I still use the Crown CM311A, I have three of them, use them nearly every day of the week for years and they still work fantastic.

As for the pull-away effect, most of the folks I see using this technique pull the mic away when they're struggling to hit a high note that is well out of their range. One of the first things I learned from my college vocal instructor was to not sing songs that were out of my range, thus not a problem for me. Now, you can, with vocal control, create that pull away illusion, but it does take a bit of practice and isn't something that instantly happens.

I've tried several headset mics during the past decade, and thus far, nothing has been remotely close to the CM-311A. I've tried two Shure mics, an EV, and three Countryman models, which cost far more than the Crown CM-311A.

I did make some modifications to the Crown in that I spray painted the mic boom and wind screen(s) flesh colored so they would not be as noticeable while performing. The small profile mics, such as the Countryman E6, were nearly invisible, but they were more suited for someone providing a speaking seminar than a singer with a deep, soft voice. And, unless you tuned down the mid and higher EQs the E6 tended to have feedback problems.

Scott, I you wish, I'll be happy to loan you one of my backup Crowns for a couple weeks so you can try before you buy. The mic has become so popular that it rarely goes on sale now and at most places sells for more than $300. When I purchased two of mine they were $199, but that was several years ago.

Good Luck,

Gary