Ok, I've searched most of the past threads on this subject,
but many were a few years back.. since technology changes so quickly and i'm considering going to a headset again, perhaps there are some new wrinkles, maybe some
new experiences I can benefit from..and vice versa. I used a wired AT (also tried a lo-end Shure)a few years ago for several months, and loved the obvious benefits vs dynamic-on-a-stick. no need to rehash all the ways, Gary and others have made the case as well as it can be made.

2 reasons I went back to the popsicle: one, I would forget
to grab a volume knob or reach down to flip the switch on the beltpack on too many occasions..i'm not a cougher or a throat-clearer, but I would answer people who talked to me on-mike by turning my head aside, forgetting the headset mike came with my head! maybe the newer rigs
have addressed that issue better? the other reason was
that although i had no complaints re the sound, (and I found a new technique I can share to eliminate some of the proximity problems many have) it just didn't compare
in warmth and tone to my favorite mic, the AKG D880.
I'll come back to the technique and the AKG in a sec..

I'd like to hear from those who have tried the latest and best out there and can compare with others, rather than those who just say: "I use the Shmendrik FU2 and I like it" I'd also appreciate a comparison wired vs. wireless pro/con and recommended models of each.. and is the Crown Cm-311A still the industry standard?

Also would like to know if anyone has tried a lavaliere-type which would, all else being equal, have some of the benefits of the headset, but allow one to turn the head away and talk, or sing loud notes at a distance from mic?
what makes this type unpopular vs the headset?

Ok, you all have your assignment now, hop to it!
but i always try to give as well as take, so here's one for
you--i tried this and it worked like a charm for me: put your headset mic up against your cheek, not in front of your mouth! yes, i am a cerifiable lunatic but you have to humor me or i get a rash. you have to adjust your settings but it eliminates a lot of proximity problems, no pops, no hisses, no breath problems, no overload, and it sounds better. it may not be easy to do with your present rig, so
just hold it there with your hand instead of with the headset on your head if it's awkward. when u r convinced
of its quality, then you can figure out how to bend your
headpiece or replace it so you can get cheek-compatibility.

re the AKG D880. years ago Keyboard Magazine ran a mic comp series. they judged the D880 extremely sexy: to wit, it had a lot of interesting coloration at the top and bottom. for someone like me with mostly mid-range, it is
heaven, it is like playing an instrument to use it and explore its qualities. best $85 i ever spent, only one close for me is SamsonQ..but for someone who values or needs transparency AKG is not the one..i had a Sennheiser..an 855 i think..great expensive mic but just tooooo smooooth for me to get anything out of it..and i sound blah on the SM58, but i always carry one because it's best sound for female singers who sit in. I have a friend w/a girlish Smokey Robinson-type voice who loves the 58, and hates my 880. but if the AKG D880 works for your voice,
it will make you a better singer, because using its coloration is like adding a musical instrument.

Oh, and a tip for those that hate having to set up mic stands..i found a half size stand at Sweetwater online that plugs right into any X-stand. a pleasure..5 stars...

Miami Mo
(hey i said and mo', right?) btw i will be in Lakeville, nw connecticut from may 19-oct 30 so anyone in that area, woodstock, tanglewood, etc..would like to get together..
my gig or yours.. please email me..