Behringer BC1500 Premium 7-Piece Drum Microphone Set User Manual

1. Introduction

The Behringer BC1500 is a high-performance 7-piece drum microphone set designed for capturing the nuances of a full drum kit in both studio and live environments. This comprehensive collection provides specialized microphones for various drum components, ensuring clear, rich, and full-bodied audio reproduction.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present in your Behringer BC1500 set:

• 1 x BC1500 Bass Drum Microphone (Large Diaphragm Dynamic)
• 4 x TM1500 Percussion Microphones (Dynamic, for Snare/Toms)
• 2 x CM1500 Condenser Microphones (Matched, for Overheads)
• Microphone clips/mounts for all microphones
• Protective carrying case

Image: The complete Behringer BC1500 set, including all microphones and accessories, stored in its durable carrying case.

3. Setup

Proper setup is crucial for optimal sound capture. Follow these steps to prepare your microphone set:

1. Unpack the Set: Carefully remove all microphones and accessories from the protective carrying case.
2. Attach Microphone Clips: Securely attach the appropriate microphone clips to each microphone.
3. Mount Microphones:
   • Bass Drum (BC1500): Position the large diaphragm dynamic microphone inside or near the bass drum's resonant head opening.
   
   Image: The Behringer BC1500 bass drum microphone, designed for low-frequency instruments.
   • Snare and Toms (TM1500): Use the dynamic percussion microphones with their integrated clips to attach directly to the rims of your snare drum and tom-toms. Aim the microphone towards the center of the drum head for a punchy sound, or towards the rim for more attack.
   

   Image: Four Behringer TM1500 dynamic percussion microphones, suitable for snare and tom drums.

   • Overheads (CM1500): Mount the two matched condenser microphones on overhead stands (not included). Position them above the drum kit to capture the cymbals and overall stereo image of the kit. Experiment with different heights and angles to achieve the desired balance.
   

   Image: Two Behringer CM1500 matched condenser microphones, ideal for overhead drum imaging.
4. Connect Cables: Use standard XLR cables (not included) to connect each microphone to your mixer or audio interface. Ensure secure connections.
5. Phantom Power (CM1500): The CM1500 condenser microphones require +48V phantom power. Activate phantom power on your mixer or interface for the channels connected to these microphones. The dynamic microphones (BC1500, TM1500) do not require phantom power.

4. Operation

Once set up, the Behringer BC1500 microphones are ready for use:

• Gain Staging: Adjust the gain on your mixer or audio interface for each microphone channel. Start with low gain and gradually increase it until you achieve a strong signal without clipping (distortion).
• Polar Pattern: All microphones in this set feature a unidirectional (cardioid) polar pattern, which helps to reject sound from the sides and rear, focusing on the sound source directly in front of the microphone.
• CM1500 Low-Frequency Roll-off: The CM1500 condenser microphones include a switchable low-frequency roll-off feature. This can be used to reduce unwanted low-end rumble or proximity effect, especially when miking cymbals or other instruments where excessive bass is not desired.
• Monitoring: Listen to the sound through headphones or studio monitors to fine-tune microphone positions and gain settings.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Behringer BC1500 microphone set, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the microphone bodies with a soft, dry cloth. For grilles, use a soft brush to remove dust or debris. Avoid using liquid cleaners directly on the microphone elements.
• Storage: Always store the microphones in their protective carrying case when not in use. This protects them from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
• Handling: Handle microphones with care. Avoid dropping them or exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your microphone set, consider the following:

• No Sound:
  • Check all cable connections (microphone to XLR cable, XLR cable to mixer/interface).
  • Ensure phantom power is activated for the CM1500 condenser microphones.
  • Verify that the input gain on your mixer/interface is not set to zero.
  • Test with different XLR cables to rule out cable failure.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce the input gain on your mixer/interface.
  • Ensure the microphone is not positioned too close to a very loud sound source.
• Weak Signal:
  • Increase the input gain on your mixer/interface.
  • Check microphone placement relative to the sound source.
  • Ensure phantom power is correctly supplied to CM1500 microphones.
• Excessive Bass/Rumble (CM1500):
  • Engage the low-frequency roll-off switch on the CM1500 microphone.
  • Adjust microphone placement to reduce proximity effect.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Behringer website or contact Music Tribe US, the manufacturer.

• Manufacturer: Music Tribe US
• Warranty Information: Visit community.musictribe.com for details.