View Full Version : Wireless Headset Mics used in TED Presentations?


Dave Allen
February 18th, 2010, 01:43 AM
Ok, so hopefully this doesn't stray too far from the board theme, but since so many of you all are rocket scientists....

I have Sennheiser wireless mics, whose ability to reject sounds other than the wearer is problematic....but I notice the wireless headset mics used in TED presentations are more in front of the mouth.

Anyone know who makes these mics used in TED presentations like here (http://www.ted.com/talks/ian_goldin_navigating_our_global_future.html)? Right at 1:17.....

Don Bloom
February 18th, 2010, 06:14 AM
There are actually a few manufacturers that make headworn mics BUT I'd bet that the most popular one is the Countryman B6 headworn.
E6 Omnidirectional (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/E6-Omnidirectional/ci/13818/N/4290478925) will take you to one area of Countryman headworn mics-there are a lot of choices.

John Saunders
February 18th, 2010, 01:49 PM
looks like a countryman to me. If you want to spend a little more money the DPA 4066 DPA Microphones :: Products (http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/products.aspx?c=Item&category=116&item=24053) is in my option a better sounding mic and it is more stable since the band goes over both ears. I have also had the small connector at the ear piece on a countryman disconnect during a live broadcast. Yikes.

Paul Digges
February 18th, 2010, 03:16 PM
I've had them disconnect too. Talk about PITA mics to use on a PA, very sensitive little bastages. I'll usually run them on their own EQ seperate from my other condensor mics.

Never thought to use them for video though. They'd be much easier to use not having to worry about feedback.

Dave Allen
February 18th, 2010, 09:48 PM
You guys rock....thanks

Jordan Block
February 18th, 2010, 10:52 PM
How are you guys having them disconnect? I've used Countryman mics for years without that ever happening. Are you using a clip on the back of the collar for strain relief? The only problem I've ever had was one speaker biting the capsule off an E6 - I still don't know how he managed that. For future reference, that's not covered by the warranty.

Bill Davis
February 19th, 2010, 01:14 AM
Do NOT use them on cooking shows if the talent will be eating the food they prepare.

Just saying...

John Willett
February 19th, 2010, 10:30 AM
Ok, so hopefully this doesn't stray too far from the board theme, but since so many of you all are rocket scientists....

I have Sennheiser wireless mics, whose ability to reject sounds other than the wearer is problematic....but I notice the wireless headset mics used in TED presentations are more in front of the mouth.

Anyone know who makes these mics used in TED presentations like here (http://www.ted.com/talks/ian_goldin_navigating_our_global_future.html)? Right at 1:17.....


If you already have the Sennheiser radio kit, Sennheiser make several headset mics:-
ME 3 - cheapo evolution
HSP 2 - pro quality with omni head
HSP 4 - pro quality with directional head

Next best is the DPA

Dave Allen
February 21st, 2010, 09:58 PM
Those Sennheiser Pro sets are in the $500 range :( lol

Guy Cochran
February 22nd, 2010, 05:56 PM
If you already have the Sennheiser radio kit, Sennheiser make several headset mics:-
ME 3 - cheapo evolution
HSP 2 - pro quality with omni head
HSP 4 - pro quality with directional head

Next best is the DPA



Super high quality Wireless microphone set-up for church, school, corporate, or live event on Vimeo

Sennheiser HSP 2 example here in the above Vimeo video I shot. At around 6:15 we switch to the MKE-2 lavalier - matches pretty well.

I'm used to seeing a lot of DPA out there. I use the Countryman E6i myself. On the less expensive side, the Audio Technica AT892 is pretty decent. A new player in the market that I was shocked to hear is the Da Cappo. Very smooth and natural sounding.

Countryman also announced the E6S at last year's NAB. It doesn't hang down as far, so maybe you could use it on a cooking show and not eat it <grin>

Paul Digges
February 23rd, 2010, 03:54 PM
How are you guys having them disconnect? I've used Countryman mics for years without that ever happening. Are you using a clip on the back of the collar for strain relief? The only problem I've ever had was one speaker biting the capsule off an E6 - I still don't know how he managed that. For future reference, that's not covered by the warranty.

The few our company has have sadly lost the clips... We don't use them often, so I guess re-ordering clips wasn't a priority.