As a fitness operator, you’ll know wireless headset microphones are a significant but vital investment for your fitness classes, and you’ll want to take care of them properly. In this article, we look at the do’s and don’ts of looking after your headset microphone to ensure they are always working at their best.
Before Using Your Headset
Before using your headset, it's important to be aware of how best to position it. Most Group X headworn microphones are designed to sit at the side of your face around two fingers width away from the corner of your mouth, or slightly in front and to the side of your mouth (but not directly in front, as with most headworn singer's microphones). This helps avoid amplifying breath noises and blowing fluid into the mic capsule as you teach.
It's also important to remember that most wireless systems still rely on a wired connection between the headset and beltpack transmitter. So it's essential to familiarise yourself with the plug connection on your beltpack transmitter model and the release mechanisms to avoid accidental damage.
Using the Right Battery
When using your headset, it's important to use a reliable battery with ample capacity. A 'low' charge battery may work initially but it can discharge quickly and may fail mid-class. It's also important not to use rechargeable batteries in mic systems that are designed for normal battery use – they will discharge quickly and result in poor performance.
During and After Use
During and after use, it's important to use a windshield to protect the mouthpiece from sweat ingress and moisture corrosion. You should also use a purpose-built belt to protect the transmitter from sweat ingress and moisture corrosion. For hygiene purposes it's better if each user has their own belt and windshield.
After each use, it's important to clean your foam windshield with warm water and a mild detergent, then let everything air dry. Unplug the microphone cable from the beltpack transmitter and allow the connector to air dry as well.
Without proper protection from sweat and moisture, corrosion can occur, leading to a decrease in sound quality and reliability. It may also affect your headmic’s warranty. Without regular cleaning, bacteria can build up, potentially leading to infection. That’s why it's also important to clean your equipment with sterile alcohol-based wipes after each use.
Storing Your Equipment
After each use, it's important to store your equipment hanging up with the cable hanging loosely and free from knots and twists. This will prevent damage to the wire and encourage proper ventilation.
It's important not to coil or kink the headmic cable and especially not to coil the cables tightly around the beltpack transmitter or headset itself. It's also important not to place the beltpack transmitter between your body and your clothing.
Finally, it's recommended you hold at least a couple of spare headsets and beltpack transmitters for stock rotation and emergencies. This will give you ample opportunity to air dry headsets and belts, and extend the lifespan of all of your equipment.
If you look after your headset properly, it should last you a really long time. If anything does go wrong within that first 12-month warranty period, make sure you check if your manufacturer can carry out repairs.
For Evoson headsets specifically, check out our warranty page, where you can also register the warranty for your headset as well, or head over to the RMA form to organise a return.
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