Headset microphone, image courtesy of Sennheiser.
Britney Spears is responsible for the greatest tragedy in church audio production. It happens whenever a pastor utters the words, “I'm not using a Britney microphone.” Headset, lavalier, and handheld microphones all have their place in church audio production. The trick is knowing which is best for your pastor.
The early days of church audio saw pastors using wired handheld microphones. They worked without worry of dead batteries or RF interference. And if they held the microphone in the right place, the congregation could hear every word they said. Then came wireless technology and lavalier microphones were like manna from heaven. As long as the microphone was clipped in the right spot and the pastor didn't move his head too far left or right, the audio signal stayed strong and he could use both hands.
January 12, 1999, brought us Britney's breakthrough album and shortly thereafter, she was performing everywhere and using a headset microphone prominently displayed in her concert photos. These headsets would soon be commonplace in churches because, unlike lavaliers, they'd pick up every word. Each type of microphone has its benefits but they also have their shortcomings. Each has the same purpose in the church environment: get the message heard clearly and consistently. It's up to the audio tech to decide which type of microphone will accomplish that goal.
Handhelds
Wired handhelds, like the Shure SM58, are go-to microphones for situations where the church can't afford going wireless. In the case of wireless handhelds, like the Sennheiser ew935, they work for presenters and they're great for passing around the congregation, such as for prayer requests.
The biggest problem with a handheld is relying on the presenter to use it properly. How many times have presenters dropped the microphone to their side or accidently hit it on the pulpit? Lest we not forget the times they start with the microphone at their mouth and it ends up by their navel. The use of wireless handhelds can be detrimental to the service because presenters can accidentally turn them off. Public speaking is among the top fears of many people, and what do people do when they are nervous? They fidget with their hands. Switches can be locked on or taped over. Handhelds can be placed in a pulpit stand—this works until the presenter steps back and the channel volume tanks.
Despite the drawbacks, handhelds can be the perfect microphone for anyone who knows how to use them. The microphones are available with dynamic or condenser elements. My personal preference goes to dynamics, with a few exceptions. Condensers have greater sensitivity and therefore work well with a soft-spoken presenter or one who holds the mic all over the place. For the latter, use a compressor set at 3:1 so they never blast the congregation.
Handhelds can be the perfect microphone for anyone who knows how to use them.
Lavaliers
Lavaliers can be equally as frustrating as handhelds when used by an untrained presenter. If the presenter clips the microphone too far down their shirt or to one side of their shirt collar, trouble begins. Lavaliers were designed so the presenter would always be heard as long as the microphone was in the right place. Otherwise, a turned head gives a vocal drop or the distance is too great and the audio tech is fighting for more gain without feedback.
These microphones provide the hands-free functionality but they aren't the perfect solution for everyone. I've seen enthusiastic pastors thump their chest time and again, each time hitting the microphone. Rolling their eyes and saying, “Oops, I did it again,” just doesn't cut it. Another benefit of lavalier microphones over headsets is durability. Headsets, by nature, are more delicate pieces of equipment. Lavaliers should be equally cared for, but one doesn't have to worry about damaging the metal frame as can happen with improper care of headsets.
Headsets
Held in a constant position, an inch or so from the mouth, headsets can clearly capture the softest of voices while eliminating worry about how the presenter may turn her head while speaking, or what he might do with his hands. Thump away.
The biggest noticeable difference between headsets, aside from frequency response, is the way in which the mic is secured. Headset microphones can have a wrap-around design so they hook around both ears, or they can hook to a single ear, referred to as an ear-worn microphone. The Electro-Voice RE97TX and Shure MX153 are examples of the single-ear design. Some manufacturers of the dual-ear design offer the option of placing the microphone on either the left or right side. The AKG HC577 L and Countryman H6 are two such models. Each type has a unique feel when worn. For overly active presenters, look to the dual ear-worn setup.
Appearance can be a concern but don't fret, headset mics are available in four common colors: beige, black, tan, and brown. The color selections, depending on the model, can expand into various skin tones. Headsets do have their shortcomings, though. Due to their construction and design, they require deliberate set up and care.
Chris Wendlandt, volunteer tech at Hillside Community Church in Mukwonago, Wis., says facial hair is a problem with headset microphones. A guest speaker decided to grow a beard and the friction between the mic and his stubble created noise. Wendlandt also notes that glasses can cause problems by moving the microphone around and creating noise, although a small piece of clear medical tape holding the microphone to the face solved the problem.
A lavalier can be clipped to anyone but headset mikes are best dedicated to a specific person due to the need for fitting. Aaron Cooley, a former A1 church engineer and now a sound mixer for live television broadcasts, says, "Once the device has been fitted, tweaked, and adjusted for that person, it's problematic and time consuming to have to do it each time for someone new ... and the results won't be consistent.". The microphones are available in multiple polar patterns including cardioid (directional) and omni-directional. For pastors who want to hear themselves in the monitors or in less-than-ideal sanctuaries, look for cardioid microphones to help avoid feedback problems. Cooley says, "[The] DPA d:fine 88 is my go-to for this situation."
A common complaint with headsets is the delicacy of the wire frame. The big bulky Peavey PV-1 headset mic for $27.99 may be great to lead an exercise group but not to lead a service. Jump up to the $700 price range and the frames are thinner to help hide them. They can also be very delicate. Another complaint is the cable replacement cost. This varies by brand and model. Cable repair sometimes involves replacement of the microphone. Other mics are built with replaceable cables. The microphones are usually 90% of the purchase price.
Headsets come in a variety of shapes and sizes but their differences involve build quality, durability, moisture-resistance, and frequency response. All these factors weigh heavily into price.
Pick One
Every microphone purchase should be made after careful evaluation of needs. This includes deciding between dynamic or condenser, picking the right polar pattern, and even looking for a microphone with the right frequency response. Regarding a tech director selecting a microphone for a presenter, remember that the presenter's opinion matters as well. What works for one pastor might not work for another. Tom Knight, pastor at Nineveh Christian Church in Nineveh, Ind., says, "The main reason I prefer the headset is [that] it feels the most natural for me, and I am completely unaware that it's there. I actually feel unrestricted with my movements.” Contrast that against the words of Pastor Daniel Jepsen of Franklin Community Church in Franklin, Ind., who says of his lavalier microphone, "I'm just used to it."
I've heard sermons from both pastors and their audio quality was spot on. However, their style is quite different and that has everything to do with what works. Jepsen speaks from behind a pulpit while Knight is out in the sanctuary and moving around. Jepsen could, in his situation, use a headset but a lavalier works just as well. Knight, on the other hand, needs a headset. Access the needs, consider the budget, and evaluate the person or people who would use the microphone. The right microphone in the hands of the presenter means the congregation hears clearly and understands their message without distraction.
There's nothing wrong with a "Britney microphone" if it's the right solution. I only ask that you promise never to buy your pastor a bejeweled handheld microphone. Yes, they are available.
