Analog (non-USB) headset microphones

Headset microphones come in two main configurations: USB and non-USB versions. The USB models connect to an open USB port on your computer. The non-USB models, also called "analog" headsets, connect to your computer with 3.5 mm plugs into your sound card. On this page, I look at the features and characteristics of various analog non-USB headset mics.

Construction: Analog headset microphones consist of a wearable microphone which terminates into two 3.5 mm plugs. One plug is for the mic, and one is for the headphones. You merely insert the appropriate plug into the correct jacks on the sound card of your computer, and you're all set to record!

Microphone Response: The main specification to examine in any headset mic is the frequency response of the microphone, not the headphones. After all, you're buying the headset to use when recording your voice, or reproducing your voice for other people to hear!

Good headset microphones have a mic response range of 100 Hz - 8 kHz. This will capture all the low and high tones of any human voice, plus leave some room for the harmonic overtones present in every voice. A better choice, however, is to find a headset mic with a response of 100 Hz - 16 kHz or more. The extra 8 kHz of range on the high end has an audible impact on the brightness and sibilance of a recorded voice.

Number of earpieces: After selecting the mic response, then you can concentrate on the particular model to buy. All headset microphones (USB and non-USB) tend to come in two configurations: single ear (also called "binaural") and stereo. I recommend choosing a stereo headset for recording your web audio. By having both a left and right channel, you get the full impact of your voice and any music you might add in to your final recording.

Here is a comparison of some of the top analog headsets on the market today (listed alphabetically by manufacturer):

Altec Lansing AHS 20
Microphone response:	100 Hz - 16 kHz
Headset response:	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: This is the headset microphone I use on a regular basis with both my computer and my minidisc recorder. The AHS 20 is lightweight, and moderately comfortable. Altec also makes an AHS 30 model, which features an extra switch for the microphone, but overall, it's the same model as the AHS 20. Although I like my AHS 20 a lot, I feel that it is a little flimsy in construction. I'd prefer a different headband.

Labtec Stereo 332
Microphone response:	100 Hz - 16 kHz
Headset response:	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: The frequency response on the Labtec is the same as the Altech Lansing and Logitech models, so it becomes a matter of preference in appearance as to which model is best. Labtec makes quality headsets and desktop microphones, so I'm confident that this is a nice model. I personally like the structure of the headset band better than my Altec Lansing.

Logitech Premium Stereo Headset
Microphone response:	100 Hz - 16 kHz
Headset response:	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: A good, comfortable headset microphone with excellent frequency response on both the mic and headphones. Noice cancellation on the mic is also good. My favorite color is blue, so I like these for that reason (silly, huh?). Seriously, I like the headband on these than the one on my Altec Lansing.

Plantronics Audio 60, 70 and 80		Audio 60
Microphone response:	100 Hz - 8 kHz
Headset response:	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: All three of these Plantronics headset microphones are similar in construction. The difference between models is in the headband. The Audio 60 has a standard over-the-head headband. The Audio 70 goes around the back of your head. The Audio 80 has a collapseable headset which is good for portability. I don't personally like the lower frequency range on the microphone, but these are still acceptable for most audio applications.

Plantronics Audio 90
Microphone response:	100 Hz - 8 kHz
Headset response:	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Notes: A very good stereo headset microphone, with large, comfortable headphones. In fact, the size and comfort of the earpieces is the only difference between the Audio 90 and the other Plantronics headset microphones. The headphones offer great sound reproduction. This is a good headset microphone for recording your voice, as well as listening to CD's, or doing any gaming or internet chatting.