Thread: Recommendations for a Headword Microphone
From: Blake A. Engel (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: headset mic
Hi all,
I know there were a few comments made about headset mics, but I seem to have
lost them--Can anyone suggest a quality WIRED (not wireless) headset mic?
I've looked at (haven't tried) the Shure WH10XLR mic--don't know anything about
it other than it's model number....What sounds good and won't break the offering
plate?!
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From: Ray A. Rayburn (Boulder, CO)
Subject: Re: headset mic
Blake -
My absolute favorite headset mic in both wired and wireless versions is the
Countryman. I like it because it is VERY light weight, and with a little paint
can be made almost invisible. To use it properly, do not extend the boom. It
will work just fine about 1" to the left of the left corner of the mouth. In this
position it does not need the supplied windscreen. If you need it closer to the
mouth for even greater gain before feedback, you might be better off with the
Crown differoid headset mic. The Countryman sounds great, and comes normally with
a hypercardioid capsule. They can also supply it with a waterproof omni capsule.
Shure sells their own wired headset mic, but with their wireless systems they
sell the Countryman with a Shure label slapped on the box!
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From: Doug Benson (Fairview, OR)
Subject: Re: headset mic
Blake,
The finest headset mic I have ever used, (or heard) is the Countryman with a
hypercardioid capsule. The mic itself is so small it is nearly invisible to the
audience. The third and fourth ones I purchased I also ordered in a flesh color
with the headband (which goes in the back, not on top) and cord in black. From
over 6 rows away you have to really be looking for it to see it. It really takes
away from the "showy" look that we were trying to avoid in the first place.
Their mic also has a sonic quality to rival most handheld vocal mics. I would
certainly call your dealer for a loaner to demo.
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From: Blake A. Engel (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: headset mic
Ray,
Regarding the Countryman headset mic, have you had trouble with the headband
getting all bent out of shape and such? I've had a few people tell me they love
it, but it just isn't rugged...Maybe it's how they have been treating it, I
don't know.
Also, is the flesh-colored model a standard option? Do you know anything about
the AKGC420? I ask because someone asked me about it...and I don't know much
(if anything) about head-worn mics! :-)
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From: Doug Benson (Fairview, OR)
Subject: Re: headset mic
I purchased the flesh colored Countryman, and yes, I think it was a standard
color for them. The last time I talked to one of their sales people, their lapel
mics came in eight different colors as standard. I think that there was $15 extra
charge for other than black or white. We purchased the Caucasian flesh color. It
also available in a cocoa for Hispanics. (actually, in Oregon, the Caucasian color
is still a touch too dark - we're sunshine deficient here)
As far as the headband being not rugged enough, I have had no problem with that.
In fact, I tell our worship leader to bend it to suit their head. It really is
not much more than a high-tech coat hangar. If it gets wrecked, just bend it back.
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From: Ray A. Rayburn (Boulder, CO)
Subject: Re: headset mic
Blake -
<<"Regarding the Countryman headset mic, have you had trouble with the headband
getting all bent out of shape and such?">>
The band is not rugged, but if treated with care should last for many years.
It now comes with instructions on how to bend it to fit. One rough person can
ruin it in seconds however, requiring it to go back for repair. This is a
tradeoff I can live with given the extremely light weight.
<<"Also, is the flesh-colored model a standard option?">>
Don't know!

 

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