Behringer BIGFOOT USB Microphone

4 pickup modes accommodate any recording task

Multi-pattern condenser microphones are usually fairly high-ticket items — and stereo mics even more so. That being the case, it’s quite impressive that Behringer has managed to pack BIGFOOT with not only the three standard polar patterns — cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 (bi-directional) — but also a spacious-sounding stereo pickup mode to boot. This gives BIGFOOT amazing versatility — especially considering its gentle price tag.

Picking up the sound that’s in front of it, BIGFOOT’s cardioid mode is perfect for recording your voice and most instruments with rich, full-bodied sound. But certain instruments you’ll probably want to record in expansive stereo, which would normally require two microphones or an expensive stereo rig. BIGFOOT to the rescue! In stereo mode, it captures a wide, realistic soundfield that’s ideal for piano, drum overheads, choirs, chamber groups, and the like.

Omnidirectional pickup mode captures sound equally from all directions, and is great for for round-table podcasts and to document the “you-are-there” ambience of an acoustical event such a live band recording in a rehearsal studio. Bidirectional mode (often referred to as figure-8) picks up from both the front and the back of the mic and is perfect for capturing face-to-face recordings such as two background singers on one microphone. It also offers excellent side rejection of ambient sound which you can use to advantage in many live sound situations.

Onboard monitoring and control

No matter the setup, BIGFOOT makes recording easy with its built-in monitoring and control facilities. Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm audio out jack at bottom of the mic. You can monitor your voice in the ’phones and control the volume. BIGFOOT also has an onboard hard mute switch that can be a life-saver in certain live stream situations! BIGFOOT works with any USB-equipped computer, tablet, and mobile phones that support USB power. On Windows machines, an ultra-low-latency ASIO driver for PC audio optimization is available for free download at behringer.com.