Semi OT: Do you use a headset mic when singing?

[NoLights]

When I'm playing, it isn't always easy for me to be on-mic. So I'm often either playing in an uncomfortable position, or singing off-axis. Any recommendations - something that's roughly comparable to my SM-58?

 

thanks,

 

Jon

 

 

[Prague]

The one I use is a AKG C-420. The Countryman company makes good ones, too.

[Andre Lower]

Used to have an AKG C420 myself, but dropped it after a short while. Reasons:

 

1) Does not hold a candle to my standard AKG D-3800;

2) Does not look "Rock'n Roll" enough on a live setting;

3) I was fed up with silly bandmates calling me Madonna...

[DanS]

I was using an Audio Technica, but I agree, the sound quality is not there compared to my SM58.

[Prague]

They can sound as good as you need. Looking cool is subjective. Try a few out.

[NoLights]

Thanks for the input. Looking cool isn't such a big priority (have you seen my picture?). Those Countryman mic's are a little pricey - I'll check out the AKG's. Any experience with the Shure WH-30? It's a little cheaper - but maybe you get what you pay for.

[jay da cop]

nolights, if I was home I'd sell you my Shure SM12 (SM10 w/ in ear monitor). I don't use it anymore, and my wife couldn't find it if it glowed in the dark (my basement is a trainwreck since I left).

 

Sorry. If it can wait a few months, I come home the end of June.

 

Jay

[MikeT156]

I have a head set mic, a shure, I don't remember the model number anymore. It sounds and works well. I hardly ever use it anymore. Unfortunately, my breathing comes through the mic as well as my voice. Also, have you ever tried to belch with a head set microphone on? Not funny. The audience is then positive that I'm an absolute pig.

 

Mike T.

[BluesKeys]

I have never used one because I was afraid that my off mike comments, and singing along with leads etc. would come out. I also have a powerful (loud) voice that I have to back off the mike hitting some notes. I couldn't see how you do that work the mike bit with a head set.

[ProfD]

I have never used one because I was afraid that my off mike comments, and singing along with leads etc. would come out. I also have a powerful (loud) voice that I have to back off the mike hitting some notes. I couldn't see how you do that work the mike bit with a head set.

 

Blues, your headset mic would be a good candidate for gate/compressor/limiter.

[jay da cop]

ProfD beat me to it. I ran mine through a compressor as well, and I had a "cough button" for those extraneous bodily functions that are not always appropriate yet all too common.

 

Sorry nolights, I thought you were in the market.

 

Anyway, I used to use it, then got away from it, using a boom-mounted mic, also for dynamics reasons. I only sing when facing one side of my "L", 'cause I'm too damn uncoordinated to sing and play while I'm pretending to play my faux B3 licks (NI B4), and the board below is strictly for leads, so there is no call for vocals there. That way the crowd doesn't hear me swearing at myself when the clams dominate my playing. Of course, I just smile and drive on, usually coming up with a few more, but, hey, it's live, and we are having fun.

 

My daughter emailed me last night and said she saw the posting, and told me she wants to use it (SM12) for fronting a band she is starting. Cool. So, it's no longer on the market. I had no idea that she was even looking at the site. She started about a month ago, looking for advice. She is not registered yet, just lurking. I bet she registers soon. That would be so cool.

 

Jay

[BluesKeys]

Jay, your daughter is not the only one glad to see you around the forum. Our prayers are with you and your safe passage home.

 

Thanks for the advice ProD and Jay but I just couldn't get used to it I am afraid. And if I did have one who knows I might think about coming out from behind my boards and end up with LSD. :grin:

[Bill H.]

I've tried headsets, but it wasn't a fit for me. I do a lot of lead vocals, and I really need every trick I can get out of a mic... moving right on top of it when I need extra bass so I can take advantage of the proximity effect, singing close but off to the side if I'm in falsetto, backing way off when I'm singing high A's... there was a compressor on me couple of times but it didn't cut it and seemed to cause feedback more than usual.

 

You guys that are using headsets with compressors, what brands are you having success with? How do you set them? How are you dealing with feedback?