Can a Behringer C-1microphone connect directly into a computer and record? What other equipment will I need? Thanks

I wouldn't recommend it, as the microphone input is a low level signal, whereas the output of your Behringer is a much higher level signal. You would have to attenuate the signal from the Behringer before connecting it to the microphone input.

Sounds like you have too much volume range in your recording. If it is what I think it is you could use an automatic volume limiter on the input of the AudiCity recorder.

Did you install the mic's drivers before plugging the mic in? Have you tried it on 32bit operating systems other than Win 7? I don't think it will be an audio driver problem ie: asio4all. But because the OS doesn't recognise the driver automatically it might indicate where the problem lies. I am not familiar with this particular mic ( I use AKG cs1000s with Zoom R16 audio interface ) but I know there can be issues with some 64 bit systems and certain audio hardware. Nothing in the Behringer forums?

You need a mixer. Connect the microphone to the mixer and also the background music. That way you have separate control of volume for the voice and the music.
The background noise can come from different sources. One of them is from the laptop itself, if the laptop is noisy to begin with.

I'm having the same problem, however I can say that Phantom Power is out of the question. the c-1u is a variation of the c-1. The difference is that the u doesnt require phantom power

How to Operate a Behringer C-1U

The Behringer C-1U is a USB condenser mic for recording individual instruments. A condenser microphone is a mic that uses vibrations produced by sound to change the distance of internal plates that produce signal. Condenser mics typically require an extra change, known as phantom power, to operate. Since the C-1U is USB powered, phantom power is not needed. The Behringer C-1U has a frequency response that favors sounds around the 10KHz range. This heightens the clarity of recorded signals due to the microphone's treble boost.

Things You'll Need:

* Computer with USB 2.0 port
* USB cable
* Recording software

Instructions

Turn on the computer. When the operating system loads, connect the microphone.

Install any necessary drivers for the C-1U. This will happen automatically when the device is connected.

Select the Behringer C-1U as an input source in any desired audio software. In Windows, click the "Volume" icon in the task bar to open the mixer. Select the C-1U as the primary input. On Macs, use the "Audio/MIDI Setup" in the "System Preferences" menu to select the C-1U as the primary input


Note: make sure you activate the phantom power on the mic. That's the only way to power up the microphone.

Have a nice day.

These microphones need a Phantom power supply to operate. This power supply gives 48 volts to the microphone in order to make it work.

Answer from official Behringer support:
The green LED is fine. The newer units have green LEDs.

Please download and install asio 4 all from:

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/C-1U.aspx

We hope that we have been able to help you with this information.

You will need to turn on the phantom power which will be a switch labled eithe PHANTOM or +48V to use the condenser mic. YOu MUST use an XLR to XLR cable.

Connect the analogue inouts of the recorder to the monitor or tape outputs on the mixer.