Mixing audio for live sound, at any production level, is always a challenge. Anything less than perfect is never good enough. Of course, there are many variables that go into creating the perfect production (including the right talent!), but one of the best ways to start, after acquiring the right audio source, is to make sure you have the best microphone to capture the moment.  The entire integrity of the audio signal chain is put into question when the front end of it isn’t optimized, and the old saying of “garbage in, garbage out” becomes much more than just a colloquialism.

Under $300
Countryman E6
The Countryman E6 EarSet Microphone is one of the most popular and widely known headworn microphones on the market. It offers excellent sound quality and a small unobtrusive design. The E6 is comfortable to wear and is almost invisible from about 10 feet away. An ultra-miniature electret condenser element is held close to the mouth by a thin boom and comfortable earclip. The E6 performs well for both speaking and singing.  So, the pastor and worship leader will both be able to use the lightweight E6 during the church service. The Countryman E6 also offers inexpensive cable replacement. If the cable is ever damaged, or if you purchase a different brand of wireless system, the cable can be replaced inexpensively. The E6 can be configured for almost any brand and model of beltpack, and it is available in black, light beige, tan and cocoa.

Under $300
Audio Technica AT892 Microset
Audio Technica is one of the newest entries into the headworn market with the AT892 Microset. This is truly a great microphone for speaking and singing. It is small, comfortable to wear, and nearly invisible from 10 feet away. This innovative omnidirectional condenser headworn mic offers an ergonomic under-ear design--its flexible, lightweight, contoured loop hooks behind the ear for an ultra-secure, comfortable fit with or without glasses. The AT892 MicroSet is one of the most versatile headworn microphones on the market. It is easy to fit the earpiece to any user and can be easily be worn by multiple users, making it a great choice for drama departments. Its rugged construction is designed to meet the challenges of day-to-day use in house-of-worship settings. The AT892 can be configured for many different wireless systems, including Audio-Technica, Shure and Sennheiser. The AT892 is available in black, tan and cocoa.

Under $500
Sennheiser HSP2
In the realm of headworn microphones, Sennheiser has worked hard to develop a product that is well beyond the status quo, taking into account that certain variables must be turned into constants to ensure that your audio quality can remain rock solid and consistent. The HSP Series of headsets by Sennheiser utilizes the MKE Platinum capsule, a rugged and lightweight beta titanium construction, a fully adjustable headband and mic boom arm and modular components. Any small adjustment or movement can change the frequency response of the microphone, thus adding variables to your sound engineer’s life that they don’t need to deal with throughout the performance. The HSP Series allows the engineer to place an extremely high-quality microphone capsule at the precise location for optimal signal and frequency response while keeping the headset secure, regardless of the movements of the performer. The HSP is available for the Sennheiser EW series or can be configured for Shure, Audio-Technica or others. The HSP comes in black or tan and is available in both omnidirectional and cardioid versions.

Gene Byce is the president of Jireh Supplies, www.jirehsupplies.com