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.
Featured Video Review
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
- Jonathan Gazeley, "Behringer C-2 vs C-4," jonathangazeley.com (accessed 2026-05-26)
Last verified: 2026-05-26
