Larry under "normal" use the condenser mics are very reliable for live use. Where they sometimes have reliability problems is when they are carted around to different gigs day in and day out. hmmm... sounds like what most of us arranger giggers do A headset condenser might not fit into that category as they seem to be built for more "active" use than the studio or hand held condenser mic. I guess the standard "you mileage may vary" disclaimer would apply here.