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Hi all,
I'm looking at getting a wireless microphone worn as a headset. I don't gig professionally but for the occasional gig would like a decent one that won't break the bank. I play piano and sing and would like to free myself of the issues of using a mic and stand while playing.
I got a flier about a Labor Day sale from a music store. Some of the names mentioned are Shure, Audio Technica, and Sampson. As usual, the reviews are all over the place.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Rachael
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There is the mic, and then there is the issue of the transmitter/receiver. As for headworn mics, I used to swear by Countryman, but lately have been using Galaxy audio headset mics. High quality, more robust than Countryman, and quite q bit less expensive
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My suggestion would be to visit the store and try them all out.
The sales people should be willing to set them up if they are not already set up so you can listen to them and see which one you like the best.
Each mic sounds different and I'm sure the headset wear-ability will vary as well. You need something that is comfortable to wear for several hours straight and has a sound that fits your voice.
Good ones are going to cost more. Cheap ones perhaps will not have the quality and durable components. If they have a low price, chances are good that the circuit designers took short cuts and left out components and used a cheaper element. That's why you need to try them.
I have a philosophy that others I know also have. You get what you pay for generally speaking. I will pay a few dollars more to go a few steps up the quality chain when it comes to musical gear. I have never regretted doing that.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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What Herb says is generally true. You really need to consider all of the components in addition to the MIC itself. I've used headset wireless MIC systems for about 25 years and there are things to consider about wireless that are not necessarily easy to implement as a gigging musician such as choosing the broadcast radio frequency range. If you live in a heavily populated area, finding this range can be a challenge. Make entirely certain that wireless is the way to go, then go try out mics. There's a pile of hassle that goes along with wireless that you need to be willing to master first. I recommend the specific mics above because of the robust headgear and sound quality, configurable for any of the transmitter and receiver systems. They also have wired versions. It's a reputable company; makers of the highly popular hot-spot monitors.
Last edited by rockstar_not; 08/28/15 12:40 PM.
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Our drummer was using a mic on a long boom with goosenecks.... the counter weights were very heavy and he would still knock it over and was smacking it with his sticks from time to time.
So he thought a headset mic would work. We're talking about 25 years ago. So, he went out and paid over $100 for one that seemed to fit well. His mic on the stand was an SM-57 and sounded really nice with his voice. However, the headset mic did not sound anywhere near as good.
He had to go back to the 57.
Hopefully, since the big stars are now all using them.... Madonna, Garth, and others... the quality has improved to where they now sound good... but a few minutes in a store will help you determine that.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Thanks all.
I was looking at the whole rig: headset, mic, transmitter, receiver. I'm going to checkout the Galaxy. Feedback on any other brands is appreciated.
Hacker, funny you mention the SM57. I've had that workhouse for over 25 years and still sounds great. The problem I have is I still am not used to singing and playing piano at the same time. I find myself leaning away from the mic occasionally - thus the reason for considering a headset.
R
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Rachael, Sennheiser also makes great headset mics. For your needs, wireless really isn't the way to go from an expense standpoint as well as system complexity. You just want the freedom of movement but while sitting. As for quality, headset mics have come a long way - with Countryman brand changing the game 20 or more years ago.
It's not just the few stars mentioned above that rely on them - try every single major theater production globally. A drummer relying on a wireless mic presents an entirely different situation.
The drummer is surrounded by sound making devices that easily overpower the human voice and will clip the audio compared to the voice. For drummer applications, you need a mic that is directly in front of the mouth, and not an omni pattern, to give the mic a chance over the snare and crash cymbals and toms.
The headsets that are used for theatre and other production normally have an omni sytle pattern so that they don't protrude in front of the mouth (for appearance). They are really pretty amazing given the small size. I don't know if you will find Galaxy audio at a local shop. The problem is that it seems like these are only available for use with transmitter/receiver. Getting a wired headset mic is starting to be a rare offering.
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There you go! Maybe buy it from Sweetwater where you can return it if it doesn't fit your needs.
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Awesome. I didn't even realize that the wired headset mic was an option. I always assumed they were wireless.
Thank you everyone!
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Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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