Thread: Teachers: Wireless Headset Recommendations ?

Teachers: Wireless Headset Recommendations ? Please?

If you use a wireless headset & receiver while teaching, or if the aerobics or Zumba teachers use one at your facility, can you please post what kind you / they use and if it is satisfactory? It seems to be a bit of a pricey purchase and I only want to do it once in the near future.

Shouting over the music 6 hours per week is no longer an option and the students need the music to be loud enough.

Thanks!!!

I use a headset sometimes to save my voice. I can't remember the brand, but will look when I get home from work. It was middle-of-the-range, and has generally worked adequately for me. The pricier models definitely sounded better, but I've found this ample. Having said that, buying a wireless mike was one of the best investments I ever made, and when I replace it I'll probably be happy to spend more for superior performance. It just makes teaching and workshops so much easier!

Here's some general things I've found:

- The biggest problem is feedback if you need to come close to your PA to change your music. PA's are designed to be operated by a sound technician at the back of the room or behind you. So if you walk close to the speaker with your mike on it can cause loud squeals. Being able to switch off your mike/ control volume easily on the battery pack that you wear is a big help if you need to go near your speaker. Mine has a fiddly switch and no volume control on the remote pack (the main one is on the receiver unit that sits with the PA), so it's an issue.
- Clip-on mikes may not work (as opposed to a headset with a mouthpiece) as they may not pick up your voice enough - especially if you're struggling with volume control in order to avoid feedback!
- I had to lash out on a very expensive, sturdy cord to attach the mike receiver (the black box) to the PA, because I take mine everywhere and the the original cord got too damaged. So go for something very sturdy
- Similarly, go for a headset that's as sturdy as possible. The mouthpiece on my mike is a little flimsy, and the constant folding to put it away has taken it's toll
- My mike sits on the back of my head, towards the back of the neck. This is more comfortable than those that go over the top of my head. Keep in mind whether you need to wear it with fancy hair and jewellery
- Many aerobics mike belts are designed to be worn around the waist, not the hips. So check that you can attach your mike pack comfortably around your hips, or on another piece of your costume, and be sure you won't get tangled in the cord when dancing. I hook the pack of mine onto the back of my racer-brack bras. So much easier than a cord dangling down your side when you're dancing!
- Further to that, consider whether the mike will interfere if you're waving a veil around your head. Check the mouthpiece/head/pack won't get caught.

Great advice and lots of important things to think about. Please let me know what brand / model of setup you are using.

I think the battery pack / lav mic option is out due to the wires, etc. I really want a wireless head set. Not necessarily a Countryman but something nice. Dear Santa...

I finally looked at what system I'm using. The receiver is JTS brand model US-8001D (JTS - Wireless System,Receiver,US-8001D) and the battery pack connected to the headset is JTS brand model PT-850B (JTS PT850B Belt Pack (suits US8001D and US902D) Public Address Systems | Portable PA Systems | DJ Equipment & Lighting). The. complete set-up looks like this, with a wire connecting the battery pack to the headset: JTS 8001D Headset UHF Wireless System Public Address Systems | Portable PA Systems | DJ Equipment & Lighting.

You mentioned trying to go wire-free. That would be ideal for dancers, but i think it's quite a bit more expensive. I don't find the wire too annoying if I wear my battery pack clipped onto the back of a racer-back bra, so it's not dangling around my torso.