Many people looking for a headset microphone for singing land on the Shure WH20XLR Dynamic Headset Microphone, and it is one of the most recommended options in this category. We tested the WH20XLR to see how it performs for vocals, frequency response, comfort, and overall build quality.
This review covers the WH20XLR’s features, specs, performance, pros, cons, and what’s in the box.
Shure WH20XLR Overview
Shure is one of the most popular and trusted microphone brands, known for premium quality and sound, with many top content creators, including Joe Rogan, using Shure microphones across their work.
The WH20XLR is a dynamic wired headset microphone with a 3-pin male XLR connector and a detachable belt clip. It uses a cardioid polar pattern, capturing sound mainly from the front of the microphone while rejecting unwanted sound from other directions.
In our testing, the WH20XLR performed well in terms of gain control and isolating ambient noise.
Design and Build Quality
The design follows a fairly typical headset microphone layout, but in our experience, the build quality felt noticeably better than many other headset microphones.
The WH20XLR consists of the following components:
- Microphone cartridge
- Microphone boom
- Hinged housing
- Cable and cable retainer
- Wireframe
- Elastic headband
Technical Performance
The WH20XLR has a frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz, which is solid for a headset microphone. When singing in lower tones, some users may want a bit of extra boost in their voice. That said, in our testing, the sound capturing felt refined, helping smooth out minor errors in vocal delivery.
Features of the Shure WH20XLR
Here are the core features we found most useful during testing:
- Durable, reliable build quality
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable fit
- Easy to adjust elastic headband
- Extra-strong cable
- Collapsible microphone boom
- Easily portable
- Natural sound capturing
- High input clipping headroom
- Foam windscreen and clothing clip included
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic headset microphone |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency response | 50Hz to 15kHz |
| Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Output level | -67.0 dB/Pa (0.45m) |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB |
| Sensitivity | 38.4dB |
| Weight | 98 grams |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reliable build quality
- Strong cable
- Lightweight
- Easily portable
- Natural sound quality
- High input clipping headroom
Cons
- Slightly low minimum end frequency response for softer sounds
- A somewhat higher max SPL would be welcome
What’s in the Box
The Shure WH20XLR comes with:
- Shure WH20XLR microphone
- XLR adapter cable
- Microphone boom
- Foam windscreen
- Clothing clip
FAQ
Is the Shure WH20XLR easy to use?
Yes. The WH20XLR is easy to connect and use, is easily portable, and does not require a phantom power supply to operate.
How is background noise handled by the Shure WH20XLR?
The cardioid polar pattern does an effective job of eliminating background noise and ambient sound in our testing.
Does the Shure WH20XLR sound good?
Yes. In our testing, the WH20XLR produced natural sound with strong overall sound capturing.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Shure WH20XLR?
If you are looking for a headset microphone for singing or vocals, the WH20XLR is a strong pick. We would have liked to see a slightly lower minimum frequency response and a bit more headroom on max SPL, but in our testing, the sound capturing held up well and did not negatively affect vocals or instrumentals.
Based on our testing, we would recommend the Shure WH20XLR. Before buying, check the latest price and availability, since pricing and product availability can change over time. If you are comparing other headset options for singing, our guide to 5 best headset microphones for singing covers more choices, and our comparison of Shure PGA31 vs SM35 covers two other Shure headset options in detail.
