David, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. Is a directional mike better, the same or not as good as a headset mike? I am using an Andrea USB NC-7100 headset mike with VV for OS X. 2. If better or the same, what is the best brand? The one available in New Zealand is Telex M-560 USB. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No array/directional microphone I know of will work as well as your headset. The Sennheiser ME65/K6 will work at distances up to 24" as accurately as a good headset, but the cost is about $600.00. We supply these mostly to people with disabilities who cannot put on or take off a headset microphone. Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc. See us at: http://www.emicrophones.com/index.asp