Behringer B-2

The Behringer B-2 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone released in 2001. It paired a 1-inch, gold-sputtered dual-diaphragm capsule with switchable polar patterns at a price that put a real studio condenser within reach of home recording artists.

History and specs

The original B-2 offered cardioid and omnidirectional patterns from its shockmounted dual-diaphragm capsule, with a solid-state FET circuit and a transformerless output. It needs 48-volt phantom power. Behringer replaced it with the B-2 Pro (2002), which added a figure-8 pattern, a -10 dB pad and a low-cut switch, and came with a shockmount, windscreen and aluminum case. From the outside the two are nearly indistinguishable.

The sound

Reviewers consistently describe the B-2 family as bright, with a presence peak in the upper range that adds edge to vocals and can exaggerate sibilance. A pop filter and a de-esser go a long way. For the money it was one of the most common first condensers in 2000s home studios, including plenty of rap vocal booths built in closets.

On Breakbeat Archive

Frizzo recorded the vocals for his first album, Criminal Record (2004), on a Behringer B-2, running into the phantom-powered preamps of his Digi 002 alongside a Korg Electribe EM-1.

Buying one today

Used B-2 and B-2 Pro mics are cheap and plentiful. Check that every pattern switch position works, listen for crackle or hiss that points to a damaged capsule, and look for the shockmount and case, which are often lost. Keep it away from humidity, as with any condenser.