I just bought a lightly used Crown CM311A on eBay. Here's what I found:

I was expecting to have to live with less than perfect sound, being used to my OM5, but was pleasantly surprised in that I could tell little difference in voice tone, and getting to move and look around as I sang was such a joy. I have never felt such freedom of movement while playing drums. Wherever my head was...up, down, all-around, the mic was right there with me. I almost forgot about it.

I used the Crown CM311 preset, I had to neither add nor subtract any EQ, it was perfect.

I had been concerned that I wouldn't be able to "work-the-mic", but found that I could get away from it if needed. I put it just below my bottom lip for quieter spots. When I needed to be fuller or louder, I would just hook my lower lip under the windscreen and pull the mic up to a "between" my lips position.

Adjusting the earpieces was a chore and is still a bit of a struggle, but for only using it on one gig, I'm warming up fast.
At first, try getting it to fit, I was ready to box it up and re-sell it, but I think I'm getting it figured out.

Bottom line: It's a keeper.

Anyone else having good luck with headworns?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Drumr,

When I saw the topic, I was all ready to come in singing the 311's praises - but you beat me to it! Funny enough though - I switched from the 311... to the OM5 about nine months ago and haven't looked back - hey, I'm a guitar player and we tend to do things backwards sometimes!

I LOVED the 311 sound - just preferred being able to completely step away from the mic sometimes - just the opposite of your experience but I absolutely agree that the 311 is the best headword IMHO - bar none!

Hi:

I use the Crown C311A Headworn Microphone (which someone on this forum made me aware of I believe) and I like it a lot. There are some drawbacks to it that I'm trying to resolve, otherwise it's great. They are:
1). The adjusting knob on mine is just about useless. It worked perfectly when I bought it but now will not tighten properly. Considering I've only actually worn it less than about a dozen times I'm not impressed about that. I think there is something wrong with the tightening mechanism.
2). Since the mouthpiece is now permantly on my lips I have to be careful with my breathing, sniffling, etc.
3). I definitely want to upgrade to a wireless headset microphone. No matter what I do the wire always seems to get in the way and I end up stepping on it when standing, etc.
4). Crown should have made the carry case such that the headset can be packed back in the case without the boom having to be loosened and moved. It would be better if I could set it up to fit my face...and leave it like that and be able to pack it up like that. I can't because the case size won't allow it.

Other than those issues it's great. The quality of the sound is very good too, and it's very feedback resistant as well, at all but the highest volume levels.

I'd certainly recommend it.

Stu

This message has been edited. Last edited by: StuartD,

quote:

I definitely want to upgrade to a wireless headset microphone. No matter what I do the wire always seems to get in the way and I end up stepping on it when standing, etc.

Hi, Stuart

I have been using my Sennheiser EW100 (wireless) for about 4 years now, 3 years with the L1 system. It has had no problems, and sounds excellent through the L1. Super feedback resistant, and a nice, full, warm sound on preset #15.

The headpiece is very low profile, and I can jump off the stage, dance around , whatever, without it falling out of position.

It has a thin, flexible arm, so it's super easy to adjust the mic in real time....just reach up and put it where you want it and it stays there.

This would be my personal recommendation for someone who wants to go wireless.

Best Wishes,
Jeff
www.theunmentionables.com

StuartD,

quote:

1). The adjusting knob on mine is just about useless. It worked perfectly when I bought it but now will not tighten properly. Considering I've only actually worn it less than about a dozen times I'm not impressed about that. I think there is something wrong with the tightening mechanism.

The problem you are experiencing is likely caused by a worn or missing "rubber foot". You can order replacements from Crown service centers or possibly dealers.

Hi:

Jeff: Thanks for the info on the Sennheiser wireless microphone. I'll definitely check it out.

Mark: I'll look for the rubber foot. Thanks for pointing that out. Though I think the tightening knob has something to do with the problem because it won't unscrew all the way. I get about one-and-one-half turns in either direction, then it binds up.

Stu

Hi StuartD,

You are correct, the knob should be completely removable. You may need to replace the Knob, Insert and Foam Pad as well. You have to remove the Knob and the Foam Pad to slide the Insert out of the Sleeve.

Jeff:

Seems the Sennheiser EW100 is no longer available (I haven't been able to find one for sale in the places I normally look for this sort of gear). Possibly superceded with a more current model number? You would'nt happen to know which model I should be looking at instead, would you?

Thanks,

Stu

Hi Stu,

The EW100 is now a G2 100, still an EW series but second generation. The model with a headset is the ew 152 G2 which includes the ME 3 headset.

Note that the ME 3 is a super-cardioid condenser headset and is designed to be used with a wireless belt pack transmitter. It would require a special adapter to be able to use it directly into a microphone input without the wireless system. The adapter basically changes the phantom power into a Bias voltage required by the condenser.

I've used the EW100 once and was impressed.
We have 3 of those Countryman head-sets at church that I've used several times and I was very happy with that set up - once the BOH guy got the EQ adjusted for my voice vs the Pastor who normaly wears it.
'haven't tried either with my L1 - but IMO, anything that works well with a conventional system can only work BETTER with Bose <G>

dpa is great. We use it a lot and we are very satisfied. The company is located in Denmark: www.dpamicrophones.com www.blissnblue.com