Headset & Earset Microphones

Microphones are a necessary tool for engaging audiences and being heard across large rooms or within multiple portions of a building. While most microphones are handheld or mounted with a mic stand or podium connection, some mics provide much more flexibility of location and motion.

Headset and earset microphones offer the best of both worlds: superior amplification, comfort, and portability during use.

What Is the Difference Between Headset and Earset Microphones?

The primary difference between headset and earset microphones is how you wear them. Headset microphones are attached to a headband or a pair of headphones, while earset microphones are supported by either the left or right ear.

When you need to keep your ears unobstructed or you prefer a less obvious looking microphone, earset mics are ideal. When you’ll be wearing your microphone for longer periods of time, a headset mic is often more comfortable because of the added support of a headband.

Polar Patterns for Headset and Earset Microphones

When shopping for a headset or earset mic, it's important to consider not just the visual style of the microphone, but the polar pattern as well. Many head-worn microphones are omnidirectional so they’ll pick up audio from all sides. The benefit of an omnidirectional mic is that you can position the microphone to be comfortable on the head or face and maintain clear audio.

Unidirectional microphones are the other common variety found in headsets and earsets. These mics pick up audio from the wearer and limit interference from the sides or from other nearby conversations or speakers.

If you need to isolate the audio feeds for multiple performers or speakers in a common location, then a unidirectional microphone is a better choice.

Cable Types

You can purchase head-mounted microphones with a variety of cable types. These include the ?” audio jacks common in most household and home recording environments, and the XLR audio cables found in professional theaters and conference centers.

Top Brands for Headset and Earset Mics

Comfort, style, durability, and audio quality are all important considerations when selecting a headset or earset microphone. Fortunately, top brands like Airwave Technologies, Audio-Technica, Countryman, DPA Microphones, Galaxy Audio, Sennheiser, and Shure offer superior products that suit a variety of specifications and uses.