Ideas for good Wireless Headset Mics

[paradigmbassist]

I am trying to figure out a good wirless mic that is worn on head. I want one that is sleak and not super noticable ( no garth brooks looking mics). My pricerange is around 600 dollars. I also need to know what all i need as far as recievers go.

[Arlin]

You will find the Countryman E6i omni or E6 omni to be almost defacto standards when it comes to good, discrete headworn mics.... VERY POPULAR.
I tried a Countryman once, but the adjustment and hanging off of one ear was a little tedious and not the best for stability. They have since added an option to hang on both ears, but I have no experience with it.

Another popular and cheaper option is Audio Technica's AT892c. Very nice sounding mic, but I have had duability problems with heavy use and adjustments.

The DPA 4066 might be the best low profile headworn mic sonically, but it is also the most expensive and slightly larger than the rest of the pack. I have no experience with these, but I am sure someone else will chime in.

I recently discovered the HS-03 from MiPro (also sold as the PSM1 by Provider Series). So far, this is my favorite, mostly due to its ease of adjustment and stability. It hooks on both ears around the back of the head. It sounds very good too.

As far as recievers, with all the confusion around the DTV transition and frequency spectrum changes, it would be best to wait until after Feb 2009 if you can to get a new wireless system.
But, if you do want a system now, be sure to stick with a good frequency agile system from a reputable manufacturer, and make sure the frequency range is below 700MHz.
Do a search for more info on this topic... it has been discussed a lot lately.

[cmchamp]

What application?
Vocals?
Speech?
If vocals, how loud is the stage volume?

[paradigmbassist]

Its mainly for speach

[bpalermini]

I like the newer Countryman E6i mics. They are much improved as far as fit and ability to stay on than the old ones. The part that goes around the ear has "stickier" and thicker plastic tube around it plus the metal underneath is very easy to form around the ear. As a bonus compared to just about all the others, they have replaceable cables. Get the 2mm (thicker) cable.

[Nathan J]

We have an E6i for but couldn't get it to stay well enough for people to use -- actually this morning I ordered one of these to try with it: http://www.countryman.com/store/prod...id=95&catid=28

For the Sr. Pastor, we are using a Sennheiser HSP2 - which cost a little bit more than the Countryman, but less than the DPA - and uses both ears. Sound quality is excellent.

The DPA model runs around $600, but is top-notch.

[paradigmbassist]

So i'm pretty sure I like the countryman E6i, our church already ownes one older countryman but what i need to know now is how what else do i need for this mic(reciever, cord, ect.) Our church uses shure mics so if i could use a shure reviever it would be great.

[cmchamp]

You need to purchase a bodypack system. The system will include a bodypack, into which your mic will plug, and a receiver.
I would check your local DTV broadcast plans, and work with a vendor who understands the recent FCC rulings to guide you into purchase of a system that will provide quality service for you for a long time.
Unfortunately, I don't believe your $600 budget will be adequate if you purchase a Countryman microphone, close to 1/3rd of your budget if I recall correctly.
C.

[waynehoskins]

Originally Posted by paradigmbassist

So i'm pretty sure I like the countryman E6i, our church already ownes one older countryman but what i need to know now is how what else do i need for this mic(reciever, cord, ect.) Our church uses shure mics so if i could use a shure reviever it would be great.

It doesn't matter whose receiver you use with the Countryman microphone.

But you do know that you need a transmitter, right? Transmitters and receivers work in matched pairs, and then you just need to get the appropriate model of microphone (or cable, depending) to plug into the modulator jack on your transmitter.

[jcisrisen]

Hello, We ordered this one from OSP and it is incredible sounding and pretty comfortable. Best of all it comes with an additional cable, and can be custom ordered for at least 4 different receivers. Also you get a handy foam padded case. I have a friend who does commercial sound who got 6 of them, and says they perform equally to his countrymans. If you can get hooked up with OSP as a wholesaler, the price is even better...but I don't know how to do that.
Chad

[waynehoskins]

Originally Posted by jcisrisen

can be custom ordered for at least 4 different receivers.

Just a minor detail, microphones and radio-receivers are related in about the same way as mixing consoles and loudspeakers.

The microphone connects to the speech amp and modulator in a (typically FM) radio-transmitter. That radio signal is received by the radio-receiver whose audio output is connected somewhere useful, such as a console input. Fancy speech processing like companding aside, and presuming a standardized deviation, the signal transmitted by a Shure ULX transmitter can be received by more receivers than just a Shure ULX receiver. And same for a Sennheiser and an AKG.

The difference between microphones (this one for Shure, this one for Sennheiser, this one for Nady) is the connector used on the speech amp input on the radio-transmitter. The radio-receiver has nothing to do with it.

[jcisrisen]

oops...your right.....I meant custom ordered to connect too different brands of receivers... Thanks