Behringer C2 Alternative

[ColdPixel]

I ordered the Behringer C2 microphone on the recommendation of the Flying Sloth. Unfortunately the music store called to tell me it is out of stock and way backordered with no ETA. My use case is for video conferencing (zoom, Webex, Microsoft’s teams).  Instead they have suggested the MXL CR21 for an extra $50CAD. 

 

I have a Behringer UMC202HD interface.  All of this is new to me - the C2 was to be my first XLR mic. 
 

Can anyone comment on:

1. Is the CR21 at least as good, or better, than the C2, and
2. Is my interface compatible with the CR21?

Equally interested in any other suggested alternative to the C2 if not the CR21 - even if it is more expensive.

 

Thanks!

~Nick

[Centurius]

Can't answer number 1 but for number 2, as long as it's an XLR mic it will be compatible.

[ColdPixel]

1 hour ago, Centurius said:

Can't answer number 1 but for number 2, as long as it's an XLR mic it will be compatible.

Thanks Centurius. 
 

Equally interested in any other suggested alternative to the C2 if not the CR21 - even if it is more expensive.

[Centurius]

43 minutes ago, ColdPixel said:

Thanks Centurius. 
 

Equally interested in any other suggested alternative to the C2 if not the CR21 - even if it is more expensive.

Well my recommendation would be more in the scene of content creation because that's what I do. So it will likely be overkill for your web conferencing use. But I've been using the Audio Technika AT2020 for a few months now and it's an absolutely amazing microphone. My voice is so smooth using it. It's a cardioid microphone so if you set the gain right it won't pick up a lot of stuff either.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK

 

As far as stuff I saw be decent but haven't confirmed myself

 

https://www.amazon.com/TONOR-Professional-Microphone-Podcasting-Broadcasting/dp/B01LEEWO7C

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XBQ8UGG

[The Flying Sloth]

I have to get to work but I'll come back when I'm on break and dump the other options for you 

[ColdPixel]

1 hour ago, The Flying Sloth said:

I have to get to work but I'll come back when I'm on break and dump the other options for you 

Thanks!

 

I would like a microphone that I can keep out of frame so it looks more professional on video calls for business. The field is view is pretty small, so as long as its not a huge microphone, it shouldn’t be difficult. The C2 pencil microphones seemed to check those boxes but alas, it’s unavailable. 

[The Flying Sloth]

4 hours ago, ColdPixel said:

Thanks!

 

I would like a microphone that I can keep out of frame so it looks more professional on video calls for business. The field is view is pretty small, so as long as its not a huge microphone, it shouldn’t be difficult. The C2 pencil microphones seemed to check those boxes but alas, it’s unavailable. 

The style of mic you're talking about is known both as a small diaphragm condenser and pencil condenser, besides the C2 the best value I know of are the Pearl and Little Gem from ISK but they're almost always out of stock. There are other options in the lower price brackets by brands such as Superlux, Audio Technica, JoeMeek, Takstar, Pyle and MXL though I can't vouch for the quality of these options I am sure they will be more than serviceable for basic use. The biggest thing to look out for is polar pattern, that basically means what direction the mic will pick up sound in. You want a supercardioid microphone, if it says omni, omnidirectional, bidirectional just cardioid or anything other than supercardioid it isn't what you want.

 

Ignore the pricing but basically any microphone on this list is a good option, I'm sure there are other, cheaper options and I'd be more than happy to vet any options you do come up with but for ease of understanding these are the sorts of thing you're looking for.

[ColdPixel]

9 hours ago, The Flying Sloth said:

The style of mic you're talking about is known both as a small diaphragm condenser and pencil condenser, besides the C2 the best value I know of are the Pearl and Little Gem from ISK but they're almost always out of stock. There are other options in the lower price brackets by brands such as Superlux, Audio Technica, JoeMeek, Takstar, Pyle and MXL though I can't vouch for the quality of these options I am sure they will be more than serviceable for basic use. The biggest thing to look out for is polar pattern, that basically means what direction the mic will pick up sound in. You want a supercardioid microphone, if it says omni, omnidirectional, bidirectional just cardioid or anything other than supercardioid it isn't what you want.

 

Ignore the pricing but basically any microphone on this list is a good option, I'm sure there are other, cheaper options and I'd be more than happy to vet any options you do come up with but for ease of understanding these are the sorts of thing you're looking for.

Thanks!  I will see what I can find of these in stock!  I appreciate the advice, as always. 

[ColdPixel]

I went with the TBone EM800. Fingers crossed it doesn’t suck.