A lav microphone is a small clip-on mic that sits near the speaker’s chest, which keeps the voice clear and steady. To choose one, decide between wired and wireless, match the connector to your recorder, and check cable length, coverage pattern and how well it handles clothing noise.
Why a Lav Works
Sound gets weaker and the room gets louder as distance grows. A lav keeps the capsule about the same short distance from the mouth wherever the speaker moves. This is why it is common for interviews, talks and presenters on camera. Its small size allows it to be hidden under clothing or clipped in sight, depending on the shot.
Key Differences
| Choice | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Wired | Seated interviews, simple setups | Cable length and tangling |
| Wireless | Moving subjects | Battery life, interference, extra gear |
| Omnidirectional | Forgiving placement | Hears more of the room |
| Directional | Noisy rooms | More sensitive to aim |
Choosing in Order
- Find the input on your camera or recorder. Many use a small jack with a particular wiring, and mismatched ones may give no sound or a weak signal.
- Decide whether the speaker will move. If so, think about a wireless set.
- Choose cable length with room to hide it. Very long cables can add noise, and very short ones restrict the speaker.
- Check the clip and any windscreen included. A foam cover helps indoors, and a furry cover helps outside.
- Think about power. Some mics need a small battery or power from the device.
Placement Tips
- Clip it on the chest centre, about a hand’s width below the chin.
- Keep fabric from rubbing the capsule, and use tape or a mounting loop to stop movement.
- Route the cable under clothing and leave a small loop for strain relief.
- Avoid jewellery, scarves or hair that can touch the mic.
- Monitor with headphones during a trial recording and listen for rustle.
Problems to Listen For
Lav recordings fail in predictable ways, so know the signs. A scratchy rustle means cloth is touching the mic or cable. A boomy, muffled tone means the mic is buried under thick fabric or too low on the body. Pops on certain words suggest the mic sits too close to the mouth or in the breath path. Distortion means the level is set too high, so turn the input down and ask the speaker to talk at full volume during the check. Spend two minutes on this test and most problems disappear before the real take.
FAQ
Do I need two for a two-person interview?
Ideally one for each person, recorded on separate channels, which makes editing easier.
Will it work with a phone?
Many phones need a specific adapter or a mic built for that port. Check the phone and mic guides.
The Short Version
Choose a lav for clear speech close to the mouth. Match the connector, decide on wired or wireless, and run a short test recording with headphones before the real shoot.