Do-It-Yourself Headset Mic!

Photos on this page by Blake Engel

Joe De Buglio of JdB Sound Acoustics was the originator of this unique solution to a common problem--never having enough gain before feedback with a lapel mic. Instead of wearing the mic a few inches below the chin on the chest, Joe found a simple way to convert a regular lavalier microphone so it can be used as a headset mic. Using a mic close to the sound source (in this case, a persons mouth) helps increase the gain before feedback drastically. Using a headset mic with the mic positioned to the side of the face (not in front of the mouth) keeps breath pops to almost a non-occurance.

A headset to hold the mic was made from a metal coat hanger. Use of a medium size medicine bottle and a paint can helped bend the wire without kinking it too sharply.

Below are a few photos from a recent church Christmas musical in which over 60 different people use a combination of (8) wireless lapel mics and (5) handheld wireless mics. Many mic transfers needed to occur in less than a minute (just try getting 6 mics from 6 people and putting them on 6 new people in less than a minute!). The headset solution works well because putting on the mic is only 3 steps--clip on the transmitter, bend the headset wire (coat hanger) to fit the person, and slip the headset on the persons head. Quick and easy!

All of the actors, singers, orchestra and audience were amazed at the high quality sound from the use of these headsets. Visitors from other churches made comments like "Wow! Were those rented?" and "What an awesome idea!".

Without the use of these headsets, the drama in this production would have gone unheard and the hours of reharsal time would have been for nothing.