Wireless Microphones > Head Microphones > Compare Head Microphones

Comparison of Head Microphones

With so many different head microphones on the market, it can be very difficult to determine which one is best for you. Of course, quality is always an important issue, and size is usually another. There are other factors however which often narrow the choice to personal preference.

As usual, at Alectro Systems we are always testing and comparing current equipment. We also get feedback from our customers.

Here will present a comparison between several of the small, inconspicuous ones, and discuss some of their pros and cons.

AKG HC577L

AKG is certainly one of the leaders in professional microphone. They have set the standard many times. One of the best Head Microphones on the market in many respects is their HC577L

Although it is not the smallest head microphone on the market, it is still very small and inconspicuous, comes in black and beige, and offers some very unique features:

HC577L Advantages:

1) It is the only head microphone which is completely water proof. This makes it very reliable and immune to sweat.

2) It is probably the most sturdy and strong Head Microphone available.

3) Because it attaches over both ears, it is much more stable than most.

4) It has the lowest noise transfer from the wire and headband compared with ant other microphones we know of.

5) It is the only Head Microphone with adjustable size. This way it fits all heads nicely.

6) It has a very large dynamic range, making it great for even the loudest voices.

HC577L Disadvantages:

1) Although it is quite small and inconspicuous, it is a bit larger than most of the ones listed below.

2) Because it is so sturdy, it is not very flexible. Although this is usually a good thing, it can make it a bit more difficult to adjust quickly for different people.

Clock Audio CMH2000

The Clock Audio CMH2000 is similar to the AKG C477 ins many ways, but it has some advantages and disadvantages when compared. It also comes in black and beige.

 

CMH2000 Advantages:

1) It too goes on both ears making it stable.

2) It is lighter weight and smaller than the HC577, making it less noticeable to the person wearing it as well as the audience.

3) The microphone boom is a thin gooseneck which makes it easy to adjust.

4) It too is very quiet - little noise transfer through the wire and headband.

CMH2000 Disadvantages:

1) It has a tiny windscreen on the end of the microphone which on rare occasions can come off.

2) It has a lower dynamic range which is fine for almost all voices. If the user is very loud however, it might distort the sound.

3) Because the headband is not very adjustable, it might be a bit tight on larger heads.

Countryman E6i

The Countryman E6i is becoming quite a popular head microphone, primarily because it is the smallest one available. This one comes in three colours, black tan and beige.

 

E6i Advantages:

1) It is the smallest head microphone on the market.

2) It comes in three colours instead of just two.

3) It is available with different dynamic ranges to accommodate for soft and loud voices, but you need to order the right one.

4) The tiny boom arm is flexible to allow adjustment for different users.

5) Because it goes on one ear, it can be worn on the left or right, and will fit anyone.

6) It has a removable wire making it easier to repair.

E6i Disadvantages:

1) Because it only goes on one ear it is less stable and more difficult to put on and adjust than the two ear microphones.

2) It has a higher handling noise (through the boom and wire) than the two ear versions above.

Electro-Voice RE97

The Electro-Voice RE97 is serious competition for the Countryman E6i. It is almost as small, comes in the same three colours and costs less.

 

RE97 Advantages:

1) It is only a tiny bit larger than the E6i.

2) It is more flexible than the E6i which makes it easy to adjust to any position.

3) It can be worn on the left or right.

4) Because the ear part is smaller than the Countryman, it might fit better, especially with glasses.

5) It is considerably less expensive than the other small head microphones.

RE97 Disadvantages:

1) The RE97 has the same as the Countryman E6i.

2) Because the ear part is smaller and more flexible, it can be a bit difficult to re-adjust for different users.

AKG C555L

If you just want a low cost work horse of a head microphone you might consider the C555L. It is much larger and only comes in black.

C555L Advantages:

1) The only real advantage the C555L has over the C477 and CMH2000 is low cost.

C555L Disadvantages:

1) It is much larger and more conspicuous than the microphones above.

2) It is only available in black.

3) The sound quality is not as good as the above microphone.