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d:fine / DPA
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Left: SL Headmic / Sennheiser. Right: MX153 / Shure.
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Left: E6 / Countryman. Right: D:fine / DPA.
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Embrace / Point Source Audio
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HT7 / Audix
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HSE Series Galaxy Audio
If you pressed me to name the three most important recent innovations in church sound, I would have to say digital mixing consoles, line array loudspeakers, and headworn miniature condenser microphones. And of those three, I believe the headworn minis have provided the greatest overall benefit.
Why? First, line arrays are not appropriate for all acoustical or architectural environments. And some of us—yes, I'm among them—are reluctant to let go of our analog boards. But the benefits of mini headworn mics is universally accessible to all. Nearly every church either already has invested in this affordable technology, or should do so at its earliest opportunity.
(An aside on nomenclature: Different manufacturers have different names for these devices. Generically I'll call them headworn, with distinctions to follow.)
The advantage of a headworn mic boils down to a simple matter of physics. The closer the mic capsule is to your mouth, the more gain before feedback. Also, compared to a lavalier mic, you capture more high frequency transients for greater intelligibility, and you don't get “chesty” resonances that require tricky EQ to resolve. Compared to a fixed pulpit mic, you don't get variations in level as the speaker changes distance or angle relative to the mic.
In sum, a quality headworn mic—properly adjusted—will give cleaner and more intimate voice quality, avoid feedback squeals, and maintain uniform levels. Sweet. When we first made the change at our church, our lead pastor was astonished by what he heard on the recording. “It almost sounds like I'm in a recording studio!” he remarked.
Before browsing a cross-section of what's available, let's review some key considerations in selecting the best model for your church.
One Ear or Two?
Some models—variously called ear-hook, earworn or earset microphones—are attached using a flexible mount that fits over or behind one ear. If used regularly by the same person, these are generally the easiest to put on and take off, and also are the least obtrusive. The other option, referred to as headset or headworn, will have two ear hooks connected by a rear headband. This version is preferred if you anticipate a lot of energetic head movements, or if it will be used by multiple speakers since the exact adjustment around the ear is less critical. If not sure, a third option is to …
Consider Convertibles
A few models will give you the option to use the mic as either an earset or a head set by including a detachable headband with a second ear hook. Conversion takes only about a minute, and it can come in handy. Our lead pastor does fine with a single earset, but once when he was on vacation we had a guest whose animated storytelling involved leaping about and rolling on the floor. (Not the norm for us Methodists.) The securely attached headband came in handy.
The over/under Decision
On some models, the mic boom extends out over the ear, on others it projects from underneath. It's largely a toss-up in terms of comfort and stability, but there can be a crucial difference when dealing with heavy, dangling earrings. If one of these strikes an underneath boom, the results will be audible. Sometimes it's possible to adjust around the contact point, but if you expect regular use with such accoutrements an over-ear model might be your best bet.
Omni or Cardioid?
In most worship applications for spoken word an omnidirectional capsule is preferred. It will be more forgiving regarding distance and orientation to the mouth, and will produce a slightly more open sound. A cardioid capsule is a better choice when there is considerable ambient sound in the vicinity that you don't want picked up, something more common in musical theatre uses.
The Long and Short of it
In most spoken word uses, where it's not critical that the mic be completely hidden, a long boom is preferable because it puts the capsule in the ideal location near the corner of the mouth. A short boom is easier to conceal, but the cheek-side location is less than ideal and may require more equalization. Some models feature adjustable boom length.
Color Coordination
Since discreet appearance is a major selling point here, it helps to match the mic to the user's approximate flesh tone. Some budget models will be available in only one beige-ish middle tone, while others offer two, three or four options.
Getting Connected
Ah yes, that frustrating technical equivalent of Genesis 11. Can't we get together on this? Nope. Most of these mics will be connected to wireless beltpacks, which means you need to order the right connector, purchase a separate compatible connector cable or adapter, or choose a model that comes with a set of adapters.
Not as delicate as they look, but …
… they do look terribly delicate with their tiny capsules and spindly booms. Still, the better models are actually relatively robust. With the emphasis on “relatively.” Don't count on the ruggedness of a hammer-a-nail-with-it dynamic mic. Avoid bending booms sharply, and store with care. For example, one of our volunteers dropped a heavy, metal-clad transmitter smack on the capsule while putting it away. Intermittent problems ensued. Fortunately, it was under warranty, but we now store these mics in a protective box—with the cords running under the lid to adjacent transmitters, though. (We have screw-down locking connectors that are a pain to take off and reattach.)
Nearly every church either already has invested in this affordable technology, or should do so at its earliest opportunity.
Bruce Borgerson
Strategic & Technical Communications, & Tech Director at the First United Methodist Church of Ashland, Ore.
Fitting your Budget
Models profiled below are slotted into three categories. Budget models are well under $300, while between roughly $300 and $400 we find a majority clustered in the “sweet spot” for headworn pricing. Above that is the premium category. Nearly all mics will claim a 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response, but better models will have a flatter response curve, handle higher levels without distortion, exhibit better overall workmanship, offer better adjustability and moisture protection, or combinations thereof.
For a meaningful apples-to-apples comparison, in the roundup below I'm focusing on discreet models with miniature capsules. In worship, these are used principally for spoken word, but can do quite well for some vocal music styles, as well. The larger “Garth Brooks-type” headworn mics, best suited for robust singing styles, are not included here.
The Line-Up
AKG
The new, premium-priced
MicroLite Series from AKG
is available in either headworn or under-earset configurations, and in light or dark flesh tones. It's a long boom style with choice of HC81 MD cardioid or HC82MD omni capsules. The cable terminates in a Microdot universal connector; AKG adapter is included with seven others available separately.
Audio Technica
The well-established
Audio-Technica BP892 MicroSet
is another under-ear model, but it can be quickly converted to a headset with the included headband. Available in black or beige and priced in the sweet spot, the omni BP892 features a svelte 2.5-mm capsule, Paralyne protective coating, and maximum SPL handling of 135 dB. It must be ordered with a hard-wired connector, with (understandably) a $30 discount for the A-T version relative to connectors for the three other major wireless makers.
Audix
Available in three colors (beige, coffee and black), the
HT7 from Audix
is a modular design under-earset that allows field replacement of parts. Featuring and adjustable boom and priced in the sweet spot, it can be used with Audix wireless bodypacks or with other brands using optional adapters.
Countryman
The iconic
E6 by Countryman
has received ample press, so here we'll touch on the newer, premium-priced H6 headset. The tiny 2.5-mm omni capsule attaches to an under-ear boom, with a lightweight headband and second earloop assuring stability. It can be ordered to suit any application, with four color choices, omni or directional capsules with varying sensitivities, and connector options for any wireless system.
DPA
The elegantly styled
d:fine from DPA
is another premium under-ear model with a full slate of options. Choose either single- or dual-ear models, select from three colors, cardioid or omni patterns, and short or long booms. Maximum SPL is an impressive 144 dB. The MicroDot connector system mates with cables for any wireless beltpack.
Galaxy Audio
Though priced in the upper budget range, the over-ear
HSE Series from Galaxy Audio
brings a range of options to smaller churches, including single- or dual-hook models, omni or cardioid capsules, three color choices, and cables for most major wireless brands.
Point Source Audio
The new
Embrace system from Point Source Audio
offers a unique solution when the mic needs to be hidden from view. The custom-fit flexible ear mount can be bent, shaped and trimmed as needed. It holds a high-performance Series 8 lavalier mic with an omni capsule accepting up to 148 dB maximum SPL. Interchangeable X-connectors are available for popular wireless systems. Priced in the sweet spot.
Que Audio
The unusually thick and well-cushioned earpiece for the
Que Audio DA12
looks quite comfy and stable, and is attached via either long or short boom to a 2.5-mm omni capsule. Another sweet spot contender, the DA12 comes in black or beige and $30 adapters are available for beltpacks from wireless makers large and small.
Rode
The Rode entry in this crowded price category is the
Omni HS-1
headset, available in pink or black. The novel feature here is the ability to adjust the boom along three axes for perfect positioning. The complete package includes a furry wind shield, foam pop filter and “anti-trauma case.” Adapters offered for popular wireless systems.
Samson
For budget-conscious churches that don't mind a slightly larger (3 mm) capsule, the attractively priced
Samson DE 10
headset offers creditable performance and included adapters for the “big three” wireless makers . (Hard-wired connector is for Samson.) Available in tan only.
Sennheiser
The sleek and elegant
SL Headmic from Sennheiser
, offered in beige as well as black and silver, is a high-performance, omnidirectional, dual-ear headset weighing in at an ultra-light ¼ ounce. Priced in the premium category, the SL offers the Sennheiser connector only.
Shure
The
Shure MX153
earset mics are sturdy, single-hook over-ear models with an omni capsule, priced in the upper budget range. It is available in three colors (black, cocoa and tan) and the Kevlar-reinforced soft-flex cable terminates with a Shure-compatible TQG connector. Only.
Vu
Wrapping up our survey, and priced in the lower budget range, is the
Vu HMD 2000
. It's a no-nonsense omni over-ear model, available in beige only but can be ordered with connectors for the four most popular wireless systems. With pricing right down with a good handheld dynamic, there's no excuse for any church not to at least give this technology an honest audition.
