PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — I have been in the radio business for going on 30 years now, and during that time I have certainly gone through my fair share of headsets and microphones. That being said, I have been using the Audio-Technica BPHS1s for the last few years, and I am just as much in love with them now as I was when I first put them on my head.
One of the most important things I look for in a headset is comfort. I broadcast for up to two hours at a time, so if a headset is uncomfortable, why would I want to use it at all? Not only is the BPHS1 comfortable, it is the most comfortable headset I have ever used, and I enjoy wearing it for all of my broadcasts. The headset isn’t a clunky piece of equipment, either. It doesn’t slide around on my head, due to the padded around-the-ear cups and cushioned headband, and it is easy to store and travel with as well.
Additionally, I can’t get over the durability of the BPHS1. Be it either in the studio with my not-so-careful broadcast team, or while I am traveling around the world covering events, my headsets take a hefty beating — but they stand up to the punishment time after time.
Even if my headset was damaged, I have the peace of mind to know that Audio-Technica provides a five- year limited warranty.
Also, its design makes it easy to use. Broadcasting is not a static activity for me. I am always utilizing social media to connect with my listeners during the show or take notes during an interview, so the ability to use my hands and not be forced to face a regular stand-based microphone the whole time makes my job a lot easier.
No matter what, I always get clear sound in and clear sound out. The microphone is attached to a boom that stays in place where I position it, and the microphone doesn’t pick up any unwanted sounds from my surroundings, providing crisp, clean content and making this the perfect setup for any broadcaster.
You can’t beat the value you are getting with the BPHS1s. You would expect to pay significantly more for such a quality product; certainly more than $300. But at an MSRP of $279, you get a huge bang for your hard-earned buck. This is the perfect product for anyone in radio — from a budget-limited newbie starting off with a new podcast, to a high school sports broadcaster, all the way to an established radio station crew. Audio-Technica got it right when they designed the BPHS1s with the on-air news and sports broadcaster in mind.
Because of the overall quality, performance and value of Audio-Technica products, especially that of the BPHS1 stereo headset, I recommend them to my colleagues whenever they are on the market for a new headset and are looking for the best product available for their money.
For information, contact David Marsh at Audio-Technica in Ohio at (330) 686-2600 or visit www.audio-technica.com.
Radio World publishes User Reports on products in various equipment classes throughout the year to help potential buyers understand why a colleague made a given equipment choice. These are unpaid testimonials by users who have already purchased the gear. A Radio World Product Evaluation, by contrast, is a freelance article by a paid reviewer who typically receives a demo loaner.