Headset?

[invalid username]

I'm going to be working with a local live music show for the next two-three months (a lot of rehersals, then a show every Friday and Saturday for a few weeks), and I figure it's high time I pick up a headset.

 

Just to be clear right off the bat, I DID do a search, and couldn't find any topics that talked about what particular headset models would be good.

 

I'm open to any suggestions. For right now I'm not looking to put down several grand, I'd rather go with a lower-cost sollution. I plan on connecting it to a wireless radio clipped to my vest, not direct to the camera.

 

Thanks!

[Caleb Ennis]

Typically the TV truck will provide headsets for you. If you just want one for yourself contact the production company and see where they purchase the headsets from...

 

I personally ask for double muff headsets and wipe them down really good with sanitation wipes. Never really needed to go out and buy one...

[Christopher T. Paul- SOC]

Hey Alexander,

 

After seeing a number of your posts during the past several months, I have a vague idea of your situation as an operator and the budgetary concerns that you have expressed here. Not being critical- but my point is that if you are just getting under way your $$$ might be better spent elsewhere. In twenty years I have never seen an operator supply their own headsets- it's like camera tape and dust-off... production supplies these items. If you are talking about buying a decent system and getting a rental, that's one thing- but I might suggest that you put your money where it will show you an immediate return in regards to your operating and your kit.

 

 

CP

[Robert Starling SOC]

Christopher is correct that production will provide a headset for you and it's probably not a good investment for you at this time.

 

One thing you'll want to request is a wireless system if at all possible as that is one less cable to manage and also I prefer double muffs headsets to singles. The little cheapy ones that don't cover the entire ear are prone to falling off and don't hold securely.

 

Now, some of us that do a lot of live work do have our own headset systems, mostly wireless with custom in-earbuds. We use wireless lav transmitters to send audio from the camera / rig to the receiver pack mounted on our vest. A little stubby broken boom mic is mounted to the back of the camera where you lean in and talk back. There's usually not a lot of need to talk back.

 

The reason you didn't find a headset thread is that it is buried in a gimbal thread. Go to this link and read down through the posts and you'll find it.

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=12424

 

Trying to get a decent headset from production is hit and miss but ask up front for what you want / need. Until I built up the wireless system I had gotten so tired of the crappy loose and unsanitary headsets I was about ready to buy my own. A wireless set up will set you back a bit but it also frees you from being stuck at the sled / dock during downtime.

 

Robert

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

Christopher is correct that production will provide a headset for you and it's probably not a good investment for you at this time.

 

One thing you'll want to request is a wireless system if at all possible as that is one less cable to manage and also I prefer double muffs headsets to singles. The little cheapy ones that don't cover the entire ear are prone to falling off and don't hold securely.

 

Now, some of us that do a lot of live work do have our own headset systems, mostly wireless with custom in-earbuds. We use wireless lav transmitters to send audio from the camera / rig to the receiver pack mounted on our vest. A little stubby broken boom mic is mounted to the back of the camera where you lean in and talk back. There's usually not a lot of need to talk back.

 

The reason you didn't find a headset thread is that it is buried in a gimbal thread. Go to this link and read down through the posts and you'll find it.

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=12424

 

Trying to get a decent headset from production is hit and miss but ask up front for what you want / need. Until I built up the wireless system I had gotten so tired of the crappy loose and unsanitary headsets I was about ready to buy my own. A wireless set up will set you back a bit but it also frees you from being stuck at the sled / dock during downtime.

 

Robert

 

 

I agree with what is said here, except, Saving your hearing is a good investment! The truck systems that are usually supplied wont help your hearing. The custom setups described here with professional noise dampening in-ear buds will offer some reasonable ear protection. I have shot way to much music over the years and my hearing is severely compromised. I wish I had got my in ear monitors much earlier then I did. I have been using a comtek setup (described above), transmitter is on the camera with a break out cable to a short mic that utilizes the camera PL. Receiver on the vest with a set of "Shure E5" in ear monitors. They may have a newer model or equivalent available. Be sure they can handle moisture. There are many of these products on the market now with the world of Ipods. Good luck to you.

 

Jeff

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

and be sure to use earplugs if using the one-sided Comms Headset... I even put one in the ear that has the speaker to tone down a bit.... nothing worse than an excited camera person blaring over the loud ambient level in your ear(s) or over excited directors in the booth/truck

[Kris Torch Wilson]

You can make a relatively small investment and save your hearing. Here is the link to the folks who made my 'in ears'

 

http://www.mylivewires.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=75

 

I don't bother with a wireless, I just mate the wire with tape to my fiber jumper. It s so light and flexible, I don't even know it is there. Ask the maintenance guy on your show for a broken headset, If you don't know how to solder, ask him to add a female mini stereo plug hanging out of the 5 pin xlr. Take the mic with a few inches of wire and have him solder that in as well. Velcro mic to back of camera. Bam, you're in business.

 

Sorry to bust your balls Chris, but in 27 years in this business, I have always owned my own headset.

 

Kris

[Christopher T. Paul- SOC]

Hey Kris,

 

You're not busting my balls, so no sweat. I can count on one hand the number of live shows I've done over the years. It would definitely make sense to me for folks like yourself or Jeff who do work a lot in the live venues to have this.

 

My assumption was that given Alexander's previous posts where he was asking about such things as Merlins and Zephyrs, budget seemed to be a concern at this point for him. If that's true then unless he's gotten all of his kit together there might be a better investment than a headset that will get him some rental income. Since this was a new gig for him and he's a new operator I thought that my statements were legit.

 

Get what you can from production before you go out and spend money was my only point- especially for a short term gig when you haven't built up an entire kit yet.

 

Cheers.

[Caleb Ennis]

I agree with Chris. Money can be better served elsewhere. Like cables, batteries, charger, etc.

[JobScholtze]

http://www.earphonesolutions.com/best-earphones-251-350.html

 

Westone 2 way inears, love em, use em 150+ days a year.