Wireless head microphone - I nedd some advise, please.

[Toril S]

Hello friends! I already have a Sennheiser microphone of the conventional type. My problem with it is when I am reading to the audience. Because of low vision, I have to have the manuscript very close. When I say close, it is maybe 10 CM from my face to the sheet! Then the microphone comes in the way. I solve it by having it on the side, but the sound is not good. Today I looked at a Sennheiser head microphone with a headband, ultra light and almost invisible! It is wireless, but you will have to carry a little box with battery and transmitter. Two things held me back from buying it at once, the price (it was rather pricy!), and the fact that I wear glasses. I will have to place this headband either under or upon the glasses, and am worried that will make some friction noise when I move my head. If it works, it is a good solution for me. They say that this can be used for the whole performance, reading, singing, and that it is a great way to get more contact with the audience. What is your input/advise in the matter? I have an S970, and use Bose L1 Compact as PA system.

[Al Ram]

I have a Crown CM311 head microphone.    It is a good one that i use from time to time.   It has good sound but It has a couple of drawbacks . . . .

1. it is a condenser mic, meaning that it needs battery or to be connected to a power source, i got a little thing (phantom power) for around $20.  (The Genos now takes condenser microphones directly into the Genos)
2. You have to wear the little box on your belt or waist that is attached to the mic on your head with a wire. 
3. You have to get used to it and the wires, around your back . . . . it takes time and practice.

Otherwise, it is an excellent microphone.  It is a bit pricey but i bought it used at Guitar Center for  half price.

Hope this helps. I am sure you will get more opinions.

Have a great day.

[Toril S]

Thanks Al Ram

[Gandalf43]

Hi Toril,

a lot of friends will tell you to try different types of mics. yourself .
Mics. which are good for men might not be so good for Ladies
I would ask some of our Lady singers eg Elaine for example. Her vocals
sound very naturally.
Or Paula's vocals sound very good as well.

I personally do not like head sets and I bought Beyerdynamic years ago
and bought even 2 pcs. Of the same type when they were on offer.

Thoman sent me a very expensive condenser mic. some time ago but
I sent it back as it was no improvement at all.

Good luck
Udo

[Toril S]

Thanks, Udo. 

[DonM]

When I use a headset, which is rarely, I use AKG C520.  I tried the Crown and a couple of Shures but this one works best for me.
I use it wired, but you can use it wireless as well.

[Toril S]

Thanks Don

[travlin-easy]

I used the Crown-CM311-A for two decades before retiring. A headset mic is a wonderful tool for a keyboard player in that it allows you the freedom to not continually worry about where your mic is positioned, you can maintain eye contact with your audience, and you can select functions on your keyboard  while singing. The 9-volt battery will last about 60 hours in the belt pack, and the sound quality is second to none.

Good luck,

Gary

[Toril S]

Thanks Gary

[TyrIA]

Hi !

Take a simple dynamic mic wired headset ,connect it straight to your keyboard and have no problems with belt packs and phantom powering !!
If wireless, search for cheaper brands like AKG , NADY, Samson -even s/h, as transmitting distance is so close you wount hear any difference from Sennheiser.

have a nice time with mics, TyrIA.

[Al Ram]

Hi !

Take a simple dynamic mic wired headset ,connect it straight to your keyboard and have no problems with belt packs and phantom powering !!
If wireless, search for cheaper brands like AKG , NADY, Samson -even s/h, as transmitting distance is so close you wount hear any difference from Sennheiser.

have a nice time with mics, TyrIA.

TyrIA

are these two the type that you are referring to . . . . ?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Pro8HEx--audio-technica-pro8hex-dynamic-headset-mic-with-xlr-connector

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-WH20XLR-Dynamic-Headset-Microphone/dp/B0001DBZNM

thanks

[Toril S]

Thanks guys😀

[travlin-easy]

Having tried dozens of mics over the years, I often found dynamic mics did not provide the much needed quality I desired. Additionally, the dynamic mics, even those with super cardiod patterns, tended to be more prone to feedback, especially at higher volumes. It has been my experience that condenser mics provided the highest quality and clarity, though they do tend to cost more. However, because I relied heavily on my vocals, I was willing to pay the price.

All the best,

Gary

[Al Ram]

Having tried dozens of mics over the years, I often found dynamic mics did not provide the much needed quality I desired. Additionally, the dynamic mics, even those with super cardiod patterns, tended to be more prone to feedback, especially at higher volumes. It has been my experience that condenser mics provided the highest quality and clarity, though they do tend to cost more. However, because I relied heavily on my vocals, I was willing to pay the price.

All the best,

Gary

Gary

how about this one . . . . ?  it is condenser, it is a good brand name and it is 'only' $150.

http://www.shure.com/americas/products/microphones/sm/sm35

thanks

[DonM]

I have the SM35 and it is quite good.  However I find the AKG e520 more clear and more comfortable.  They are both condenser mics. 
The Shure still has the "sure muddy" sound unless carefully e.q.'d.
The AKG is worth the money!

[Al Ram]

I have the SM35 and it is quite good.  However I find the AKG e520 more clear and more comfortable.  They are both condenser mics. 
The Shure still has the "sure muddy" sound unless carefully e.q.'d.
The AKG is worth the money!

Don

I googled and could not find model AKG e520.   Perhaps you meant AKG c520 . . . .

is this the one . . . ?  see link below.

https://www.akg.com/Microphones/Headset%20Microphones/C520.html

by the way, how long is the cable for both the SM35 and the AKG  . . . ?

thanks

[DonM]

I actually have the wired version of both, although they are identical otherwise.
Cable on the Shure is about 3 feet.  Mine terminates in an XLR connection, so can be any length if you add a cable.
Yes, the AKG is C520; I made a typographical error.
I left it at work, but the cable is somewhat longer. 

[Lofty(dave)]

I found one a jelly combo 2.4g highend wireless microphone found it works quite well for £25 have tried it works quite well

Lofty Dave

[Toril S]

Thanks, guys!
I haven't decided yet. The wireless microphone had a whole suitcase of gadgets, battery case and all kinds of things to use. It kind of put me of a little ... But when I read, I hold the sheet up to my eyes, and the normal microphones get in the way, so I must get around to doing something about it soon.

[DonM]

If I may suggest.  You can use a wired headset mic, and it won't interfere with your vision.  It plugs right into the keyboard or mixer.  That's how I do it sometimes.
You will need phantom power though.

[Al Ram]

Don
Per your recommendation I am looking into buying the AKG C520  $220 which is a wired head-worn condenser mic.  I want to replace my current Sure mic with stand.  (The Sure mic is great, it is just the stand that i want to get rid of).

I just called AKG for some questions, waiting for their call back.

I believe the AKG C520 will plug directly into the back of Genos (Genos now provides phantom power).  It comes with a 10feet cable.  I think that should be long enough to connect to back of Genos.

AKG website indicates that it can be returned within 30 days if not happy with it. 

Thanks a lot.

[Toril S]

Hi guys! Must it be a condenser mic? The S970 has no phantom power. I have the Bose L1 Compact, no phantom power there either. Wired is easier in many ways, you are not so mobile, but there is not so much fuss with batteries that need to be changed and so on...

[Al Ram]

Hi guys! Must it be a condenser mic? The S970 has no phantom power. I have the Bose L1 Compact, no phantom power there either. Wired is easier in many ways, you are not so mobile, but there is not so much fuss with batteries that need to be changed and so on...

You can buy a separate phantom power adapter.  I purchased one similar to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-PS400-BEHRINGER-MICROPOWER/dp/B000FG795I/ref=lp_11974571_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1524521370&sr=1-5

There are several more you can select . . .
https://www.amazon.com/InnoGear-Condenser-Microphone-Recording-Equipment/dp/B00KAPGLQC/ref=pd_day0_267_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00KAPGLQC&pd_rd_r=45PKMZNB03RGHY8ASS2E&pd_rd_w=7skCH&pd_rd_wg=D5bAY&psc=1&refRID=45PKMZNB03RGHY8ASS2E&dpID=51%252ByMhNTdRL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

I am not at home right now, so do not know the exact one i have but will check later . . .  .

thanks

[Toril S]

Thanks, Al

[DonM]

Don
Per your recommendation I am looking into buying the AKG C520  $220 which is a wired head-worn condenser mic.  I want to replace my current Sure mic with stand.  (The Sure mic is great, it is just the stand that i want to get rid of).

I just called AKG for some questions, waiting for their call back.

I believe the AKG C520 will plug directly into the back of Genos (Genos now provides phantom power).  It comes with a 10feet cable.  I think that should be long enough to connect to back of Genos.

AKG website indicates that it can be returned within 30 days if not happy with it. 

Thanks a lot.

Al, that's the one I have.  I think you will like it a lot.  It is more comfortable than the Shure or the Crown to me.

[connsmythe]

The head set I use for the psrs970 and when I had a t4 and works good is the Share WH20QtR
put an extension on it that will give you lots of length a little tweaking on the voice volume part
and not really much problem with squealing works great no mike stand in your way
around $100.00 or so

[Toril S]

Thanks😀

[Bertie59]

Hi Toril
Hope you are keeping well.
I've been following your thread about  headset mics as I'm considering getting one myself - I too have an s970.
I was wondering how you're going on ? Have you got one yet ? If so what did you go for ?

Thanks
Regards
Sue 

[Toril S]

Hello Sue. I have not bought one yet. I use a traditional microphone. Maybe soon😀

[Bertie59]

Hi Toril
Thanks for your reply.
Can fully understand why you haven't purchased one as yet - expensive piece of kit - needs careful consideration.
Doubt I'll be splashing out for a while either but I'll keep looking !
Regards
Sue