All user reviews for the Behringer B-2 Pro

*Microphones are very subjective. Some microphones that work for some brilliantly may be disastrous on others. It is therefore important to understand the context in which this review is written and take it with a grain of salt, like all reviews on microphones should be treated.*

The Behringer B-2 Pro is a large diaphragm multi pattern studio condenser, and where Behringer's budget model of selling their microphones screeches to a resounding halt.

It is not that the B-2 Pro is a terrible microphone; it's quite usable, and has very acceptable specs. First off, it is multi pattern, with the pickups switchable between cardioid, figure 8, and omnidirectional. It has a standard frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz, a self noise that varies minimally (based on the pickup pattern you're using at the time) around 17 dB and a signal to noise ratio that again, varies a bit around 77 dB. This makes the Behringer B-2 Pro absolutely acceptable spec wise. It also includes the 10 dB pad and the low frequency roll off.

On a less essential note, Behringer generously includes a shockmount, a windscreen, and a nice flight case to put the entire package in for transport and storage. Not to mention, the Behringer B-2 Pro actually looks quite nice. The problem lies in the sound of the microphone:

It suffers from that high frequency exaggeration that plagues most budget microphones, and while I may forgive Behringer for doing this to their very cheap microphones, the B-2 Pro has crossed the line into the territory of microphones that do not do this to the sound.

OVERALL OPINION

There, quite simply, is no reason to buy the Behringer B-2 Pro, unless you love the sound of the low end microphones. Anyone can criticize me by saying that it's the person, not the gear, that counts, but when it comes to the Behringer B-2 Pro, I can completely agree with them (I do, anyway) and still drive them away from the B-2 Pro. You can find a bunch of microphones at this price, but if you're about to "settle" on the B-2 Pro, stop. Take a look around. There are a few magical microphones hovering around the B-2's price that outshine it in sound quality, and yes, even features.

DUAL DIAPHRAGM CONDENSER MICROPHONE B-2 PRO
Studio condenser microphone and dual gold-plated large diaphragm
Condenser Microphone Dual large diaphragm and a''gold-plated for a better sound experience
Ideal as main or auxiliary microphone in studio and on stage
Directivity selectable cardioid, omnidirectional or bidirectional
Pressure gradient transducer with shock-capsule large diaphragm dual gold-plated
Ideal for acoustic instrument jacks, as overhead, etc..
Low-cut filter and-10dB input pad detachable
Transformerless FET input noise level extremely low distortion eliminating low frequency
Manufacture ultra solid brass body with nickel plated
Gold plated XLR output ensures perfect signal transmission
Suspension, windscreen and aluminum case included
High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years and frankly at the outset, woahou cheerleaders, compared to my SM 58 (also perfect for live performance) using a micro static
changes everything.
I fed with a mini mic preamp from the same brand and a Line 6 UX1 to acquire software on my PC with Mixcraft to record.
Good value, solid, beautiful presentation briefcase with support and Bonetti, the sound is sometimes a little too inclined towards the treble, but nobody is perfect and certainly not an amateur musician that I am &% &% &% &%

Originally written by fabrice.fargues on Audiofanzine FR.

Condenser mic with different polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure 8)
Low cut and 10dB pad
Sold with case, wind screen and suspension


OVERALL OPINION

I bought it twice: the manufacturing quality, the easy handling and the price appealed to me...
I use it to record choirs. The sound precision is ok. The definition is very good in high frequencies without being harsh. Very good for female vocals. The mids sound a bit too "hard." It captures the deepness of male voices but has a slight lack of warmth. A good preamp will compensate that a bit...
I was pleasantly surprised by the timbre reproduction of rich and complex sounding instruments like a clarinet or a flute, when close miking (otherwise the high frequencies are too emphasized). It can handle loud sources (trombone, trumpet) and is very versatile. Good product considering its very affordable price.
Of course, it's not a Neumann U87 (I'm a fan): it has neither the precision nor the warmth, but the value for money is very good.

Pros:

- comprehensive set of accessories
- Selectable polar pattern
- All-round mic
- Value for money
- Clean sound

Cons:
- Mids are a bit "hard"
- Overemphasized high frequencies
- Lack of warmth and roundness

It has never failed (no defects) after four years of use. With a good EQ and a good preamp, you'll get satisfying results but don't expect the same sound as an M149 because there is a huge difference between them... Very useful to learn and understand miking techniques (polar pattern, position, etc.) without going bankrupt... High-quality products will come later...

This is a studio condenser microphone. It is large diaphragm. This microphone probably wouldn't work well outside of a studio environment, but seeing as it's really cheap, it wouldn't be a horrible idea to experiment with it outside. I still woudn't use it in a live environment though, as it has few, if any, applications. The microphone has a -10 db pad as part of its features. It also has three different pickup patterns, normal, figure 8, and omnidirectional. It is almost like a cheaper version of a U87. It comes with a shock mount and clip, as well as a pop screen which is egg-shaped. The mic, as a condenser, requires phantom power to operate.

OVERALL OPINION

I was surprised to find that this mic is as good as it is, as the quality of Behringer products in general is often described harshly and negatively. This mic does work quite like a U87 does. I like to use it on acoustic guitars, vocals (especially spoken word, or rap). I've had it work decently on a piano too, but not a superb sound. When running them both through a high quality API mic pre, like I did at the studio I work for, the U87 beats it hands down, which is to be expected. However, at home on my Digi 002, and when recording a part that doesn't require a crystal clear signal, it's still worse, but not drastically so. Therefore, I'd have to say that I can really only recommend this microphone to home studio users. I haven't heard much about how durable it is, but I haven't had any issues with it breaking. I'm almost expecting it to, given Behringer's reputation, but so far it seems sturdy enough. I would certainly say that there are better mics out there, but none that are even remotely as cheap as this one.