For some time now I have wanted to create some kind of media, other than text, for online. I don’t consider myself to, in any way, have a face for video, and my thick Yorkshire accent puts me off of recording audio, until recently.

Around a year ago I overcame these insecurities long enough to actually purchase a decent looking microphone with the intention of recording a podcast. I had trouble getting the microphone to play nicely with my computer, but the numerous test recordings during the set up of the microphone were sufficient to put me off of my own voice again, and nothing ever came of this.

Now, however, I have the media bug a-bitin’ again, and this time I already have a microphone. Indeed I have written actual material for a couple of ideas (YouTube and Podcast form) and am willing to at least try, despite my unglamorous voice. Unfortunately, the problem I previously had with my microphone hasn’t disappeared with time.

The microphone is a Behringer C-1U USB Condenser Mic. The problem in question is that it is too quiet. In order to get any audible sound recorded, I have to slide all the levels up to maximum and kiss the microphone when I speak into it.

I have searched the net high and low for a solution, and it turns out that almost everyone who has bought this product has had the same problem! Customer experiences with Behringer usually result in them being told to turn the levels up, and nothing else. I think it’s safe to assume that this a fault with their hardware, but Behringer don’t seem inclined to do anything about it.

I have had the mic for over a year without actually using it, so I think my chances of getting any kind of help from Behringer are non-existent, but big fail Behringer. Big fail.