplied through the XLR cable to operate the condenser capsule.
- Proximity effect
- An increase in bass response that occurs when the microphone is placed very close to the sound source.
Model compatibility
- Requires +48 V phantom power.
- Designed for use with standard microphone stands using the included clamps.
- Compatible with balanced XLR microphone inputs.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.