Lavalier Mic and Vocals

My voice teacher (who knows little about sound reinforcement) is going to
do a performance soon, and wanted to use a headset-type microphone instead
of the normal dynamic and stand.

I have seen a couple of reasonably priced Sennheiser presentation systems
with a lavalier omni-directional condenser. Would this be usable for vocals
while playing a piano?

Arny Krueger...

The most popular and highly-regarded headset mic is probably the Countryman
E6. Sounds great everytime I hear them properly used.

Phildo...

Not too good being used with a singer on a grand piano with the lid open
though Arny. A good cardiod or hypercardiod mic would suit the OP much
better.

The E6 is available with plugs that will fit most wireless systems with
input jacks, including Sennheiser's. The E6 is also sold in combination
packages with various wireless systems by many retailers.

BOB Urz...

You ever done this before Arny????????

Arny Krueger...

Of course.

Phildo...

Sure doesn't sound like it recommending an omni headset mic for someone
sitting at a piano. Then again a real sound engineer would have known that.
Arny gives bad advice on something he knows nothing about yet again.

Never mind.

Arny Krueger...

A pretty strange comment, to say the least.

Phildo...

Like most things on here Arny, it has gone waaaaaay over your head.

The E6 is a fine mike. I have used them. they most commonly come in
a omni configuration. Here is where the problem lies. You get a LOUD open lid
piano with a Omni E6 and a weaker vocal and you
could have problems getting the vocal over the piano. In that case, a fixed uni
directional mike would work out better. or a directional
head set mike like a crown CM311 or such.

Ty Ford...

Hi Bob

The E6 also comes in a cardioid, but placement is obviously an issue. It

Bob Urz...

Yes, that is true. but most E6's are sold omni as per countryman.
The uni's need more radical EQ and have some other issues as well
in some applications.

And, even if it was a uni, if your playing the piano, what direction is
the mike pointed at? The Piano! If the piano is loud, what is the dumb
mike gong to pick up?

Sure it will work. How well under what conditions are debatable
For what a E6's costs, i would look at other solutions unless you have
a variety of mikes to try for free.

Bob

but placement is obviously an issue. It

might work.

Mike Heins...

Thanks everyone. We think we will probably go with a wired headset mic
like the Shure WH20QTR. It should be reasonable for vocals, and won't
break the bank. I am building up a pretty good amateur PA system and
I don't mind having something like that in my arsenal...

Ty Ford