Behind the Ear vs Headset
Tópico cartaz: Tom Fennell
Tom Fennell
Tom Fennell
Estados Unidos
Local time: 06:10
russo para inglês
+ ...
Aug 7, 2008

I'm getting ready to plunk down for a Bluetooth microphone/headset.

Some of the best rated ones are the "hang on the ear" models usually used with phones. To me it would seem this would be uncomfortable for all-day usage, and eventually lead to ear deformation or pain.

It seems to me like the over-the-head models would be more comfortable.

Any advice?


 
Margreet Logmans (X)
Margreet Logmans (X)  Identity Verified
Holanda
Local time: 13:10
inglês para holandês
+ ...
Over-the-head Aug 7, 2008

I have an over-the-head model, and I think it's very comfortable.
Just make sure it is adjustable - almost all of them are.
Mine came with both options (hang-on-ear and over-the-head), so you could just try and see what works best for you.


 
Richard Walker
Richard Walker
Local time: 20:10
japonês para inglês
My preference Aug 7, 2008

It depends on the mic, of course--some are engineered better than others--but I've used hangers exclusively for a couple of years and comfort usually hasn't been a problem. The best units are so small and lightweight, you can actually forget you have them on.

There are times in marathon translation sessions when my ear does become a bit sore, but not very often, and it's easy enough to switch to the other ear if one starts complaining.

Over-the-head models I find by nat
... See more
It depends on the mic, of course--some are engineered better than others--but I've used hangers exclusively for a couple of years and comfort usually hasn't been a problem. The best units are so small and lightweight, you can actually forget you have them on.

There are times in marathon translation sessions when my ear does become a bit sore, but not very often, and it's easy enough to switch to the other ear if one starts complaining.

Over-the-head models I find by nature to be heavy, obtrusive, clunky and a general annoyance. Your mileage may vary.

A couple of less obvious factors to keep in mind: First, ease of carrying. This immediately becomes an issue if you do any travel at all. It's ridiculously easy to toss a tiny hang-on-the-ear mic or two and a USB recharger into a laptop bag, while over-the-head mics present more of a packing challenge and have greater potential to be mangled in transit (voice of experience here). Second, and this goes for any rechargeable mic, you'll probably want to buy at least two, so that you always have one fully charged. There's nothing quite as frustrating as trying to meet a critical deadline and having to wait 90 minutes while your mic is re-juiced.

My favorite brand remains the Jawbone, and they've just released a new version that is about half the size and weight of the original, delivers as good or better audio performance, a much improved recharger and has generally been a pleasure to use. Another to consider is the Joby Zivio, which I had written off as vaporware but is apparently going officially on sale tomorrow (www.myzivio.com). Can't vouch for how it performs, but it has a lot going for it on paper.
Collapse


 
Tony M
Tony M
França
Local time: 13:10
Membro
francês para inglês
+ ...
SITE LOCALIZER
No personal experience, but... Aug 7, 2008

I've not actually used dictation software, but as a general principle, I would think it wisest to use a headset type, in order to get the microphone as close as possible to the mouth, which from an audio point of view can only be a help in obtaining best quality.

Personally, I find the 'round the back of the head' style less tiring to wear than the 'over-the-top' ones — but that's probably just 'cos I must have a weird-shaped head!


 
Patricia Rosas
Patricia Rosas  Identity Verified
Estados Unidos
Local time: 04:10
espanhol para inglês
+ ...
In memoriam
waiting for my Bluetooth to arrive Aug 7, 2008

I've been using an over-the-head microphone, and it drives me crazy. I have long hair, and the other day, there was a minor emergency in the house, and when I tried to get up from the computer, I found that strands of my hair were entwined in the headset, and I couldn't extricate myself!

In general, I don't find it comfortable and my hair is always getting messed up, so I'm going to try the Bluetooth, which I ordered when I upgraded to DNS 10. So, I can't say if it will be better,
... See more
I've been using an over-the-head microphone, and it drives me crazy. I have long hair, and the other day, there was a minor emergency in the house, and when I tried to get up from the computer, I found that strands of my hair were entwined in the headset, and I couldn't extricate myself!

In general, I don't find it comfortable and my hair is always getting messed up, so I'm going to try the Bluetooth, which I ordered when I upgraded to DNS 10. So, I can't say if it will be better, I'm hoping it will be.
Collapse


 
Piotr Sawiec
Piotr Sawiec  Identity Verified
Local time: 13:10
inglês para polonês
+ ...
not very close to mouth Aug 7, 2008

Having microphone as close as possible to the mouth does not produce the best quality of sound. Very frequently you have to move it to a different position, because distortions makes voice recognition less accurate. So you have to adjust your own position by trial and error. I personally have no experience with devices other than a headset.

Piotr


 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:


You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Behind the Ear vs Headset






Trados Business Manager Lite
Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio

Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.

More info »
Wordfast Pro
Translation Memory Software for Any Platform

Exclusive discount for ProZ.com users! Save over 13% when purchasing Wordfast Pro through ProZ.com. Wordfast is the world's #1 provider of platform-independent Translation Memory software. Consistently ranked the most user-friendly and highest value

Buy now! »