Behringer B-1 - Single Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Manual

Power Supply

Your condenser mic B-1 needs a +48-V phantom power supply. Behringer assumes no liability for any damage caused by a defective phantom power supply. Always mute the sound reinforcement system before you switch on the phantom power supply. After power-up, the B-1 needs about 6 seconds to stabilize.

Directivity, Low-Cut Filter and Level Attenuation

The capsule used in the B-1 with cardioid characteristics is ideal for the directional recording of instruments or individual vocals. Cardioid characteristics represent the most frequently used polar pattern in recording situations. With this, unwanted sound in reverse phase is not picked up.

The low-cut filter can be activated with the switch on the front (position: left), in order to filter low-frequency interference such as pop sounds, etc. With the low-cut filter on, the B-1 provides an almost linear frequency response with signals picked up at close proximity to the source. The built-in shielding minimizes the microphone's sensitivity to high-frequency interference.

Use the same switch to activate the -10 dB level attenuator (position: right), which should be used with "pulse-type" signal sources producing high sound pressure levels (e.g. kick drum). With the switch set to its center position, both functions are disabled.

Mounting Microphone and Elastic Suspension

Attach the enclosed elastic suspension to the microphone stand. Fasten the screw, once the suspension has been positioned properly. Open the elastic suspension by pressing the two circular levers, then insert the B-1 from above.

Audio Conection/Level Setting

Use a balanced XLR microphone cable with the following pin assignment: pin 1 = shielding; pin 2 = +; pin 3 = -. Since your B-1 features gold-plated contact points throughout, we recommend that you use only microphone cables with gold-plated connectors.

Adjust the gain control in the microphone channel of your mixing console so that the peak LED lights up only occasionally or never at all. The EQ controls in the microphone channel should be set to mid-travel position to start with; low-cut filter and level attenuator should be off. Try to achieve the desired sound by experimenting with the microphone position. Often, it will be useful to set up acoustic barriers ("gobos") at various angles towards the signal source. Only when the desired basic sound has been achieved, should you start to use equalizers and signal processors, if any at all (Remember: less is often more!)

The B-1 provides a level peak around 12 kHz producing some kind of "presence" in this range; so, there is no need for high-frequency EQing which could deteriorate the signal and raise the overall noise floor. On the contrary, the B-1 provides that much-desired transparency which often gets lost during recording and mixing.

Frequency Response Curve

Polar Pattern

Specifications

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