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Headset microphones come in two main configurations:
USB and non-USB versions. The USB models connect to an open
USB port on your computer. The non-USB models, also called
"analog" headsets, connect to your computer with
3.5 mm plugs into your sound card. On this page, I look at
the features and characteristics of various analog non-USB
headset mics.
Construction: Analog headset microphones
consist of a wearable microphone which terminates into two
3.5 mm plugs. One plug is for the mic, and one is for the
headphones. You merely insert the appropriate plug into the
correct jacks on the sound card of your computer, and you're
all set to record!
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Microphone Response: The main specification
to examine in any headset mic is the frequency response of
the microphone, not the headphones. After all, you're buying
the headset to use when recording your voice, or reproducing
your voice for other people to hear!
Good headset microphones have a mic response
range of 100 Hz - 8 kHz. This will capture all the low and
high tones of any human voice, plus leave some room for the
harmonic overtones present in every voice. A better choice,
however, is to find a headset mic with a response of 100 Hz
- 16 kHz or more. The extra 8 kHz of range on the high end
has an audible impact on the brightness and sibilance of a
recorded voice.
Number of earpieces: After selecting the mic
response, then you can concentrate on the particular model
to buy. All headset microphones (USB and non-USB) tend to
come in two configurations: single ear (also called "binaural")
and stereo. I recommend choosing a stereo headset for recording
your web audio. By having both a left and right channel, you
get the full impact of your voice and any music you might
add in to your final recording.
Here is a comparison of some of the top analog
headsets on the market today (listed alphabetically by manufacturer):
Altec Lansing AHS 20
Microphone response: 100 Hz - 16 kHz
Headset response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: This is the headset microphone I use on a regular basis
with both my computer and my minidisc recorder. The AHS 20
is lightweight, and moderately comfortable. Altec also makes
an AHS 30 model, which features an extra switch for the microphone,
but overall, it's the same model as the AHS 20. Although I
like my AHS 20 a lot, I feel that it is a little flimsy in
construction. I'd prefer a different headband.
Labtec Stereo 332
Microphone response: 100 Hz - 16 kHz
Headset response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: The frequency response on the Labtec is the same as
the Altech Lansing and Logitech models, so it becomes a matter
of preference in appearance as to which model is best. Labtec
makes quality headsets and desktop microphones, so I'm confident
that this is a nice model. I personally like the structure
of the headset band better than my Altec Lansing.
Logitech Premium Stereo Headset
Microphone response: 100 Hz - 16 kHz
Headset response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: A good, comfortable headset microphone with excellent
frequency response on both the mic and headphones. Noice cancellation
on the mic is also good. My favorite color is blue, so I like
these for that reason (silly, huh?). Seriously, I like the
headband on these than the one on my Altec Lansing.
Plantronics Audio 60, 70 and 80
Microphone response: 100 Hz - 8 kHz
Headset response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: All three of these Plantronics headset microphones
are similar in construction. The difference between models
is in the headband. The Audio 60 has a standard over-the-head
headband. The Audio 70 goes around the back of your head.
The Audio 80 has a collapseable headset which is good for
portability. I don't personally like the lower frequency range
on the microphone, but these are still acceptable for most
audio applications.
Plantronics Audio 90
Microphone response: 100 Hz - 8 kHz
Headset response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: A very good stereo headset microphone, with large,
comfortable headphones. In fact, the size and comfort of the
earpieces is the only difference between the Audio 90 and
the other Plantronics headset microphones. The headphones
offer great sound reproduction. This is a good headset microphone
for recording your voice, as well as listening to CD's, or
doing any gaming or internet chatting.
USB
Headset
| How
to choose between computer microphones | Headset
Installation Guide |
Analog
(non-USB) headset microphones | Logitech
USB 350 Headset | Reviews
of Plantronics Headsets
|
