Production

By Kurt Gibson
Withwireless transmitters, in-ear monitors and other "unplugged" technology popping up on stages everywhere, it appears that mobility is a hot ticket. Even with a wireless microphone, however, performers either have to give up one hand to hold the mic or resign to staying put behind a mic stand. For folks that want the ultimate in mobility, a headset mic may be the answer. Like the Countryman E6D.
It makes sense that Countryman, a company already known for its ultra-small condenser mics, would be at the forefront of headset microphone technology. Their tiny omnidirectional E6 headset has been growing in popularity with singers, stage actors and other performers since it was released nearly two years ago. Now, Countryman has developed a directional version of the E6 headset mic that offers increased feedback rejection.
The business end of the E6D sits on the end of a flexible boom arm designed to hold the mic within about a 1/4-inch of the corner of the mouth. This placement allows for clear, up-close pickup of the voice while minimizing pops and other breath noises. The flexible tubing of the boom takes a few twists and turns to become an ear clip that holds the whole assembly on your left ear.
The E6D's cable has several connector options, including jacks for every major wireless transmitter system, as well as a standard XLR jack. In the latter case, the mic requires phantom power from the mixer or preamp. To properly match the application, singing/speaking level and transmitter used, the E6D is available with three different sensitivities. These handle maximum sound pressure levels of 135 dB, 145 dB and 155 dB respectively
A tiny interchangeable cap sits over the E6D's capsule to tailor its pickup pattern and frequency response; the system comes with both cardioid and hyper-cardioid caps. The hypercardioid cap tightens up the pattern pointing towards the mouth, and moves the "null" (quiet) point around a bit from directly behind the mic.
Considering that the mic points at about a 45-degree angle towards the audience (and monitors, if any), the mic's directional pattern doesn't affect rejection of unwanted sound as much as that of a handheld mic. Not that pickup pattern isn't an issue with a headset mic, but the real feedback-foiler here is the mic's proximity to the mouth. Unless stage monitors are really loud (or the voice really soft), feedback should not be a problem with the E6D.
Knowing that a headset mic should be heard and not seen, Countryman makes the mic's small foam windscreen, boom arm and cable available in four different colors: black, tan, light beige and cocoa. Combine the system's miniscule size with a little color camouflage, and you have a mic that all but "disappears" from more than about 20 feet away.
Clip It On
Because the Isomax headset assembly is flexible, it can adapt to a wide variety of users. With some time and a few judicious bends of the earpiece, I was able to position the E6D in the recommended "sweet spot" at the corner of my mouth. When properly fitted, the Isomax is very comfortable. After 10 minutes of leading worship with the E6D, I forgot it was there altogether.
Though it doesn't quite offer a "studio condenser" sound, the detail and highfrequency extension of the Isomax is striking. Put up against a small cadre of handheld mics, the E6D bested them all with its clear, crisp sound. Most lacking were a few popular handheld dynamic mics, each sounding muddy and veiled in comparison to the E6D.
As stated in the mic's documentation, placement is crucial to the E6D's sound. Because the mic is so close to its sound source, movement of even 1/8 of an inch can noticeably change the mic's tone and output level. Pull the mic back toward the ear, and the sound gets thinner. Move it more towards the mouth, and the sound gets darker (and much louder). Place it too close to the mouth, and the mic may pick up pops and slur "S" sounds into a loud "pffffftt" noise.
justed to fit all comers, the importance of positioning argues for a one personFor consistent tone and level, you can't have the E6D moving around even a little bit during use. I found that getting it to stay in one place could be a bit tricky, requiring several minutes of testing and tweaking of the flexible tubing. Though the Isomax can be ad/one mic arrangement.
At over $500, though, buying an Isomax system for more than just soft), feedback should not be a problem with the E6D.tship he pastor or main worleader will challenge most church budgets. Too bad headset mics, as a product class, command such a premium.
If you're a pastor or vocalist looking for complete mobility and great sound, the Countryman Isomax E6D may be just the solution. The mic doesn't come cheap, but the results are impressive