What is the primary use of the Behringer TA 312S?

It is primarily designed for speech-based applications such as conferences, house of worship services, and studio talkback where a hands-free, adjustable microphone is needed.

Does the TA 312S require phantom power?

No, it is a dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones do not require external power sources like phantom power to operate.

What is the benefit of the cardioid polar pattern?

The cardioid pattern helps prevent unwanted feedback and background noise by capturing sound mostly from the front and rejecting sound from the sides and rear.

How does the gooseneck design improve performance?

The flexible gooseneck allows for precise positioning of the microphone capsule near the speaker's mouth, ensuring optimal sound capture regardless of the user's height or posture.

Is the Behringer TA 312S durable?

Yes, it features a rugged, roadworthy construction designed to withstand the knocks and scrapes typical of live performance and transportation.

Can I use this microphone for recording music?

While it is optimised for speech and vocal delivery, its dynamic cardioid capsule can technically record instruments, though it lacks the specific voicing of microphones like the Shure SM57.

What is the price range for the TA 312S?

The microphone typically retails in the range of £20, making it a very affordable option for professional and semi-professional settings.

How does the signal output compare to other microphones?

The TA 312S is designed with an extremely high signal output, which helps the voice 'cut through' the audio mix more effectively.

Is a stand included with the TA 312S?

The TA 312S is the microphone and gooseneck unit itself; it is typically mounted onto a podium, desk, or existing microphone base.

How does it differ from a Shure SM58?

While both are dynamic cardioid microphones, the TA 312S is a fixed gooseneck model for podiums, whereas the SM58 is a handheld vocal microphone.

Does it have a built-in on/off switch?

Based on its standard specifications for speech delivery, it is designed for direct integration into systems where the signal is managed at the mixer.

Can this be used for podcasting?

Yes, its clear vocal capture and ease of positioning make it a suitable budget-friendly option for podcasting from a desk or workstation.

Gear article

Behringer TA 312S Dynamic Gooseneck Microphone

The Behringer TA 312S is a dynamic gooseneck microphone designed primarily for speech applications in conference, studio, and house of worship settings. It features a cardioid polar pattern and a flexible gooseneck design to facilitate precise positioning for clear vocal delivery.

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Background and Design

The Behringer TA 312S is engineered as an affordable solution for fixed-position vocal capture. Unlike standard handheld dynamic microphones, the TA 312S integrates a flexible gooseneck, allowing the user to adjust the capsule's height and angle without moving the microphone stand or base. Its design prioritises utility and durability, featuring a rugged construction intended to withstand the rigours of frequent adjustment and transport.

Technical Features

The microphone utilises a dynamic element, which is naturally resistant to moisture and high sound pressure levels. It employs a cardioid polar pattern, a critical feature for live environments as it focuses audio capture on the speaker directly in front of the capsule while rejecting sound from the rear. This helps to minimise unwanted feedback and ambient background noise. Additionally, the unit is designed for high signal output to ensure that the voice remains prominent within a live mix.

Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

Sound Character

The TA 312S is voiced specifically for speech clarity. By capturing the nuances of spoken word, it ensures that 'important details' are audible to the audience. Its dynamic capsule provides a clear and undisturbed audio path, focusing on mid-range frequencies where human speech typically resides. The high output capability allows it to drive mixers and preamps effectively even at lower gain settings.

Applications and Suitability

This microphone is best suited for environments where hands-free operation is required and the speaker remains relatively stationary. Common applications include:

Conferences: For use on lecterns or podiums.
Studios: Used as a talkback microphone or for fixed-position podcasting.
Houses of Worship: Ideal for pulpits or reading desks.

The TA 312S is particularly suited to users who require a cost-effective, 'roadworthy' tool that can survive knocks and scrapes during regular setup and breakdown.

Market Comparison

While the TA 312S competes in the entry-level market at roughly £20, it shares the dynamic DNA of industry standards like the Shure SM58 or SM57, which are also known for their cardioid patterns and ruggedness. However, the TA 312S is distinct due to its gooseneck form factor. While higher-end dynamic microphones like the Sennheiser MD 441-U or the Electro-Voice RE20 offer more sophisticated features and different polar patterns (such as supercardioid), the TA 312S provides a functional, budget-friendly alternative for basic speech reinforcement.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use of the Behringer TA 312S?: It is primarily designed for speech-based applications such as conferences, house of worship services, and studio talkback where a hands-free, adjustable microphone is needed.
Does the TA 312S require phantom power?: No, it is a dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones do not require external power sources like phantom power to operate.
What is the benefit of the cardioid polar pattern?: The cardioid pattern helps prevent unwanted feedback and background noise by capturing sound mostly from the front and rejecting sound from the sides and rear.
How does the gooseneck design improve performance?: The flexible gooseneck allows for precise positioning of the microphone capsule near the speaker's mouth, ensuring optimal sound capture regardless of the user's height or posture.
Is the Behringer TA 312S durable?: Yes, it features a rugged, roadworthy construction designed to withstand the knocks and scrapes typical of live performance and transportation.
Can I use this microphone for recording music?: While it is optimised for speech and vocal delivery, its dynamic cardioid capsule can technically record instruments, though it lacks the specific voicing of microphones like the Shure SM57.
What is the price range for the TA 312S?: The microphone typically retails in the range of £20, making it a very affordable option for professional and semi-professional settings.
How does the signal output compare to other microphones?: The TA 312S is designed with an extremely high signal output, which helps the voice 'cut through' the audio mix more effectively.
Is a stand included with the TA 312S?: The TA 312S is the microphone and gooseneck unit itself; it is typically mounted onto a podium, desk, or existing microphone base.
How does it differ from a Shure SM58?: While both are dynamic cardioid microphones, the TA 312S is a fixed gooseneck model for podiums, whereas the SM58 is a handheld vocal microphone.
Does it have a built-in on/off switch?: Based on its standard specifications for speech delivery, it is designed for direct integration into systems where the signal is managed at the mixer.
Can this be used for podcasting?: Yes, its clear vocal capture and ease of positioning make it a suitable budget-friendly option for podcasting from a desk or workstation.