Headset microphones are essential for energetic performances that require hands-free singing. A headset microphone is a type of microphone worn on the head, similar to a pair of headphones, but with a microphone attached near the mouth. It allows hands-free operation, making it ideal for situations where mobility or freedom of movement is important. They’re ideal for vocalists who also play an instrument, or performers who need complete freedom to move around the stage. A good headset microphone needs to isolate the vocals and reproduce them with maximum clarity.
Headset microphones are designed to be comfortable for extended use. The microphone is mounted on a boom arm, which can be adjusted to position it near the user’s mouth. It should include an adjustable headband or ear hooks to keep the microphone securely in place. The headset microphone uses a unidirectional or cardioid pickup pattern to focus on the speaker’s voice and minimize background noise. This Gear Report will show you a selection of some of the best headset mics for singing and backing vocals to enhance your performances.
1. AKG C 520
The AKG C520L is a cardioid, condenser head-worn microphone with a comfortable, adjustable band designed to wrap around the neck. The lightweight design not only allows for comfortable long-term use, it keeps the microphone hidden from view, making it a suitable choice for performances, theater and more.
The cardioid polar pattern eliminates off-axis noise and feedback while the wide frequency response and sensitive capsule result in smooth, accurate vocal reproduction. The C520L features an adjustable gooseneck and the cable terminates to a mini-XLR connection. The mini-XLR connection is compatible with the B29L battery power supply, MPA VL phantom power adapter and PT40/PT400 wireless bodypack transmitters. The microphone is powered with 9 to 52 volts phantom power and is an ideal choice for presentations, performances, narration and more.
Tech Specs
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Color: Matte Black
- Connector: XLR
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response:60Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL:126dB SPL (1% THD)
- Output Impedance:200 ohms
- Signal to Noise Ratio:63dB (A weighted)
- Self Noise:31dB (A weighted)
- Cable Length:10 ft.
- Weight:.06 lb.
- Included Accessories:W44 Windscreen
PROS
- Sensitive and responsive mic
- Lightweight headset that sits comfortably
- Can fit the mic on either left or right side of the headset
CONS
- A bit pricier than other headset mics of similar quality
2. Sennheiser XSW 1-ME3
The XSW 1-ME3-A UHF Headmic Set from Sennheiser is an easy to use all-in-one wireless system for singers and presenters. It can be used to keep your hands free and capture audio for live sound applications and performers who dance and sing.
The set includes an intuitive stationary receiver for quick set-up and hassle-free handling, as well as a lightweight bodypack transmitter and a headset microphone. It is built with antenna-switching diversity reception and features automatic frequency management and synchronization via remote channel. Up to 10 compatible channels are available. Additionally, an AC power adapter and two AA batteries are also included.
Tech Specs
- Application: Vocals, Fitness/Active
- Configuration: Headset Wireless System
- System: Simultaneous Channels: Up to 10
- System: Analog/Digital: Analog
- System: Frequency Range:548-572 MHz
- System: Operating Range: Up to 250 ft. Line-of-sight
- System: Microphone Included: Yes
- System: Channel Selection: Auto
- Microphone: Color: Black
- Microphone: Type: Condenser
- Microphone: Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Microphone: Max SPL:150dB SPL
- Microphone: Connector:1/8″
- Microphone: Frequency Response:50Hz-16kHz
- Transmitter: Form Factor: Bodypack
- Transmitter: Battery Type:2 x AA
- Transmitter: Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Transmitter: Connector:1/8″
- Transmitter: Dimensions:2.8″ x 3.8″ x 1.1″
- Transmitter: Weight:0.74 lbs.
- Receiver: Antenna Type: Fixed
- Receiver: Signal/Noise Ratio:≥ 103dB (A-weighted)
- Receiver: Type: Table Top
- Receiver: Outputs:1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″
- Receiver: Dimensions:7.9″ x 1.7″ x 5″
- Receiver: Weight:0.75 lbs.
PROS
- Great sound quality and responsiveness
- Comfortable and stable headset
- Comes with wireless transmitter and receiver
CONS
- Quite a bit more expensive because of the included receiver
3. Shure SM35
The TA4F SM35 Performance Headset Condenser Microphone from Shure is a wireframe headset cardioid condenser microphone that can be used for a variety of active vocal and general speech performance applications. It features a TA4F connector compatible with a wide variety of Shure wireless bodypack microphone transmitters. A snap-fit windscreen is included.
Tech Specs
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Application: Vocal
- Compatibility: Shure
- Connector:TA4F
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response:40Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL:153dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio:55dB
- Self Noise:39dB
- Color: Black
- Cable Length:3.75′
PROS
- Great value for money
- Great noise and feedback rejection
- Two pop filter sizes included as well as a spare
CONS
- The headset is bulky
4. Audio-Technica PRO 8HEx
Audio-Technica is another fairly well-known brand in the mic space. They produce high-quality, affordable mics, and the PRO 8HEx is a great example of both of those traits. While the 8HEx doesn’t have the same frequency response as many of the other mics on this list, only 200Hz – 18kHz, the frequency response is still great. Cut and dried, the PRO8 headset is a dynamic headset for professional quality vocal pickup with hands-free operation. Its Hi-ENERGY neodymium element will yield crisp sound reproduction and put your vocal right out in front where it belongs.
Tech Specs
- Microphone Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
- Frequency Response:200Hz-18kHz
- Connector: XLR
- Cable Length:7.2 ft.
- Color: Black
- Weight:.13 lb.
- Included Accessories: Large Windscreen, Small Windscreen, Clothing clip
PROS
- Great sounding mic for its price
- Comes with a 7-foot cable
CONS
- Not the best fitting headset
5. Shure BLX14R/MX53
Shure’s BLX14R/MX53 system is the complete opposite of their SM35. This is the high-end, professional-grade system, while the SM35 is a much more consumer-friendly product. The BLX14R/MX53 is also not just a simple headset mic; like the Sennheiser XSW 1-ME3, this is a full wireless system. It comes with the mic itself, wireless transmitter pack, and receiver unit. The receiver is rack-mountable as well and comes with a rackmount kit. The receiver can handle up to 12 wireless devices at the same time. Meaning you could effectively connect and entire band’s wireless transmitters to the receiver and still have room left for more devices. The headset is super discreet. It fits over just one ear as opposed to the double ear design of other headsets. This design makes it very lightweight and non-distracting. That does mean that you will have to take steps to make sure the headset sits securely around your ear to avoid it falling off. Some tape should do the trick. The mic itself is fantastic. It has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz with a max SPL of 107dB and self-noise of 34dB. The responsiveness and sensitivity of the mic is great and the audio is crystal clear. The mic also has great noise and feedback rejection. While it is certainly a big initial investment to buy this system, it is one that will more than make up for it in the long run. Especially if you want to expand your wireless setup down the line.
Tech Specs
- Application: Presenter, Vocals
- System: Simultaneous Channels: Up to 12
- System: Analog/Digital: Analog
- System: Frequency Range:512-542 MHz
- System: Operating Range:300 ft. Line-of-sight
- System: Frequency Response:50Hz-15kHz
- System: Microphone Included: Yes
- System: Channel Selection: Auto
- Microphone: Form Factor: Earset
- Microphone: Color: Beige
- Microphone: Type: Electret Condenser
- Microphone: Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Microphone: Max SPL:107dB
- Microphone: Connector:1 x TA4F
- Microphone: Frequency Response:20Hz-20kHz
- Microphone: Self Noise:34dB
- Transmitter: Form Factor: Bodypack
- Transmitter: Battery Type:2 x AA
- Transmitter: Battery Life:14 hours
- Transmitter: Connector:1 x TA4M
- Transmitter: Dimensions:4.3″ x 2.51″ x 0.82″
- Transmitter: Weight:0.16 lbs.
- Receiver: Antenna Type: Fixed
- Receiver: Type: Rackmount
- Receiver: Rack Spaces: Half-rack
- Receiver: Front Panel Display: Yes
- Receiver: Displays: LCD
- Receiver: Outputs:1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″
- Receiver: Dimensions:1.65″ x 7.8″ x 6.42″
- Receiver: Weight:2.2 lbs.
PROS
- High-quality, discreet headset mic
- Wireless receiver can have up to 12 devices connected at once
- Comes with two carrying cases
CONS
- Cost
6. Crown CM311 AESH
Crown is the sister company of the very popular AKG. You can expect the same high level of quality from Crown as you do from AKG, especially now that all their headset mics are handled directly by AKG. The CM311 AESH is one of those fantastic, high-quality mics. It has been used by artists such as Phil Collins and Justin Bieber. One thing that sets the CM311 apart from other headset mics is the way the mic is positioned. Where other headset mics usually sit more to the side of your mouth, the CM311 sits in front of your mouth. This makes it act more like a normal mic that you sing into. The Crown CM-311A/SH is the industry standard headworn electret condenser microphone. The CM-311A/SH uses Crown’s unique Differoid technology, effectively isolating desired vocals from unwanted background noise.
Tech Specs
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Application: Vocal
- Compatibility: Shure TA4F (Tiny QG)
- Connector: Shure TA4F
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response:50Hz-17kHz
- Max SPL:148dB SPL
- Signal to Noise Ratio:68dB (A weighted)
- Self Noise:26dB (A weighted)
- Color: Black
- Cable Length:3.5 ft.
- Weight:.13 lb.
PROS
- Incredible noise rejection
- Position of the mic makes for the clearest audio
CONS
- Cost
- Headset isn’t very comfortable
7. Countryman E6
The beige E6 Omnidirectional Earset Mic, Medium Gain, with Detachable 1mm Cable and TA4F Connector for Shure and Beyerdynamic Wireless Transmitters from Countryman is a vocal microphone with an adjustable boom that weighs less than one-tenth ounce. It is a water- and wind-resistant microphone that can be used on either ear for capturing audio in houses of worship, theater, or outdoor vocal and speech applications.
The low-profile, omnidirectional E6 Earset virtually disappears against the skin, so performers forget they’re wearing a mic. Three sensitivity options cover general speaking to extremely powerful vocals and four color options allow you to match the E6 to your skin tone for minimum visibility.
Tech Specs
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Compatibility : Shure or Beyerdynamic wireless systems
- Connector :Shure TA4F
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response:20Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL:120dB SPL (1kHz at 1% THD, 1 Kohm)
- Self Noise:24dB (A weighted)
- Color: Beige
- Cable Length:5 ft.
- Weight:0.70 oz.
PROS
- Thin and lightweight to be very discreet and comfortable.
- Lots of options for customization
- Great carrying case included
CONS
- None
8. Acacia LIZ Pro
The Acacia LIZ Pro is anything but cheap. It’s a very well-made, sturdy mic with exceptional audio quality. With a full 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response and max SPL of 110dB, the LIZ Pro is highly responsive and has fantastic clarity. The LIZ Pro can handle both soft whispers and loud singing with ease. And all while rejecting background noise and feedback wonderfully. The LIZ Pro only goes over one ear, so you will want to tape it down. It does sit very comfortably and you will likely forget that it is even there after a few minutes. Its thin design also makes it very discreet. It is compatible with any Shure wireless bodypack. There is also the option to choose a different connector from Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, TA4F, or XLR. The connector is also detachable. This means that you can easily replace the connector should anything happen to it. The LIZ Pro is a truly fantastic mic for its price. It is one of those mics that puts professional-level sound in the hands of the average musician.
Tech Specs
- Microphone Type:Condenser
- Compatibility:Shure Wireless
- Connector:TA4F
- Polar Pattern:Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response:20Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL:110dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio:>58dB
- Self Noise:36dB
- Output Impedance:1500 ohms
- Color:Tan
- Cable Length:3.9 ft.
- Weight:0.28 oz. (without connector)
PROS
- Excellent value for money
- Comfortable and lightweight headset
- Connector cable is detachable
CONS
- Carrying case is just a basic box
