Introduction:
The Shure WH20XLR is a dynamic headset designed for top-notch performance in various audio applications. With its durable build and impressive features, this headset aims to be a reliable companion for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Design and Build Quality:
- Strong Build: The WH20XLR is built tough, so it stays strong even in tough conditions.
- Nice and Comfortable: It feels good to wear for a long time because the headband can be adjusted, and it’s not heavy.
- Easy Connection: With the XLR connector, you can easily connect it and be sure the connection is secure.
Audio Performance:
- Dynamic Microphone: The dynamic microphone gives you clear and sharp sound, capturing small details accurately.
- Noise-Canceling: The noise-canceling feature effectively reduces background noise, making sure your audio comes out clean.
- Wide Frequency Response: The headset can reproduce a wide range of sounds accurately because it covers a broad frequency range.
Versatility:
- Multi-Purpose Use: Suitable for a range of applications, from live performances to studio recordings and podcasting.
- Flexible Boom Arm: The adjustable boom arm provides flexibility in positioning the microphone for optimal sound capture.
User-Friendly Features:
- On/Off Switch: The built-in on/off switch adds convenience, allowing users to control the microphone easily.
- Detachable Cable: The detachable cable enhances portability and simplifies storage.
Headset Pros:
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
- Clear and precise audio reproduction.
- Versatile for various audio applications.
- Comfortable for extended use.
- Convenient on/off switch.
Headset Cons:
- XLR connector may not be suitable for all users.
- Limited color options.
Conclusion:
The Shure WH20XLR is a great headset that is both sturdy and versatile. It’s well-built and delivers clear sound. Even though not everyone may like the XLR connector it uses, its strong design and easy features make it a good option for both professionals and enthusiasts who want a good headset.
Jason Heimpel –
It’s what I needed for my business, sound quality is great.
Lorenzo –
works as expected
wire frame is fairly rigid, and can get uncomfortable over long use
Scott Phillips –
I use this outside connected to a Tascam DR40 for recording podcasts while I’m training horses. Worked fine at -30C. It is not discreet and is bulky; the metal piece that it’s mainly comprised of is like a metal coathanger in diameter, but tougher. You can bend it to fit. Output level is very low compared to my other mics. If you’re looking for a workhorse mic, this is it.
Former Expat in Asia –
SUPER IMPORTANT: there are several different options for connecters for this microphone and if you order without specifying you may end up with one you can’t connect to your system. Several in my group made this mistake – it’s crazy that Amazon doesn’t emphasize this on the website as they can’t be making a profit on this with a high percentage of returns.
My second concern is that, after first ordering a unit without specifying a connecter and getting wrong one, when I ordered the right one, it did not work so I sent it back too. The third one works but I am concerned about quality control given that experience.
My third comment is that this mic is not especially loud compared to a condenser mic I use that requires phantom power. As long as you have a sufficiently powerful amp you will be ok.
Other than those three issues, we have found these mics to be very clean and super convenient for singing while playing an instrument. We get better and more consistent sound than we were from using conventional mics on stands. Given this experience I think they would also be excellent for giving speeches and making presentations as the sound is excellent, the mic is comfortable and unobtrusive and your hands are free to do your thing.
Amazon Customer –
I have serious issues with reviewers who assume because a product is not right for them that it is not right for anyone. I play drums in a classic rock band and Cajon and percussion in a small trio. I also set up and run both outfits PA system. I was tired of being anchored to a mic and boom in both situations and decided to go with the Shure WH20XLR. First of all the attached wire is not designed to plug directly into a mixer or amp. It is made to be routed and clipped to a belt or pocket where a standard XLR cable is attached. The flexible wire on the mic is not made to run to the mixer. I run the wire inside my shirt, loop it around a belt loop and plug in the mixer cable. Problem solved. I installed an XLR plug with built in rotary on/off switch on my mic cable to mute the mic. This is a dynamic mic! No phantom power or battery. It is a full size XLR connector. The are other versions of this for wireless and computer use ( the last 3 letters in the model designate which is which.) when plugged into a mixer or PA the sound level is more than sufficient. I don’t know about a low to high impedance adapter into a guitar amp or other Hi Z inputs. It works great into our Behringer mixer. Just bump the gain a little. I have used an SM58 and SM57 for years and can state that this mic with just a small cut in mid and a small boost in low rocks. Every bit as clean as the SMs and no hassling with stands and booms. I’ve used it for numerous shows and it was a bit uncomfortable at first but once fitted properly it disappears. This mic is about $10 cheaper than an SM58 no switch version, so it’s not a lot cheaper, just different tech. I love it, both bands love it and the audience loves it. I wouldn’t record with it, but I probably would use a condenser on a stand or boom for vocals anyway. I hate to see good products trashed because folks don’t read the descriptions or do any research. It may not be for everyone, that’s why there are choices. And the reviews that make it clear that the reviewer has no idea what they are doing are the worst. Used as designed this is an excellent choice for a musician looking to get out from behind a mic stand or a drummer or KB player who wants to ditch the mic stand. I don’t need wireless so this wired version is perfect. My SMs and mic stands stay at home. Any piece of gear can be defective or fail during use. That doesn’t make it junk. Just electronics. It is astonishing how some folks love and use the mic with no issues and others can’t get it to work or sound good. I prefer Zildjian cymbals to Sabian or Paiste but I don’t trash those quality products. I do the companies a favor and don’t buy them. I’d highly recommend this mic. It’s worked perfectly for me.
Arjun Kaul –
I’ll write a detailed review later.
I used this in a gig this Sunday and even through a very mediocre PA, the vocals sounded incredibly good. With ZERO feedback.
Its light and comfortable. I didn’t even know it was on most of the time. I even had lunch with it on. LOL.
I’ll upload a video later.
Check out my music(arjun kaul) and my band (prithvi).
Thanks.
Detailed review:
This review is eleven or so months since using this mic. Its one of the best pieces of gear that I have bought.
I’ll just list out its best features:
1. Ease of use: Not having wireless is a good thing. Its a good microphone minus the hassle of a mic stand/wireless unit etc. You don’t even feel like the mic is on.
2. Sound quality: Excellent. Sound engineers wont believe the fidelity this one throws out with NO FEEDBACK!
3. Adjustable. You can move the metal to better fit your head if needed.
The price is unbelievable. Just buy it. I’m happy with it.
I’m on youtube as arjunkaul the king of rocknroll
Tyler Patrick –
Good mic, sounds pretty good. Not too uncomfortable when you wear it a lot. I use it for my intercom with a pair of ear hero earpieces for an open ear solution.
gingernutty –
Good product but do make sure you’re clear about the socket your plugging it into!
joe c. –
Why this Mic was of interest: As a lead singer / Guitarist, my set up was always singing lead vocals into a microphone on a stand and a Boss G-t10 as an Effects processor for my guitar. So Recently I made a change to the boss gx1000 and I found the buttons very difficult to navigate while singing as compared to the G-t10. The Gt-10 has larger buttons with more space between them, so it took less concentration to operate it while singing. However I love the new Boss Gx-100 unit. However, I found the new Boss GX-100, much more difficult to navigate this new boss unit as compared to the old one while singing . So I decided to look into a head worn microphone and WoW, am I glad I did! This microphone is so clear and crisp, the sound is great. I have sang live through all kinds of different microphones over many years and I must say this is the best lead vocal mic I’ve ever used! Now I can play much more relaxed when I don’t have to worry about bumping up to a microphone with my glasses or a tooth. I can just stand back and be relaxed and operate my multi effects processor and vocal processor with my feet without a microphone boom in front of me , as the cliche says this is “game changer” well for me this microphone really is “a game changer”. The band even commented on my enhanced performance and how much more relaxed I was! I love it and I encourage anybody else out there to try it. One new entanglement I did encounter is that my guitar is on a wireless system so I had to deal with the microphone wire hanging off my back. Simple solution is just get some XLR wireless converters and we’re good to go. Rock on!