Over the years, headworn microphones have evolved from clunky, low-fi affairs into lightweight, nearly invisible transducers capable of serious audio quality that can equal or best many handheld mics. Once mainly relegated to singing drummers and keyboardists, today’s headworn mics are more frequently becoming the choice of lead vocalists, classical soloists, live theatre performers, as well as for singers and spoken word in houses of worship applications.
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Besides interfacing with beltpack transmitters in wireless systems, these are also often also employed in a hardwired configuration. Nearly all of these mics operate from a low voltage (in the 1.5 to 12 VDC range) that would be supplied via the beltpack, and would require a voltage adapter (available from most mic manufacturers) for direct connection to standard 48 VDC console phantom power. So in such applications, simply cutting off the miniature connector and replacing it with a full-size XLR will only result in damaging the mic.
We checked out some headworn mics from a variety of manufacturers and encountered a wide selection in a variety of prices (all given in MSRP), terminations for various systems, and both headband and earworn styles to fit the individual preferences of any vocalist or presenter. It should be noted that most suppliers also carry headworn mic models in other styles and prices, so websites are listed, if you require additional information.
