Types of headworn mics

[Johnno]

Should headworn mics to be cardioid or omni?

[Rob_Beech]

Should socks be blue or red?

[Russ83]

PMSL - that did make me chuckle Rob. :)

 

It depends on what you need from them i.e. where you can position the mic capsule. When the mic is close to the source I can't see it making a huge amount of difference.

[Bobbsy]

Truly headworn mics are virtually always omni. When you put a mic in the hairline or over the ear, it's virtually impossible to get it pointing directly at the sound source (i.e. mouth) so an omni gives a much more natural sound. Directional mics can give a very strange "beamy" effect as the actor's head swivels to point at other sound sources.

 

The exception to this are headset mics on booms where you can get the mic right down by the mouth, always pointing at the sound source.

 

Bob

[Shez]

The exception to this are headset mics on booms where you can get the mic right down by the mouth, always pointing at the sound source.

 

And even then, because the mic is so close to the sound source, the only potential advantage that cardioids had (feedback rejection) becomes less significant. I've had actors wearing omni headsets walking right in front of the foh speakers whilst talking away with not even a hint of feedback.

 

I guess in a pop concert type scenario with excessively high on-stage levels, cardioids would help a little but I'd be more worried about the performer's ears by that point.

[Johnno]

Thanks guys, my socks are mostly black :)