annebrodie Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 Can anyone recommend a good-quality, lightweight comms headset that is compatible with the standard 4-pin XLR ClearCom/Tecpro systems? The last ones we got were ASL, and they fell apart in about two seconds... Complete waste of money! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gareth Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 If I might defend ASL for a moment - I'd agree that they're not the greatest build quality in the world, but in terms of value for money they're really rather good. I've got a lightweight ASL headset that I use in preference to having to use venue ones which the world and its wife have coughed and sneezed into for years, and it's lasted me a good few years now - the only sign of wear and tear so far is that the earpiece foam is not looking quite as nice as it used to. Canford's own Tecpro lightweight headsets cost a lot more, and aren't as robust (especially in terms of the wiring - the sharp bend as the cable comes out of the top of the mic boom seems to be a common failure point. I've tried a Telex lightweight headset briefly, and it seemed very comfortable - haven't had any long-term experience of this brand personally, but I've heard very good reports from those who have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OllieDuff Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 If I might defend ASL for a moment - I'd agree that they're not the greatest build quality in the world, but in terms of value for money they're really rather good. I've got a lightweight ASL headset that I use in preference to having to use venue ones which the world and its wife have coughed and sneezed into for years, and it's lasted me a good few years now - the only sign of wear and tear so far is that the earpiece foam is not looking quite as nice as it used to. There's a difference between one of your headsets that you take to every job and look after, and ones that are destined for venue use, hire etc. The level of care just isn't the same (see also why carpenters buy nice tools for themselves and cheap tools for lending to people!). To the OP, is there any particular reason why you don't want to use the standard Canford headsets? I've never found them particularly uncomfortable to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GridGirl Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I've tried a Telex lightweight headset briefly, and it seemed very comfortable - haven't had any long-term experience of this brand personally, but I've heard very good reports from those who have. Telex PH88 (I think I have that right) is a very popular lightweight headset - from what I've seen, the Sydney Opera House has a whole lot of them which are used day in, day out, by all departments and seem to survive pretty well. I've worn one (but only briefly, like Gareth) and liked it - comfy and very lightweight, plus you can still push the boom up and out of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_towers Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 Canford's own Tecpro lightweight headsets cost a lot more, and aren't as robust (especially in terms of the wiring - the sharp bend as the cable comes out of the top of the mic boom seems to be a common failure point. My sound op for a show the other week had his personal lightweight techpro one (similar to the lightweight headsets for motorola GPs?). I had a brief shot - sound was tinny in the earpiece but the mic was still perfectly good (he was looking near enough straight down a front fill - interesting operating position!), sufficient build quality for if you were keeping it carefully yourself but not something I'd leave in the bottom of a bag or toolcase. I believe they're not available any more so ebay might be the sort of place to pick them up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryson Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I have my own (as in, I paid my own money for) Telex PH88. Well worth the price. Heartily recommended.You won't really notice a difference if you only put it on for 5 mins, but wear it for a 8-hour levels session and your ear will thank you. Still pretty robust for a lightweight set, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jay Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I just bought a Sennheiser HMD 26 double. http://www.sennheiser.co.uk/uk/home_en.nsf/root/professional_headphones-headsets_professional-headsets_502451 Not cheap by any means but worth the wonga! Most comfortable set I've ever used. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annebrodie Posted April 29, 2012 Author Share Posted April 29, 2012 Thanks a million for all the helpful suggestions! OllieDuff, I personally prefer the standard Canford headset, but my colleagues prefer a lighter-weight model. I entirely agree with you about the level of care and attention necessary. That's why I recommended to my manager that he buy us our own personal headsets and make us responsible for them. Will do some (Sorry, premature post!) Meant to say will look into the Telex model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin@Wicked Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 We have the Altair Comms & have good lightweight headsets - Altair CommsSystem is compatible with tecpro, but to use the lightweight headset, you need your own beltpack (as the lightweight headset requires phantom power). We have a special offer for SM's at the moment for a beltpack, headset, delivery & vat for £300. We have 5 of the lightweight headsets for the wired and wireless comms kit & they are really comfortable and clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annebrodie Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 Thanks for that, but we already have wireless beltpacks for the SMs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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