Behringer BC1200 Professional 7-piece Drum Microphone Set vs Shure Wireless BETA 98H/C Microphone - Miniature

Overview

When comparing the Behringer BC1200 Professional 7-piece Drum Microphone Set and the Shure Wireless BETA 98H/C Microphone, it's essential to understand their distinct applications and features. The Behringer set is priced at $129.00, making it significantly cheaper than the Shure microphone, which retails for $186.00. This price difference of about 31% reflects their target users and use cases, with Behringer catering to drummers and Shure focusing on wind and percussion instruments.

Target Audience

The Behringer BC1200 is ideal for drummers looking for an all-in-one solution for miking their drum kits. This 7-piece set includes everything needed to mic a complete drum setup, making it a comprehensive choice for studio or live performance. On the other hand, the Shure Wireless BETA 98H/C is designed for musicians requiring a more specialized microphone, particularly for wind instruments or percussion, emphasizing portability and ease of use during performances.

Features and Accessories

The Behringer BC1200 comes with an impressive array of accessories, including clamps and windscreens, which is essential for effective sound capture. With seven microphones, it includes a kick mic, four tom/snare mics, and two cymbal mics, providing versatility for different drum setups. In contrast, the Shure BETA 98H/C offers a compact design that reduces stage clutter and features an integrated gooseneck for easy positioning. However, the Shure requires a separate bodypack transmitter for wireless use, which adds to the overall setup cost.

Sound Quality

In terms of sound quality, the Behringer BC1200 is designed to deliver studio-quality recordings, particularly with its KM1200 kick mic that captures thick bass sounds. It excels in providing a full and rich sound for drummers. The Shure BETA 98H/C, on the other hand, features transformerless preamplifier circuitry, ensuring high linearity across the frequency range. Its tailored frequency response is optimized for high SPL environments, making it suitable for brass and woodwind instruments, but it may not match the full-range sound capabilities of the Behringer set for drums.

Versatility

The Behringer BC1200 offers versatility with its multiple mic options, allowing users to mic various elements of a drum kit simultaneously. This is particularly useful for recording sessions or live performances where capturing the full dynamic range of a drum kit is crucial. Conversely, the Shure BETA 98H/C shines in its ability to adapt to different instruments with its interchangeable microphone cartridges, offering diverse polar patterns for various scenarios. This makes it a versatile choice for musicians who switch between instruments.

Portability

The Behringer BC1200 comes with a sturdy case for easy transport and storage, which is a significant advantage for those who frequently move their gear. The case protects the microphones, ensuring they remain in good condition between uses. The Shure BETA 98H/C is compact and designed to clamp onto instruments easily, making it convenient for performances where space is limited. However, the requirement for a wireless transmitter adds complexity to its portability, especially if the transmitter is not included.

Performance in Live Settings

In live settings, the Behringer BC1200's multiple mics allow drummers to achieve a well-rounded sound on stage, with each mic capturing different aspects of the drum kit. Its affordable price point also makes it accessible for bands just starting with live performances. The Shure BETA 98H/C is designed for high-performance environments, providing excellent gain-before-feedback and noise rejection, making it a preferred choice for professional musicians who require reliability and quality in live settings.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Behringer BC1200 Professional 7-piece Drum Microphone Set and the Shure Wireless BETA 98H/C ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you're a drummer seeking a complete and affordable mic setup at $129.00, the Behringer BC1200 is an excellent choice, given its full range of mics and accessories. However, if you are a musician looking for a high-quality and versatile microphone for wind instruments or percussion that excels in live performance settings, the Shure BETA 98H/C, priced at $186.00, may be worth the investment despite its higher cost.