Behringer STUDIO CONDENSER MICROPHONE T-47 Professional Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

The caveat here is that this is the first microphone of this nature that I've owned. So comparing it to others of the same class is beyond my experience. I can only say that I'm impressed with how well it works.I've had several cardioid dynamic microphones in the past (think Shure SM58), and was looking for something that would work a bit better with my home studio.I'm far from being a professional and cost is definitely a factor. I was having issues with my existing microphones creating fuzzy raspy over-tones in my vocals and figured it was time to replace what were fairly well used devices. After a short search for appropriate studio microphone, I decided to go with a large diaphragm condenser tube microphone, or valve microphone if you're British.This lead me to the Behringer T-47, similar to the T-1 but lacking the ability to drop -20dB to accommodate drums and heavy metal vocalists, something I didn't need.This device threw me for a loop right from the start. By this I mean when the box has delivered I was surprised at the size of it. I was thinking it would be 3 times smaller than it was.Pulling the case out of Behringers packaging dropped the size by about 20%. The case is an attractive aluminum clad affair that is completely superfluous and will either be given away or used for some completely unrelated purpose. In fact later while setting the T-47 up, I read where Behringer "strongly advised" using a pop filter, I wondered why instead of a useless case they hadn't provided a pop filter.The power supply/pre-amp is a literal brick in size and weight, and is something that will be new to those who haven't owned a tube microphone before. It also takes some time for the tube to warm up. Behringer says ready to use in 5 minutes, but best if given 30. Having a tube amplifier this wasn't an issue for me.Still, the T-47 is a larger device than I've used before. It does come with an anti-shock elastic web support and a foam windscreen which is not shown in any of the pictures, making it even larger in appearance. I was afraid I would have trouble seeing around this thing. This fear was quickly abated as I don't even need to be close in order for this to pick up my vocals.Many people dislike the Behringer product line because they offer low cost equipment. For someone like myself this is actually a plus, as the significant investment required for top end gear would have me living outside with the dog.I have several pieces of Behringer gear and have had no issues with any of it. Currently this microphone is being used with Behringer's RX1202FX rack mixer, DSP2024P Virtualizer Pro, Bass V-Amp Pro and V-Amp Pro. All of this connects to my computer through a Roland UA-55 Quad Capture where I used Reason/Record for the end product. I do have a M-Audio workstation but I'm basically an guitarist that doubles on an Akai EWI 4000s.End statement; I couldn't be happier with this microphone, it truly exceeded my expectations.Update: 1 year later.Still nothing to complain about. This thing is sensitive, so cats, kids, people in the next room sneezing are going to make it onto your recording. Best to use this in a quiet environment. But that's the nature of this beast, I've had absolutely no problems or issues with it.

I had good experience with some other Behringer stuff, certainly not this T-47 tube mic. Here's my reason:1. It doesn't have the "tube standard" large diaphragm (>20mm inner radius) capsule, instead a 9mm to be found.2. Its FET + surface mount + tube design means failure engineering wise.3. Flimsy plastic shockmount + still plastic but aluminum framed case won't survive the long run.4. The red LED window (tube view) looks awfully retarded.5. There are reviewers claim all of these won't matter, it works for the price.6. It doesn't... This mic can't pick high, lacks tremendous mid and base depth. Although it doesn't color or discolor the sound much, but without sufficient details on all frequencies, the sound is already dull and dead. While it basically destroyed my voice, guitar sounds acceptable.For the price, it can't be anywhere near competitive. With a tube, amp, extra cable and accessories in the package, the whole thing ended up useless. (FOR THE PRICE!)Buy cheap and buy more, I learned it. Avoid.

Exclelent

BOUGHT THIS MIC WITH A METAL WIND SCREEN THERE'S ABOUT AN INCH SPACE BETWEEN THE MIKE AND SCREEN AND AN INCH WHERE I SING FROM THE WIND SCREEN.YOU BETTER BE ABLE TO CARRY A TUNE BECAUSE IF YOU CAN'T THIS MIKE WILL BUST YOU.EXCELLENT PRODUCT.

The Behringer T-47 occupies a special place, especially with today's discounted pricing, in the panoply of available microphones. If you want to record acoustic music, with as few microphones as possible, at high resolution (e.g. 24bit/96K Hz or higher), don't want to spend a fortune, need or want true full range performance, and don't care about bragging rights for the brand you own, this is the microphone for you.True, the Behringer name doesn't always command respect, especially with old school engineers who remember earlier Behringer equipment that was not as high quality as today's. But of course that is part of what makes it affordable.Also I cannot speak for the suitability of mics like this for electric music, but in a typical rock, pop, metal, rap, country, etc. scene, your microphones will be surrounded by a cacophony of amped instruments screaming out noise, so I would guess the detail, fidelity, and musicality that these provide might be a mismatch. For jazz and classical music, they are a godsend.The only proviso is that the shock mount provided with the T-47 is flimsy, a relatively minor item. It is possible to find very high quality replacements at relatively little cost.Highly recommended indeed!

excellent vocal quality. couldn't be more satisfied