Behringer C-1 condenser microphone: features and spec-based rating

Behringer’s C-1 is a cardioid condenser microphone with XLR connection.

A condenser microphone records small sounds in fine detail. It is often used to record singing and narration.

In this article we rate it on 5 criteria using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and show how it ranks among the 32 microphones we compare.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

Figure: SoundBounty

Summary

Among the 32 microphones, C-1 is rank C. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and C is the lowest. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5) gives 2.3.

Strengths

• Sensitivity (22.4 mV/Pa, 4 points): You get a solid level even from a softer voice.

Things to keep in mind

• Handling of loud sound (136 dB, 2 points): Take care with very loud voices, which can distort.
• Features (0 of 3, 1 point): It has few or no switches, so adjustments are made on the audio interface or the computer.
• Lightness (450 g, 2 points): It is on the heavy side, so you need a sturdy microphone stand.

Quietness is not scored because the manufacturer does not publish the number.

Who it suits: judging from the specifications, it suits people with a softer voice who still want a solid recording level.

Main features of C-1

An LED that lights when phantom power arrives

The body has an LED that lights up when phantom power (the electricity that runs the microphone) is reaching it. When there is no sound, you can quickly check whether the cause is the power.

Cardioid, for recording one voice or instrument

The pickup pattern is cardioid, and the manual describes it as suited to recording a single instrument, vocals and speech. It picks up mainly sound in front, and sound from behind is quieter.

A stand adapter and a storage case

An adapter is included that lets you attach it to a microphone stand with either a European or a North American thread. According to the manual, a storage case with a moisture-absorbing desiccant bag is also included, and you are advised to put the microphone back in the case after use (because condenser microphones are sensitive to humidity). The connector is gold-plated.

Where it is useful

• Starting to record with a condenser microphone while keeping costs as low as possible
• Recording vocals or narration at home
• Recording a single instrument such as an acoustic guitar

Rating by criterion

Quietness: not scored

How little of the small hiss the microphone itself makes (self-noise). The smaller the number, the quieter.

The manufacturer does not publish this number for the C-1, so it is not scored.

Sensitivity: 4 / 5

How large a signal the same voice produces (sensitivity). The bigger the number, the easier it is to get a good level from a quiet voice.

C-1: 22.4 mV/Pa. That is a high rating among the products we compared. You get a solid level even from a softer voice.

Handling of loud sound: 2 / 5

How loud a sound it can record without distortion (maximum SPL).

C-1: 136 dB. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. Take care with very loud voices, which can distort.

Features: 1 / 5

How many of the pad (lowers loud sound), low-cut (reduces low noise) and pickup-pattern switch it has.

C-1: 0 of 3. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. It has few or no switches, so adjustments are made on the audio interface or the computer.

Lightness: 2 / 5

The weight of the microphone. The lighter it is, the less load on the microphone stand.

C-1: 450 g. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. It is on the heavy side, so you need a sturdy microphone stand.

The gray marks in the figure below (the dotted line on the pentagon) show the average of the 32 products we compared. Price is not part of the score.

How we score (Microphones)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Quietness	Self-noise	≤7	≤12	≤16	≤20	>20
Sensitivity	Sensitivity	≥25	≥20	≥15	≥10	<10
Handling of loud sound	Maximum SPL (without the pad)	≥148	≥144	≥140	≥135	<135
Features	Pad, low-cut and pickup-pattern switch	All 3	2	1	—	None
Lightness	Weight	≤300	≤350	≤400	≤450	>450

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer. Price and accessories are not part of the score. Items that are not disclosed are not scored, and the rank is based on the average of the remaining items. Where a model publishes only the signal-to-noise ratio and not the self-noise, the self-noise is converted as "94 minus the signal-to-noise ratio".

C-1 connection and getting started

Connection	XLR (3-pin). Connect it to the microphone input of an audio interface or mixer (it cannot connect to a computer directly by USB)
Power	Phantom power (36 to 52 V) is required
In the box	Stand adapter and storage case (an XLR cable is not included)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Compared with other microphones

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Before you buy

• It needs phantom power (+48 V). This is an XLR condenser microphone, so connect it to an audio interface or mixer that can supply phantom power.
• Check what comes in the box. The manufacturer lists: Stand adapter and storage case (an XLR cable is not included). Anything not on that list (a shock mount, a pop filter, cables and so on) you need to prepare separately.
• It has no pad or low-cut switch. When you need one, adjust with the audio interface or the DAW instead.

Read next

• 990: features and rating (rank C)
• C414 XLII: features and rating (rank S)
• C414 XLS: features and rating (rank S)
• NT1 5th Gen: features and rating (rank A)