Behringer C-2 Matched Pair — Editorial Review

Behringer C-2 Matched Pair — Editorial Review

The Behringer C-2 is a matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser (pencil) microphones sold for the price most single mics cost. It's a long-standing budget entry point for stereo recording — drum overheads, acoustic instruments, choirs, and live theatre.

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A genuinely cheap first pair of pencils

As Jonathan Gazeley and other reviewers note, the C-2 pair is clear and bright, includes a low-frequency roll-off switch and a stereo bar plus clips, and punches above its price on overheads, acoustic guitar, and ensemble recording. In Podcastage's review and test — featured above — the pair is compared against the Samson C02, Shure SM81, Neumann KM184, and a U87 Ai.

Honest cons

• Self-noise. There's enough self-noise that it's not ideal as a primary mic for quiet, close work.
• Bright, slightly artificial treble. The high-end boost can sound harsh on some sources.
• Strong proximity effect. Bass and low mids can build up close-in (use the roll-off switch).
• Unit-to-unit inconsistency. Reviewers note variation between copies, and the included stereo bar is flimsy.

Where this microphone fits

• Beginners on a budget wanting their first pair of small-diaphragm condensers.
• Stereo recordists capturing drum overheads, acoustic guitar, mandolin, or choir.
• Live and theatre use for overheads and ambience where cost matters.
• Not those needing low self-noise for quiet primary capture, perfectly matched pairs, or a refined high end.

Sources & Citations

1. Jonathan Gazeley, "Behringer C-2 vs C-4," jonathangazeley.com (accessed 2026-05-26)

Last verified: 2026-05-26