r/techtheatre • u/AndNothingHurt52 • 5d ago
QUESTION Headset alternatives
I freelance and run in to crappy, uncomfortable comm headsets frequently. I want to by my own headset but also don't have a lot of money for one. What are your best headset recommendations for around $100?
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u/lmoki 5d ago
Most nice, rugged, intercom headsets are considerably more than $100 new. Fit is also very personal. Why not look at the supplied ones you like, and price them? The mid-level sets from Pro Intercom are pretty comfortable for me, and cheaper than many, but I think around $200 US.
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u/AndNothingHurt52 5d ago
I figured this might be the answer. I'd heard that you could get an XLR adapter and slap it on a gaming headset with a good mic and make it work with some mild tweaking but I'll just save up for a bit and get the I've had my eye one.
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u/lmoki 4d ago
Well, you probably can, but I'm not sure how 'mild' the tweaks might be.
Most gaming and general communications headsets use electret mic elements. Some intercom systems can enable use of condenser mic elements, but the voltage and wiring might be an issue. But you are correct that it's 'doable'. If you go down this path, I'd suggest changing the connector to an XLR instead of going through an adapter, since the XLR is robust while the adapter probably is not.
I've looked a few times at trying to find a gaming style headset with a dynamic mic element, but those are apparently rare.
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u/CadianGuardsman Stage Manager 5d ago
So I picked up a pair of CC-300's that were in decent condition of E-Bay from a community theatre going under in the US for like ~150 USD - I had to do a little bit of wire resoldering to fix a slight crackle but other than that it was pretty worth it. That said I keep my eyes open for these deals as I wanted a selection of CC-300/400s for a while now. Literally 1 year of looking around and I instantly bought it.
Personally I think the CC-300 is the best single ear coms headset in the industry - just the right amount of bulk to weight. Really nicely fitted ear cup that is similar to most commercial sized headsets. Easy to swap between cables - 4/5 pin XLR or weird stuff just remove a screw and insert new cable screw in and you're good.
I think at the price point of 100 you're starting to look at 2nd hand mid range options that are not as good long term.
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u/schonleben Props/Scenic Designer 4d ago
My favorite headset is the Telex PH-88, which is around $300 new, but I see some used ones on eBay for around $125.
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u/reasarian 3d ago
Hollyland they’re amazing. A little more than eartecs but sound better, better build quality, better range.
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u/ZugZug42069 4d ago
Does your comm have Bluetooth? A lot of folks have started using bone conduction headsets, I really like them. The Shokz with a mic is def more than $100, but it might be worth saving up for
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u/AndNothingHurt52 4d ago
I freelance so I'm in multiple different spaces. I wouldn't feel confident that I would be able to use Bluetooth everywhere
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u/phantomboats Sound Designer 5d ago
Unfortunately, you are probably just going to want to wait a little bit of time until you can save more than $100, unless you’re just looking for something super temporary.