Behringer TA312S Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

Behringer TA312S Microphone Review: A Studio-Ready Dynamic Mic on a Budget

The Behringer TA312S is an entry-level dynamic microphone aimed at budget-conscious professionals looking to achieve studio-grade sound without breaking the bank. Released in 2020, it has made a name for itself by offering impressive features at an affordable price. Whether you're podcasting, recording vocals, or broadcasting live, the TA312S promises to deliver crisp, clear sound for a variety of uses. But is it really worth it? Let’s dive into the details and see if the TA312S can live up to the hype.

Detailed Specs & Features

At its core, the Behringer TA312S is a dynamic microphone that packs a punch with its electret capsule type and cardioid polar pattern. This combination ensures that you get focused sound capture from the front while minimizing unwanted noise from the sides and back, making it ideal for studio environments. With a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz, this mic covers a wide range of sound frequencies, ensuring that your voice or instruments come through with accuracy and clarity.

One standout feature of the TA312S is its sensitivity, rated at -53 dBV/Pa. This is relatively high for a dynamic mic and suggests that the TA312S can capture subtle nuances without needing excessive amplification. The mic’s signal-to-noise ratio of 74 dB is also impressive, which means you’ll hear less hiss and background noise, providing a cleaner recording.

The maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 132 dB indicates that the TA312S can handle loud sounds, making it a versatile choice for live performances or loud instruments. However, keep in mind that the mic operates with a 500-ohm output impedance, which is common for microphones of this type and should work well with most audio interfaces or mixers.

What about connectivity? The TA312S uses a wired XLR connection, which ensures a stable, high-quality signal. However, it does not support phantom power, which is typical for dynamic microphones. The mic's output is balanced, so you’ll get interference-free audio, provided your cables and connections are up to par.

Design & Build

Design-wise, the Behringer TA312S is sleek and professional-looking, sporting a matte black finish that gives it a modern aesthetic. The microphone features a robust metal body, which is great for durability. The TA312S is designed for desktop use, meaning it's primarily suited for stationary setups where a traditional microphone stand or base is used. Interestingly, a pop filter and windscreen are included, which is a nice touch for preventing unwanted plosives and wind noise during recording sessions.

Although the TA312S doesn’t include a shock mount or an adjustable arm, it is still quite stable on a desktop base. The stand length is 8.5 inches, providing enough reach for most users. However, it lacks swivel or pivot capabilities, so you'll need to position it carefully to get the best angle. The 9.8-foot cable is a reasonable length, allowing for decent movement around your setup without too much clutter.

Performance

From a performance perspective, the Behringer TA312S shines where it counts—clarity and accuracy. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures that sound is captured primarily from the front, while unwanted background noise is reduced. This makes it an excellent choice for voice recording, podcasts, or live broadcasting where isolation from ambient noise is important.

The frequency range of 50 Hz to 18,000 Hz offers a well-rounded sound profile that’s ideal for vocal recordings, capturing both the lows and highs without distortion. The dynamic range of 110 dB is solid, making the microphone capable of handling both quiet and loud sounds without distortion. The lack of proximity effect control may be a downside for those recording very close to the mic, but this is typical for dynamic microphones.

Extra Features

While the Behringer TA312S doesn’t come with fancy features like automatic gain adjustment or built-in DSP processing, it excels in its simplicity. The mic has onboard switches for mute and on/off, which is a convenient feature for quick recording sessions. However, there are no advanced controls like gain or EQ presets, meaning you’ll need an external mixer or audio interface for further customization of your sound.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price for a dynamic microphone
• Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
• Comes with pop filter and windscreen for better sound quality

Cons

• No adjustable arm or shock mount included
• No proximity effect control or advanced features like DSP processing

Price & Value for Money

With a price tag of around $30.9 at B&H Photo, the Behringer TA312S stands out as an incredibly affordable option for those in need of a dynamic microphone. The combination of features and solid performance at this price point is tough to beat. While it lacks some high-end features like adjustable gain or a shock mount, it offers great value for beginners and intermediate users who need a reliable microphone for recording vocals, podcasts, or live streams.

Quick Take

The Behringer TA312S is a budget-friendly dynamic microphone that delivers clear, focused sound with a simple, sturdy design. Ideal for users looking to get solid performance without a steep price, it’s a great entry-level choice for voice recording and live performances.

Closing Recommendation

For those seeking a no-frills microphone that gets the job done without costing a fortune, the Behringer TA312S is a fantastic choice. While it may not be the most feature-rich mic on the market, its performance and ease of use make it a top contender for anyone starting out in the audio world or needing a reliable studio mic on a budget.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe the Behringer TA312S deserves 4.0 out of 5.

• Winner Feature → Affordable price with solid performance for budget-conscious users.
• Needs Improvement → Lacks advanced features like adjustable gain and proximity effect control.