What is the polar pattern of the Behringer BO440?

The BO440 features an omnidirectional polar pattern. This means it captures sound equally from all sides of the capsule, providing a natural vocal reproduction.

Is the Behringer BO440 suitable for singers?

Yes, it is designed for both presenters and singers. Its high-fidelity capsule is built to capture the details required for musical performances.

How does the microphone attach to the user?

The BO440 is a head-worn microphone with a low-profile frame. It sits securely on the head, allowing for hands-free movement.

Can I adjust the microphone position?

Yes, the BO440 features an adjustable boom length. This allows the user to position the capsule at the ideal distance from their mouth for the best audio quality.

What kind of connector does the BO440 use?

The microphone is designed to be plugged into a wireless bodypack transmitter. Specific connector types depend on the regional version, but it is typically compatible with standard wireless systems.

Is the BO440 heavy to wear for long periods?

No, it features a lightweight and low-profile construction. It is designed so that the wearer can 'forget it's even there' during extended use.

How does this compare to a Shure SM58?

The SM58 is a handheld cardioid dynamic mic, whereas the BO440 is a head-worn omnidirectional condenser-style mic. The BO440 offers hands-free operation and less proximity effect, while the SM58 offers better background noise rejection.

Does the BO440 require phantom power?

As a head-worn capsule designed for bodypacks, it typically receives bias power from the wireless transmitter it is plugged into. It cannot be plugged directly into a standard XLR mixer input without a proper adapter.

Who is the primary audience for this microphone?

It is ideal for presenters, public speakers, stage actors, and singers who need to move their hands freely during a performance. It is also suitable for fitness instructors or broadcasters.

Does the omnidirectional pattern cause feedback?

Omnidirectional mics can be more prone to feedback in loud environments than cardioid mics. However, because the capsule is very close to the mouth, the gain-before-feedback is usually sufficient for most stage applications.

What is the typical price for the Behringer BO440?

The typical price for this microphone is approximately GBP 29. This makes it an entry-level professional option for those on a budget.

Can the BO440 be used for recording instruments like a Shure SM57?

While possible, it is not recommended. The BO440 is specifically tuned and physically designed for vocal reproduction near the mouth, whereas the SM57 is a rugged dynamic mic built for high-SPL instrument cabinets and drums.

Gear article

Behringer BO440 Head-Worn Omni-Directional Microphone

The Behringer BO440 is a lightweight, low-profile head-worn microphone designed for hands-free vocal applications in live settings. It features an omnidirectional capsule intended to provide high-fidelity sound reproduction for presenters and singers who require mobility on stage.

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Background and Design

The Behringer BO440 is positioned as a budget-friendly yet professional-grade solution for performers who need to remain hands-free. Behringer designed this model with a focus on ergonomics, utilizing a low-profile construction to ensure it remains unobtrusive during use.

The unit is designed to be worn on the head, featuring an adjustable boom length that allows the user to position the capsule optimally relative to their mouth. This adjustability is critical for ensuring consistent signal levels regardless of the user's head shape or size.

Technical Features

The core of the BO440 is its omnidirectional capsule. Unlike cardioid microphones, which are sensitive primarily to sound from the front, the omnidirectional pattern captures sound equally from all directions. This design choice helps in capturing the natural nuances of a speaker's voice while minimizing the proximity effect—an unnatural boost in low frequencies that occurs when a directional mic is placed too close to the source.

Key physical features include: * Lightweight construction: Reduced fatigue during long presentations or performances. * Adjustable boom: Precise placement for vocal clarity. * Bodypack integration: Designed to plug directly into wireless transmitter packs.

Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

Sound Character and Application

The BO440 is engineered for high fidelity, aiming to capture detailed vocal nuances. The omnidirectional nature provides a flat, natural response that is well-suited for both speaking and singing. Because it is worn on the head, the distance between the microphone and the mouth remains constant, providing a stable audio level even as the performer moves their head.

Comparison to Alternatives

While the BO440 serves a specific niche for hands-free operation, it differs significantly from traditional handheld dynamic microphones. Compared to industry standards like the Shure SM58 or the Sennheiser e935/e945, which use cardioid or supercardioid patterns to reject off-axis noise, the BO440’s omni pattern is more susceptible to ambient noise but offers a more natural, 'open' sound.

Unlike the Electro-Voice RE20 or the Sennheiser MD 441-U, which are large-diaphragm studio and broadcast tools, the BO440 prioritises invisibility and mobility. It is a specialized tool for stages where a handheld Shure Beta 58A or SM57 would be too cumbersome for the performer.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the polar pattern of the Behringer BO440?: The BO440 features an omnidirectional polar pattern. This means it captures sound equally from all sides of the capsule, providing a natural vocal reproduction.
Is the Behringer BO440 suitable for singers?: Yes, it is designed for both presenters and singers. Its high-fidelity capsule is built to capture the details required for musical performances.
How does the microphone attach to the user?: The BO440 is a head-worn microphone with a low-profile frame. It sits securely on the head, allowing for hands-free movement.
Can I adjust the microphone position?: Yes, the BO440 features an adjustable boom length. This allows the user to position the capsule at the ideal distance from their mouth for the best audio quality.
What kind of connector does the BO440 use?: The microphone is designed to be plugged into a wireless bodypack transmitter. Specific connector types depend on the regional version, but it is typically compatible with standard wireless systems.
Is the BO440 heavy to wear for long periods?: No, it features a lightweight and low-profile construction. It is designed so that the wearer can 'forget it's even there' during extended use.
How does this compare to a Shure SM58?: The SM58 is a handheld cardioid dynamic mic, whereas the BO440 is a head-worn omnidirectional condenser-style mic. The BO440 offers hands-free operation and less proximity effect, while the SM58 offers better background noise rejection.
Does the BO440 require phantom power?: As a head-worn capsule designed for bodypacks, it typically receives bias power from the wireless transmitter it is plugged into. It cannot be plugged directly into a standard XLR mixer input without a proper adapter.
Who is the primary audience for this microphone?: It is ideal for presenters, public speakers, stage actors, and singers who need to move their hands freely during a performance. It is also suitable for fitness instructors or broadcasters.
Does the omnidirectional pattern cause feedback?: Omnidirectional mics can be more prone to feedback in loud environments than cardioid mics. However, because the capsule is very close to the mouth, the gain-before-feedback is usually sufficient for most stage applications.
What is the typical price for the Behringer BO440?: The typical price for this microphone is approximately GBP 29. This makes it an entry-level professional option for those on a budget.
Can the BO440 be used for recording instruments like a Shure SM57?: While possible, it is not recommended. The BO440 is specifically tuned and physically designed for vocal reproduction near the mouth, whereas the SM57 is a rugged dynamic mic built for high-SPL instrument cabinets and drums.