So, Diki, are You saying Garth Broods, Nugent, Madonna, Sher, Jimmy Buffett, and a huge number of other top performers don't use their full vocal voices? Gee, I wonder why they're so popular, then?

That's a pretty good touche. I found my vocal technique changed for the better when I started using the headset. On the other hand, I have seen some great singers whose voices I would die for bring their hand held mic back for those high notes.

I guess the headset isn't for everyone, but given all of the buttons, keys, and knobs that us arranger keyboardists have to deal with, it does offer the distinct advantage (or crutch) of always being by your mouth.

Well there may be a thousand who use conventional mics for every one who uses a head set. And the stars DO have super high-end gear tailored for their needs, and sound people riding the controls if necessary.
Can you imagine Elvis with a headset?
However, as always, use the gear that best suits your own needs!
DonM

Did they have headset mics when Elvis was alive?

Gary

I happen to agree with Diki and DonM...

Singers with a strong voice and a wide range would want nothing to do with a fixed mic (headset included)..They know the dynamics of their voice and know how to anticipate the increased volume..also the changing of the tone via mic placement...Two things you can't do with a headset..

Maybe a mono tone singer like Garth or Jimmy can live with it..but real strong vocalist...no way..

And you think Elvis would want to block his smirk?

And the forementioned use lots of gimmicky effects to cover up..

When Garth, Madonna and other big stars go out with a headset mike, they have something none of us have... A world class soundman riding shotgun on the fader, and a bank of world class outboard compressors, de-essers and pre's in line.

Watch their technique when they use a REAL mike. They work it just like the rest of us.

The reason THEY use headset mikes has NOTHING to do with whether they are better than a regular mike or not. It is because they work on huge stages, need to move around a lot, dance, and/or play a guitar. So their hands are either already full, or it's impossible to do their act holding a mike.

They don't sit in one spot all set long!

I guess the operative word on Gary's post is ENTERTAINER. I didn't see an outstanding singer on the list.

You wouldn't catch world-class singers like Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey (she does wear a wireless when she shakes her a** and lip synchs), Ella, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams...even relative lightweights but talented vocalists like Johnnie Mathis, Frank, Tom Jones, Englebert, Harry Connick and many others perform live without being able to use the dynamic characteristics of a microphone.

And, man, are they a joy to watch as they change angle, distance, move off-center, etc., making every song their own.

Entertainers are one thing...real singers; entirely, something else and a pure joy to watch/listen to.

Can you imagine Mason singing and dancing with a headset?

Wait just a minute!!!! I'd pay real money to see that! (LOL)!


Russ

Russ, most of the wonderful singers you happen to have mentioned were mostly dead before headset mics were invented for anyone other than telephone operators. And, I loved those voices, too. However, you are now talking about individuals that really didn't need a mic at all to sing - they had incredible vocal control, and I sincerely believe a lot of that came naturally. Personally, I think Elvis probably had one of the best singing voices ever. I thought it was much smoother and cleaner than Sinatra's, but I loved those wonderful tones produced by Mel Torme even more than Elvis or Sinatra. And for fantastic country vocals, I thought Marty Robbins was right at the top of the list. But, what the Hell do I know.

In my case, I had to work damned hard at vocal control, and my first experience at this was as a radio newscaster on WHRF Radio in Bel Air, MD, then WCAO, and finally, doing voice-overs for WBAL in Baltimore. No pull away effects, no one riding a board, just voice control. Like said, a headset mic is not for everyone, Neither is a handheld!

Cheers,

Gary