
Behringer
Behringer HM50-BK Vocal Condenser Microphone Hanging Choir Mic
★★★★★
Condenser
Hanging condenser microphone built for capturing choral performances with clarity in auditoriums and houses of worship.
$49.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
High-performance hanging microphone for choral recordings
Ideal for a wide range of applications from recording choirs in an auditorium to capture of chorus inside houses of worship
Ultra-wide frequency response captures fullness
Cardioid pickup pattern separates rear noise
Integrated spring clamp for sweet-spot positioning
Specifications
Brand
Behringer
Model
HM50-BK
Type
Vocal Condenser Microphone
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Connectivity
XLR
Color
Black
Recommended Use
Choral Recordings, Houses of Worship
Mounting
Integrated Spring Clamp
Power Requirement
48V Phantom Power
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Cardioid pickup pattern effectively rejects rear-wall reflections and HVAC rumble in reverberant worship spaces.
- Ultra-wide frequency response captures the full harmonic range of massed voices from bass to soprano without rolloff.
- Integrated spring clamp simplifies overhead positioning and allows precise sweet-spot adjustments during soundcheck.
- XLR connectivity feeds directly into any standard mixer or interface without adapters or proprietary cabling.
- Lightweight hanging form factor stays unobtrusive above the ensemble and avoids cluttering the performance area with stands.
👎 Cons
- Condenser capsule requires 48V phantom power, ruling out passive mixer setups without an external power supply.
- Single cardioid pattern offers no switchable pickup options for wider ensembles that might benefit from omnidirectional capture.
- Black housing may be visible against light-colored ceilings in worship spaces where visual discreetness matters.
- No integrated high-pass filter to roll off low-frequency rumble from foot traffic or building vibration at the mic level.
- Cable management for permanent overhead installations requires separate hardware not included with the microphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HM50-BK require phantom power to operate?
Yes, as a condenser microphone the HM50-BK requires 48V phantom power supplied through its XLR connection from your mixer, audio interface, or dedicated phantom power supply.
How does the cardioid polar pattern affect placement for choir recording?
The cardioid pattern rejects sound from the rear of the capsule, which helps isolate the choir from ambient room reflections and HVAC noise behind the microphone. Position it above and in front of the ensemble, angled downward toward the singers for optimal pickup.
What XLR cable length can I run from the HM50-BK without signal degradation?
Standard balanced XLR runs of up to 200 feet will deliver clean signal with negligible noise pickup. For permanent installations in large auditoriums or worship spaces, use quality shielded cable and avoid running parallel to AC power lines.
Can I use this microphone for recording spoken word or a single vocalist?
While primarily designed as a hanging choir mic, the cardioid condenser capsule will capture spoken word adequately in a pinch. However, its voicing is optimized for the blended, wide-source character of ensemble vocals rather than the close-miked detail a dedicated vocal condenser provides.
How do I position the HM50-BK for the best choral capture?
Use the integrated spring clamp to secure the microphone at the sweet spot — typically 2 to 3 feet above and slightly in front of the first row of singers. The hanging design allows fine vertical adjustment to dial in the balance between direct vocal sound and room ambience.