H6 Headset Omni Directional in Tan
Countryman is well known for its high-quality headsets and other small-format microphones. The company continues to push the envelope in electronic and acoustic design with its mics, and borrows techniques and materials from other industries to make them even better. The H6 headset line, introduced late last year, benefits from this approach. At first vie wing, the H6 resembles the classic form of a dual-ear headset with a mic on a boom, although its unobtrusive profile and feather-light weight imply that something is special about this one. In hand, the engineering and manufacturing qualities become apparent, and the final confirmation comes when connecting the headset to the sound system. Now, on to the details.
Close Inspection
The headset fits around the back of the neck, with the adjustable earpieces telescoping from a slight yet rugged frame that is about 1/16-inch in diameter. Each side can be individually set by pulling the earpiece while holding the back frame, and has
enough friction or tension to stay in place when the adjustment is right. The headset can be diminutive enough to fit a child, or expanded to match the largest head. The mechanism appears sufficiently robust for years of use without becoming loose. The mic boom is similarly adjustable, and can be slid to a proper corner-of-the-mouth position independently of the earpieces—to accommodate the smallest or largest of users. The headset ships with the boom on the right side of the head, although it can be easily moved to the left side by detaching the clips that hold it to the frame and repositioning it on the other side. It is held in place securely by two clips on the frame and an additional point at the base of the earpiece. The boom is rigid yet springy so that it can move and then return to its exact position. Its curvature can be subtly adjusted with firm pressure from the fingers, so that it places correctly slightly off the cheek.
"…the H6 immediately stood out for its natural voice quality and clarity. From the pews, the sound was quite close to the unamplified voice in tone and inflection, only louder."
Gary Parks
Reviewer
At the end is a tiny microphone element, measuring just 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) in diameter and about a quarter-inch long. A sweat bead just above the mic gives additional protection from moisture that might drip down the boom in the heat of the moment. For the omnidirectional element, three tiny protective caps are provided to give even more resistance to moisture, and also to modify the high-frequency response of the microphone. One cap offers no sonic change, so the resulting audio is flat and natural. The second raises the high-frequency response (centered at 15 kHz) by +4 dB, and the third by +8 dB. The +4 dB cap is most often used because it “adds a little extra intelligibility without any harshness.” The omni ships with that cap installed. Caps are also provided for the directional headset mic, with one for cardioid and the other for a tighter hypercardioid polar pattern. The greatest isolation is obtained with the hypercardioid in most cases.
The Specs
Per the specifications, the H6 omnidirectional mic has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, while the directional version is 30 Hz to 15 kHz. For voice applications with either element, a high-pass filter on the console can be set to minimize wind and ambient noises below the vocal range. In practice, a slight attenuation in the lower midrange and a modest boost somewhere in the 2.5 kHz to 5 kHz range can be useful. The microphone elements themselves are offered in three different sensitivities, designated W5, W6, and W7 on the model names, and differentiated by tiny colored bands on the mics. Basically, the sensitivity of the mic is attenuated by 10 dB at each level, allowing it to function at higher sound pressure levels without distortion.
The W5 level has no attenuation and can overload above 120 dB SPL—so is best for normal, spoken word applications. The W6 can withstand up to 130 dB SPL, and is recommended for singing vocals as well as spoken word, and the W7 is for powerful vocals up to 140 dB SPL. The 1.2-mm thin, flexible cable is surprisingly durable, with the cutaway illustration in the company's literature showing five layers from the core wire to the outer wrap. Countryman uses space age Aramid fiber materials to give flex and pull strength to the cable, along with special metal alloys for longevity under the stresses of constant use. The cable's break strength from a pull is specified at greater than 44 pounds.
Countryman offers cables that mate with a variety of wireless transmitter brands, as well as having one that ends in a standard
Gary Parks
Reviewer
The cable attaches to the end of the mic boom with a tight snap-on connector, double-sealed against the incursion of moisture. Grasp both sides of the connection between two fingers and pull to disconnect; push in until it snaps. The shell of the cable connector even makes a smooth 90-degree curve to guide the cable down the back and lessen cable strain at that point—a subtle and quite practical touch. The detachable cable provides several benefits. Countryman offers cables that mate with a variety of wireless transmitter brands, as well as having one that ends in a standard XLR connector, complete with belt clip, for wired applications. With different cables on hand, the same headset can be used with diverse transmitters or hard-wired, and modified within moments. Also, in case the durable cable is somehow damaged, a replacement can easily be obtained to put the headset back into service. Testing this headset in a sanctuary with an overhead loudspeaker cluster, along with a few other sample headsets, the H6 immediately stood out for its natural voice quality and clarity. From the pews, the sound was quite close to the unamplified voice in tone and inflection, only louder. Because the mic appears to be so even in its response across the frequency range, the gain could be increased to more than sufficient levels without feedback.
Packaging Pluses
The H6 headset ships in a square, zippered case with Velcro straps to secure it in place for storage. The case features pockets for the provided strain-relief clips, microphone caps, cables, and documentation. A compact manual offers illustrations and instructions to set up, adjust, and use the headset—with recommendations on the best applications for the frequency-response and directional caps. Headsets and cables are available in four colors: light beige, tan, cocoa, and black.
Weighing in at less than a quarter ounce, the Countryman H6 headset is a professional headset that offers superior sound quality while remaining virtually unnoticed. And since all of the parts are replaceable, if one part of the headset is ever damaged, it can be repaired—preserving your investment. The omnidirectional headset lists for $670, and the directional headset lists for $720.
