Behringer BC1200 Professional 7-piece Drum Microphone Set vs Sennheiser E602 II Cardioid Instrument Microphone

Overview of the Behringer BC1200 and Sennheiser E602 II

The Behringer BC1200 Professional 7-piece Drum Microphone Set is priced at $129.00, making it about 17% cheaper than the Sennheiser E602 II, which costs $159.00. This price difference positions the Behringer set as a more budget-friendly option for those looking to capture high-quality drum sounds without breaking the bank.

The BC1200 includes seven microphones specifically designed for drums, ensuring a comprehensive solution for recording various percussion instruments. In contrast, the Sennheiser E602 II is a single cardioid instrument microphone, known for its versatility and precision in handling bass signals.

Features and Specifications Comparison

The Behringer BC1200 features a complete drum microphone set comprising a kick mic, four tom/snare mics, and two cymbal mics. This diversity allows users to capture the full spectrum of drum sounds, making it ideal for drummers and recording engineers looking for a comprehensive solution. The inclusion of accessories like clamps and windscreens, along with a durable case, adds value for those who need portability and protection for their gear.

On the other hand, the Sennheiser E602 II is designed with a lightweight aluminum body, making it stable on long microphone boom arms. It boasts fast transient response and low-frequency extension, which is crucial for accurately capturing problematic bass signals. However, it does not come with additional microphones or accessories, limiting its use to specific applications.

Build Quality and Durability

When it comes to build quality, the Sennheiser E602 II emphasizes durability with its rugged aluminum body, designed for stable positioning. This feature is particularly beneficial for performers who require a reliable microphone during live performances or recording sessions.

Conversely, the Behringer BC1200, while offering a sturdy case for storage, does not emphasize individual microphone durability in its description. The focus is more on delivering a complete set of microphones at an economical price point. Users may need to consider the potential longevity of the individual mics when investing in the BC1200 set.

Versatility in Use

The Behringer BC1200 is tailored for drummers, allowing for a full drum kit setup with its seven microphones. This makes it an excellent choice for bands or studios that frequently record live drumming sessions or need to mic a full kit for high-quality recordings. The availability of multiple microphones provides flexibility in sound capture and mixing.

In contrast, the Sennheiser E602 II excels in versatility as a standalone microphone, particularly suited for bass instruments. Its ability to handle problematic bass signals makes it ideal for various applications, including live performances and studio recordings. However, it may not serve as a complete solution for drummers or those needing multiple mic sources.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of both products is noteworthy, but they cater to different needs. The Behringer BC1200 is engineered to deliver studio-quality recordings for drums, ensuring that each mic captures the nuances of the drum kit effectively. Its design aims to provide a rich and full sound, especially from the kick drum, which is essential for modern music production.

In contrast, the Sennheiser E602 II's lightweight high-performance voice coil construction allows it to deliver a fast transient response and low-frequency extension. This is particularly advantageous for bass instruments, where clarity and precision are paramount. However, its single microphone setup may limit the overall sound capture compared to the multi-mic approach of the Behringer set.

Price Analysis

The Behringer BC1200 holds a significant price advantage at $129.00 compared to the Sennheiser E602 II, which retails for $159.00. This represents a difference of $30, making the Behringer option approximately 17% cheaper. For those on a budget or starting out in music production, the lower price of the BC1200, combined with its comprehensive set of microphones, makes it a compelling choice.

The Sennheiser E602 II, while more expensive, offers specific advantages in terms of sound quality and durability for single-instrument applications. However, potential buyers should weigh whether these benefits justify the higher price tag compared to the more affordable drum mic set from Behringer.

Popularity and Sales Rank

The Behringer BC1200 has a bestseller rank of 27,569, indicating its popularity among consumers in the studio microphones category. This suggests that many users find value in its comprehensive offerings at an economical price point.

In contrast, the Sennheiser E602 II has a slightly lower sales rank of 49,783. While it is still a respected product, its lower ranking may reflect its more specialized use case, appealing primarily to users specifically in need of a high-quality bass instrument microphone.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Behringer BC1200 and the Sennheiser E602 II ultimately hinges on your specific needs. If you require a comprehensive solution for recording drums, the Behringer BC1200's seven-piece set is an excellent and cost-effective choice, priced at $129.00. However, if you're looking for a specialized microphone that handles bass signals exceptionally well and can withstand rigorous use, the Sennheiser E602 II at $159.00 may be worth the investment.