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HS3-OBK. The HS3 dual-ear headset is available in black (shown here) and beige.
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ES3-OBG in black
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ES3-OBG. The ES3 single-ear headset is available in both black and beige (shown here in beige).
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HS3-OBK in beige
Galaxy Audio has certainly come a long way since I first became aware of them in the mid-1980s. They still use the phrase "Makers of the Original Hot Spot Personal Monitor" on their promotional materials. Now their offerings include a variety of wireless mics and in-ear monitors, speaker systems, power amps, SPL meters and other audio test equipment—and mics ranging from handheld to studio to lavalier and headset.
I recently received a pair of headset microphones and a belt-worn phantom power supply to try out. The ES3 is a single-ear headset, and the HS3 is dual-ear. Both mics are omnidirectional, share the same mic element, and are available in beige and black. The differences are in how they are worn and how the boom is positioned.
HS3 dual-ear
The HS3 dual-ear unit, consists of a thin spring-wire frame that goes around the back of the neck, ending in padded loops for both ears. The mic boom extends from the left side just below the loop at the back of the ear. The frame size and length is not adjustable, although it fit me securely.
Both mics are omnidirectional, share the same mic element, and are available in beige and black. The differences are in how they are worn and how the boom is positioned.
On me, the lower part of the loop initially pushed my earlobes forward, and after a bit of bending I was able to make it more comfortable. The top of the ear loop stuck out somewhat from the side of my face on one side, and bending helped that as well, although it took some force since there is a lot of spring in the metal core. So, the bottom line is, you'll probably need to do a few manipulations to fit your face. The boom length is adjustable, which is an important feature. I found that it took a combination of pushing and twisting, especially at first, to move it since the fit is tight to keep the boom from slipping. It loosened considerably after a few adjustments. The boom can move as far back as the front of your ear, and as far forward as directly in front of your mouth. Galaxy Audio specifies 5.5 inches of extension, and I measured about 6 inches from the tip of the mic element to the earpiece. So, positioning it ideally at the corner of the mouth can be readily achieved. A pair of movable slides connects the rear of the boom to the headset frame, serving two functions. First, they keep the mic boom from rotating or flopping down. Secondly, they keep the rear of the boom held to the frame, rather than projecting out and away. Although they appear to stay in place, I would like to see the holes in them be slightly smaller so that they have more friction on the rear of the boom.
The mic boom ends in a miniature threaded connector, which screws onto a 48-inch, thin, durable cable. In my sample, the cable ended in a TA3F (3-pin mini-XLR) connector for connection into Galaxy Audio wireless belt packs, or into their JIB/PB phantom power body pack. Replaceable cables are offered to fit most wireless belt pack transmitters, with connectors ranging from TA4F to Hirose to 3.5mm TRS. Another nice feature is that two clips on the headset frame will securely hold a section of cable to further stabilize the connection to the mic boom. The omni microphone element measures 5mm in diameter, and a sweat bead and foam windscreen protect it. Nominal frequency response is 85 Hz to 15 kHz, and the published frequency curve shows an emphasis between 100-200 Hz, another between 1-2 kHz, slighter smooth rises between 300 Hz-1 kHz and 5-10 kHz, and a roll off after 10 kHz.
ES3 single-ear
The ES3 single-ear headset features the same mic element on a four-inch fixed boom. The entire single earpiece is enclosed in a soft, comfortable elastomeric plastic, and its metal core is flexible so that it can be molded to the user's ear and stay in place. When positioned on the left or right ear, the headset remains stable and is so light and comfortable that it can hardly be detected. It doesn't move even with head shakes.
I found the Galaxy Audio headsets to be user-friendly and functional headsets, with quite acceptable audio performance.
The mic boom positions near the corner of the mouth, and though it is fairly stiff it can be shaped to fit the curvature of the face. At the rear of the earpiece, a miniature connector threads into the same 48-inch replaceable cable as used with the HS3. I must admit that for comfort and even for stability, I prefer this type of single-ear headset with its soft, moldable earpiece. I used the ES3 as my mic while performing a house concert, for both singing and talking between songs. It was not a high-level show, so I wasn't able to assess how loud it could go before feedback (I did successfully turn it up during set up without any ringing), and the headset certainly performed well. Listeners said that my voice sounded full and natural, and I couldn't ask for more than that. To connect the headsets to a mixer when using a hard-wired rather than a wireless connection, Galaxy Audio offers the compact JIB/PB. This unit is housed in a metal case measuring three inches by 2.5 inches by one-inch, with a mating TA3M connector for the headset and a male XLR connector for a microphone cable. The metal belt clip is firmly attached to the chassis. A sliding compartment houses one AA battery to power the internal electronics.
The JIB/PB functions in two ways: When phantom power is being provided by the mixing console, power is passed through the interface to the headset, and the slide switch on the unit is set in the off position. By sliding the switch to "on," the necessary bias voltage is provided to the headset via one AA battery, when used with systems that do not have phantom power capability. This switch has two "on" positions, with the first position being flat and the second introducing a low-end roll off to minimize noise pickup below the vocal range. The roll off works when using either external phantom power or the on-board AA battery.
All in all, I found the Galaxy Audio headsets to be user-friendly and functional headsets, with quite acceptable audio performance. I did like the ES3 better for comfort and fit. Both the ES3 single-ear and the HS3 dual-ear headsets have a list price of $149.99 (street price is fairly consistent at $99.99). The JIB/PB phantom power unit lists at $109.99, and the street price is in line with the headsets.
