
Behringer
Behringer BA 85A Dynamic Super Cardioid Vocal Microphone
XLR
A super-cardioid dynamic built for close-up vocals that cuts through the mix without cluttering your signal chain.
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Overview
Key Features
Close-up vocal mic: Dynamic super cardioid with tailored frequency response
Wide frequency range for clear, transparent sound
High output for voice projection
Super Cardioid pattern for sound source isolation
Built-in wind and pop noise filter
Shock mount system for reduced handling noise
XLR connector for reliable signal transmission
Included: Stand adapter and durable carrying case
3-Year Warranty
Engineered in Germany
Specifications
Microphone Type
Dynamic
Polar Pattern
Super Cardioid
Connector
XLR
Warranty
3-Year
Country of Engineering
Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BA 85A require phantom power to operate?
No — as a dynamic microphone, the BA 85A requires no phantom power. It will work directly with any XLR-equipped interface, mixer, or preamp without additional power, making gain staging straightforward and eliminating any risk of impedance mismatch from poorly implemented phantom power circuits.
How does the super-cardioid pattern affect placement and gain before feedback?
Super-cardioid patterns offer tighter off-axis rejection than standard cardioids, which translates to better isolation in loud environments — live stages, rehearsal rooms, or shared tracking booths. The tradeoff is a small rear lobe of sensitivity, so position monitors at 90° or 270° off-axis rather than directly behind the mic to minimize feedback.
How much gain does this mic typically need from a preamp?
Dynamic microphones generally require more gain than condensers — expect to push your preamp into the 45–60dB range for typical vocal levels. The BA 85A is designed for high-output vocal applications, so it recovers better than ribbon mics at modest gain settings, but pairing it with a preamp that has clean headroom above 60dB is advisable for quieter sources.
Is the built-in pop filter adequate for studio vocal tracking?
The integrated wind and pop noise filter handles most plosive energy in live and broadcast contexts. For close-up studio tracking where a vocalist is working 2–4 inches from the capsule, adding an external pop screen is still recommended to protect the transient clarity on hard B and P sounds.
Does the XLR connector support balanced operation?
Yes — the BA 85A uses a standard 3-pin XLR output wired for balanced, low-impedance transmission. This means you can run longer cable runs to a stage box or rack interface without accumulating noise or high-frequency roll-off in the signal.