Head microphones: types and features of choice

Microphones are usually used not only for professional recording of musical groups. There are options for devices that are used when performing on stage, when conducting all kinds of polls, while recording programs on television.

Head-mounted microphone equipment, or, as it is often called, head equipment, appeared in our country relatively recently. This is especially true for more advanced options that have been used for a long time in European countries and America.

Head-mounted microphone its appearance greatly facilitated the life of television presenters, participants in various events, actors performing on stage. This happened due to the positive characteristics that distinguish this equipment from classic products. The device has:

• miniature size;
• special attachment on the head;
• indicators sensitive to voice frequencies.

All these features have determined a special area of ​​use for such microphones. They are used by people to perform on stage, specialists in master classes who seek to convey any information to the public, but at the same time they need to have freedom of movement. This also applies to modern musicians who use head-mounted microphone equipment as an alternative to lavalier ones. They have found wide application in educational institutions, during lectures, open lessons and holidays.

Microphones by type of attachment can be conditionally divided into 2 categories:

• in one ear;
• on both ears.

The ear microphone has occipital arch and features a secure fixation... Therefore, if the artist moves a lot during the performance, then for the stage, vocals, it is better to use this option.

There is also something to pay attention to in the design features. The main task of head microphones is a comfortable attachment to the speaker's head. If you want the viewer not to pay attention to the head microphone during the program, you can buy a product in a color close to the skin tone (beige or brown).

The principle of operation of a head-mounted microphone is quite simple.

1. Its design includes a body that is fixed on the head, and a unit whose task is to transmit a signal, it is located in the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe belt under clothing.
2. When you start a conversation, the sound of your voice is transmitted to the speakers using the unit.
3. It transmits signals to the control panel, where the operator has the opportunity to control the sound frequency level.
4. The latter is then transmitted to the speakers.

The head-mounted microphone can be of two types: wired and wireless.

This is a variety you can use without joining the base, at the same time it has a good range of activity. Working with wireless microphones is pretty comfortable and easy. Since the equipment is not wired, it is easy to move around.

The most important parameters of wireless microphones are miniature and quality of speech reproduction. Cheap options in most cases reproduce speech in the frequency range from 30 to 15 thousand Hz. More expensive models can sense the sound frequency from 20 to 20 thousand Hz in total. Here, the most important parameter is such as the ability to pick up frequencies, because manufacturers usually indicate approximate figures. One of the types of such a device can be vocal microphone with wireless transmitter... Usually these are universal microphones, which can be tuned to solve specific problems.

Wired devices connected to the base using a cable. When movement around the scene is minimized, you can use similar options. Such a device is suitable for a news anchor who practically does not move, which allows him to use wired models.

Headphones are available in a wide variety of materials - steel, plastic, woven fabric.

The following models are the best options for these microphones.

• AKG C111 LP... This is a good budget option, weighing 7 grams. This device is suitable for newbie bloggers. Its cost is quite budget, the frequency range is from 60 Hz to 15 kHz.

• Shure WBH54B BETA 54... The variant is a dynamic cardioid microphone. This is a more expensive model compared to the previous one. In addition, the differences are good quality, a cord that is resistant to damage, the ability to work, regardless of weather conditions. The microphone provides high quality sound transmission, the voice spectrum is from 50 Hz to 15 kHz.

• DPA FIOB00. This microphone model is well suited for those whose work involves a stage. The device is easy to use and fits in one ear. The frequency spectrum ranges from 0.020 kHz to 20 kHz. More expensive option compared to the previous ones.

• DPA 4088-B... It is a condenser model made in Denmark. It differs from previous models in that the headband can be adjusted - this makes it possible to fix the equipment on the head of different sizes. Another difference is the presence of wind protection. The version is made of moisture-resistant materials, so it can be used in all weather conditions. Suitable for an entertainer or presenter.

• DPA 4088-F03. This is a fairly well-known model, the main difference of which is fixation on both ears. The model provides high-quality sound, made of materials that are particularly durable. Has protection against moisture and wind.

Before purchasing microphone equipment, you must decide what it is for... If in order to blog, then here you can not spend money on expensive models. Stage people and program presenters need models that provide excellent sound quality, so directivity and frequency spectrum must be taken into account. If you plan to use the equipment by only one person, then the size can be selected directly at the point of sale. If you plan to use multiple users, the option with a multi-size rim is well suited.

In addition, it is important take into account the material from which the product is made, the safety of the case, and in a separate case also the color.

Condenser and Electret Microphone Devices do not tolerate dust, smoke and moisture. Any of these factors can adversely affect the membrane.Sound quality microphones are expensive, and proper care will keep them safe.

Handle microphone equipment with care. After use, it must be removed, while the box lid must not be closed forcibly, because the primer could be damaged. Store the device in a closed box lined with foam rubber in a dark place.

Electret microphone equipment can, in most cases, powered by battery or phantom power supply. If an alternative is available, a phantom source is preferred because it will prevent sudden battery drain in the better part of the recording. In addition, the preamplifier will have a higher dynamic range and some noise.

If the user prefers the device to run on batteries, then they should be removed when the device is not in use. In this procedure, the contacts are slightly stripped, because the microphone uses minimal current, so that even subtle traces of corrosion can reduce the reliability of the preamplifier.