Headset mic anyone?

[Per Burström]

Originally Posted by TheSaint

It obviously depends on what use you have for it, I use this for busking as it's far more practical than a stand and mic. It's also good when rehearsing with my duo at home.

https://www.thomann.de/gb/shure_wh20xlr.htm

For a gig with my band, nothing will replace my Neumann 105.

All the above reservations apply for me, there's no getting away from the limitations of a headset mic.

But then I see artists like Peter Gabriel using one and I think that it can be done with good technique...!

If you like to be mobile on stage then go for it. If like most of us you're fairly static, it doesn't make much sense.

I have the WH20XLR as well, and I like it a lot... but I have only used it once for a gig. Sure it might not pick-up the dynamics as good as a normal microphone, but it's still really good.

/Per

[Julian Mount]

I often use a Shure headset (wired) mic. when busking. I have a footswitch to mute it when anyone comes up to talk to me.

It's a lot less hassle than a mic. stand and, I feel, makes the performance more intimate (I don't have a mic. on a stand between me and the audience).

I've never noticed a reduction in sound quality...not one that matters anyway.

When doing stage concerts, I always use a mic. on a stand...because it is there.

[paulin]

I have Shure 58 and 58A mics and a Crown 311A headset mic. I mostly use the Crown. It's a bit expensive but in every way as good as the Shures and less hassle than carrying a mic stand. I've learned over 10 years of using it how to achieve some dynamics and I can better interact with the audience. Certainly some venues and singing styles are better suited to handheld mics.

[Earl49]

My wife plays alto flute and bass flute (no vocals) and uses the Crown mic successfully. It has a mute button on the belt pack, and runs on either an internal 9V or phantom power. The Countryman Isomax is the pro-grade version you see used in theater and by Madonna, Britney Spears, etc. They were about $600 last time I looked.

I agree with the lack of dynamics, no cough button, etc comments. You have to pick the right tool for the job.