Wireless Headset Recommendations
When you purchase a body pack you will need to make sure that you have the proper connecter for the microphone to plug in to the transmitter. The Shure microphones utilize a TA4F connector, the Sennheiser microphones usually utilize a Lemo 3 connector, and the Lectrosonics utilize a TA5F connecter. The company that you would purchase the microphones from (even if it’s Sweetwater or Musician’s Friend) will be able to point you in the right direction of which connector to purchase for your specific setup should you decide to purchase a headset microphone.
DPA 4066/DPA 6066
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The DPA 4066 is a headset microphone that retains all of the quality you would expect with a DPA microphone. This microphone would be used for a keynote speaker or pastor. It is an omnidirectional pre-polarized condenser microphone. This microphone is compatible with many different systems. On DPA’s website you can select whichever system you utilize. Depending on which connector you select, this microphone costs anywhere from $699.95 (with no adapter selected) to $819.95. Of all of the headsets that I have worked with, this one fits speakers the best. With an adjustable head piece to fit most sizes of heads, you are able to get the microphone in a good position without the use of medical tape or anything else to hold it in place.
Being an omnidirectional microphone, you may encounter a little bit of feedback if your stage is close to/in front of the PA system. If this is the case, it may be better to look into purchasing one of the DPA cardioid headset microphones (DPA 4088/4188/4288). The DPA headset is more sought after than any other headset microphone I have encountered, with many churches and venues I have worked at utilizing this headset or DPA’s new (as of April 2021) 6066 headset.
Countryman E6​
The Countryman E6 is a decent microphone. On their website, you can customize your microphone to best suit your needs. This includes the diameter of the cable used, what type of boom you want, whether you would like an omnidirectional or cardioid polar response pattern, and what the use will be (speaking, vocals, or a mixture of the two). What you select determines the price point. These microphones cost anywhere from $382.95 to $655. On average you will spend around $500 per microphone. While I do not prefer this microphone to a DPA, it is definitely a decent choice.
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The biggest downsides that I have encountered are its failure points. The E6 has a cable which snaps into a connector on the boom/headset. Because of this design, that contact point becomes loose over time and will eventually fail. When this happens, you have to send your headset in for repair or order a new one. The great thing about sending it in for repair is that Countryman will pretty much just give you a new headset for a discounted price, which is a definite bonus. The only other downside is the size of the boom. Since it only fits over one ear it doesn’t always fit the performer right, especially if you have different people using this microphone. Because of this, you sometimes need to tape it down with clear medical tape or utilize something else to keep it held close to the speakers mouth. Regardless, this microphone sound very good for speakers and for certain vocal situations.