Headset Microphone: and the people who love them

Headset microphones are used in several applications, be it business, personal use or pleasure.  In this article you’ll learn more about how the headset microphone plays a part in all of these applications, how they work and where you can get one for yourself.

Headset microphone: Who uses them

If you’ve ever been to a live music performance, you may have seen someone using a headset microphone. These are often times used in place of a lapel microphone, and used in everyday places like aerobics instructors at the gym.   The headset microphone can offer the performer a cleaner and freer look, if they don’t want to use a hand held microphone or have a microphone clipped to their person, these models can even been seen in stage productions.  The headset microphone is also used by business professionals, during meetings or while using their PC. You can use a headset microphone for voice over internet protocol applications like SKYPE.  You can also use one of these microphones for business applications such as dragon naturally speaking.

The headset microphone is also used for PC online gaming and with gaming consoles such as Wii, PS3 and XBOX live applications. 

Headset Microphone

Headset microphone: How they work

The headset microphones can come in one or two ear models with several different styles to choose from such as: in-the-ear, behind-the-neck and over-the-ear. 

When in use with a personal computer, they will connect via USB cable. For other applications, there are a few different types of wireless technologies that enable your device.

The first technology is infrared. These are used in conjunction with a receiver and are considered to be called line-of-sight technology, meaning you’ll need to keep the sensor located on your microphone headset visible to the receiver so it is able to receive the signal. This is exactly like the technology used with TV remote controls. If someone is standing in front of the TV they’re blocking the sensor and you’re unable to change the channel.

The next technology is the all famous Bluetooth technology. These operate on a low radio frequency that transmits sound to your built-in transmitter, located in the headset. 

The last technology used is the most common. This is a wireless system that operates on radio frequencies. Similar to that of Bluetooth technology, except radio uses a stronger signal.  The radio frequency uses 900MHZ and transmits around 30-40 feet giving you more range than Bluetooth or infrared.  Radio frequency isn’t a line of site technology, you’ll just have to be aware of wear the receiver is located and stay within the 30-40 feet range. When using the radio frequency, you’ll need to use a transmitter that’s plugged into the headphone socket of the source. 

Headset Microphone

Headset microphone: where can you get them: you can get a headset microphone at most electronic stores or stores that sell musical equipment? You can find good prices for a pair online at several different websites such as Guitarcenter.com and Amazon. Guitar center sells both new and used pairs as does Amazon, giving you the option of finding the most affordable price. You can also go on eBay and bid on a pair for a reasonable price.

Headset Microphone: who has the best model?

Logitech features the USB microphone headset H390 that is a high quality noise cancelling headset for PC use.

Rode HSb1 also offers quality sound with a sleek design thats minimal and discreet appearance while featuring a light weight frame.  There is also a left, right frame configuration, with a dynamic range of 85DB, with its connector system offer a large range of compatibility with other equipment

The Shure WH20QTR headset microphone is a lightweight dynamic headset that provides high quality voice pickup and noise canceling features.  This headset also offers a cardoid pick-up pattern that provides greater gain before feedback.

There are several models to choose from with prices ranging from 20$ for starter headphones, to 500$ for professional musician use. You should base what kind you get on what application you intend to use the headset microphone for. For gaming system and PC use, you can find a good quality headset microphone for just under 60$. For the high quality models, you can go online to the manufacturer’s website to price shop and find any available promotions.