Opinions on assertion regarding good headset mic vs good handheld

[Synergst]

As part of a discussion on their merits for vocal performance, someone makes
the assertion - There's no inherent difference in quality whatsoever
between the best headset mic and the best handheld (dynamic or condenser)
the headset only gives you less interpretive flexibility due to its being in
a fixed position.

What would be your opinion regarding this statement?

[Scott Dorsey]

Synergst > wrote:
>As part of a discussion on their merits for vocal performance, someone makes
>the assertion - There's no inherent difference in quality whatsoever
>between the best headset mic and the best handheld (dynamic or condenser)
>the headset only gives you less interpretive flexibility due to its being in
>a fixed position.
>
>What would be your opinion regarding this statement?

I think that the fact that the headset mike is in a fixed position and that
this position is WAY too close to the mouth is more important than anything
else that might affect sound quality.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Arny Krueger]

"Synergst" > wrote in message
link.net

> As part of a discussion on their merits for vocal
> performance, someone makes the assertion - There's no
> inherent difference in quality whatsoever between the
> best headset mic and the best handheld (dynamic or
> condenser) the headset only gives you less interpretive
> flexibility due to its being in a fixed position.
>
> What would be your opinion regarding this statement?

The list of mics that are suitable for headset use is very small compared to
those that are suitable for handheld use. The odds are vastly against
finding a headset mic that is as suitable for the environment and artist as
a hand-held mic.

Scott's comment about the SQ limitations of the location of a headset mic
are IME very well taken.

If this was a live sound discussion, then things might go another way. But,
the context on RAP is primarily recording.

[Laurence Payne]

On Fri, 1 Sep 2006 11:28:24 -0400, "Arny Krueger" >
wrote:

>If this was a live sound discussion, then things might go another way. But,
>the context on RAP is primarily recording.

Surely no-one is suggesting using a headset mic for recording?

[Arny Krueger]

"Laurence Payne" <lpayne1NOSPAM@dslDOTpipexDOTcom> wrote in
message
> On Fri, 1 Sep 2006 11:28:24 -0400, "Arny Krueger"
> > wrote:
>
>> If this was a live sound discussion, then things might
>> go another way. But, the context on RAP is primarily
>> recording.
>
> Surely no-one is suggesting using a headset mic for
> recording?

OK, a dirty little secret - I've done it while recording a little dramatic
presentation. ;-)

[Synergst]

"Laurence Payne" <lpayne1NOSPAM@dslDOTpipexDOTcom> wrote in message
...

> Surely no-one is suggesting using a headset mic for recording?

The comments were regarding live performance. The statement was "no inherent
difference in quality" between a good headset and a good handheld.

[Powell]

"Scott Dorsey" wrote

>>As part of a discussion on their merits for vocal performance, someone
>>makes
>>the assertion - There's no inherent difference in quality whatsoever
>>between the best headset mic and the best handheld (dynamic or condenser)
>>the headset only gives you less interpretive flexibility due to its being
>>in
>>a fixed position.
>>
>>What would be your opinion regarding this statement?
>
> I think that the fact that the headset mike is in
> a fixed position and that this position is WAY
> too close to the mouth is more important than anything
> else that might affect sound quality.
>
I've been using the AKG C420 for about four years.
http://www.akg.com/products/powerslave,mynodeid,157,id,280,pid,280,_language,E NUS.html
Your point is well taken.