I know Gary loves his headset mics, but that mic looks so huge. I was wondering if anyone uses the small beige Countryman or equivalent and what they sound like. Can you get the same result as with a regular mic?

I'm lightening my load with the 1000 forthcoming. I played a few jobs in the last couple days that would've been doable with just the on board speakers.

Jim, I tried the Countryman 6, two models, and the results ranged between poor and just awful. The mic sounded thin, I experienced lots of feedback, even using the Bose L1 PAS system. The only plus for the mic was its small footprint and skin color that made it nearly invisible.

I have tried others, but IMO, the best one available is the Crown CM-311A. The sound quality is unsurpassed and it is superior to many of the handheld mics I've used over the years. I did spray paint the one I still own to make it flesh color and and worked just fine - very few people noticed I was wearing a mic. However, in order to prevent those puff sounds, you must have the mic touching your lip, which, obviously blocks the view of a small portion on your lower lip.

Keep in mind that in order to get the best dynamics out of a handheld mic you must place it directly in front of your mouth, which must singers on stage do throughout most of their songs. Consequently, the Crown CM-311A's footprint is very small in comparison. I would post a photo of UD singing at the Adam's Ribs, but he hates the photo and would post nasty things about me. But, you get the idea.

Recently, DNJ purchased a headset mic that sits off to the side of his mouth and it has a smaller footprint. I have not tried this one, but as usually, Donny says it's the best thing since sliced bread, which means he hasn't sold it on Ebay yet.

For me, switching to a headset mic was the best thing I ever did. It provided me with high quality vocals without being tied down to the boom mic. I had the freedom to move around in my seat, look directly at the audience, glance down at my keyboard and make appropriate changes, and prepare for the next song while still singing and playing.

Good luck in your search,

Gary

Zuki Im loving the AKG C520 when p[laying KB ...awesome pickup, great quality and very comfortable,....
sits nice on side of your mouth less intrusive and looks better on stage also.

How about some photos of you with the mic, Donny? Here's one of my posters:



Gary

Thank you guys. Donny, which body pack do you use? What is your entire wireless system please. Gary, I will consider your choice too.

Zuki its NOT wireless plugs into the KB works great.

Jim, when I go wireless, I used the Samson Airline 77 system, which is considered among the best wireless systems out there.

The transmitter of the Samson Airline 77 system is about the size of a 12-gauge shotgun shell, plugs into any mic with an XLR connector and runs up to 16 hours on a single AAA battery. The range of the mic is about 150 yards, which is larger than any indoor venue other than a domed football stadium.

Airline 77 with Q7 mic

Gary

IMHO. Prosumer level.

Wired headworn mics....Crown 311A...have two of them.

Wireless mics: Sennheiser. EW 135 or better.

Here's some more information on the Crown CM311A.



Gary

Uggo

He certainly gets a live sound out of the keyboard.

That's why he gets the big bucks.

Gary

Nice scarf he has too.

Dave, he's not real purdy, but it ain't the mic. Some of us LOOK GOOD wearing a headset mic!

Gary

All I see is a spin class