Lavalier Mics: What You Need To Know
The theater uses a lavalier microphone, which is hidden in the hair or clothing of performers.
It can amplify the vocals of performers singing or talking. These are used for television filmings, such as news programs or documentary filmmaking.
This is also the mic you will see taped to someone’s body and hidden underneath their clothes in crime shows or movies when law enforcement agents wire someone to record a conversation secretly.
A quality lavalier microphone will set you back between $100 and $800. The highest quality mics can be purchased for as low as $1,500.
This is an excellent investment for any video maker, especially if shooting a lot with live subjects. It’s crucial that you capture their voices.
Best Wireless Lavalier Microphone System
[amazon box=”B00DO7AAJW,B0749WP3M3,B016APL728,B078JPPT3N” template=”horizontal”]
Shure GLXD14/93
Shure wireless systems are a favorite of mine. The GLX D series D14/93 digital 2.4GHz system has a range of up to 200 feet. The WL93 microphone has an omnidirectional condenser lavalier microphone and a windscreen. The bodypack is powered by an intelligent lithium-ion battery, lasting up to 16 hours.
A GLXD14/85 also uses the WL185 cardioid microphone, which you can use to reduce ambient noise.
Shure GLXD14/93 is easy to set up and requires only minor adjustments for high-quality sound. With a touch, you can adjust the decibel level. Even when you move around frequently, this wireless lavalier system is reliable.
You can recharge the rechargeable battery via USB for up to 16 hours. This battery is ideal for extended use, wherever you may be. This is the perfect choice for musicians, as it can be used indoors and outdoors.
The Shure GLXD14/93 may be expensive, but it is well worth the investment. Thanks to its strong connection and extensive range, it is reliable and easy to use. You can position the reversible belt clip to fit in different positions.
[amazon box=”B00CB395DC” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Port for charging batteries built-in
- No interference
- Great quality
Cons
- Expensive
Shure BLX14/CVL-H10 Wireless System with CVL Lavalier Microphone
Shure is an established company. Shure’s products are so well-known and respected that they nearly have the market for high-end microphones. Although we have a good idea of the product’s potential performance, let us take a closer look.
First Looks
The Shure BLX14/CVLH10 Wireless System looks excellent. The receiver measures approximately the same size as a Blu-ray player and can be mounted rack-mountable if used in a more expensive kit. The receiver is only capable of receiving one channel.
However, it can be upgraded to receive two channels if needed. There are three buttons on the front: one for power and two to change which channel or group you are receiving. The front has two indicator lights that indicate the device is ready to connect to a microphone and the bodypack.
The Lavalier microphone is small and easily hidden from your person. Run the cable from the end of the bodypack to the mic and connect it.
Operating range
The Shure BLX14 wireless device has a great range. As long as there’s a clear line of sight, it can reach 300 feet. You can expect to see half the range in any environment. The BLX14 maintained a clear, strong signal through walls. There was no distortion or audio dropouts, even though it passed through multiple walls.
The BLX14 is available from Shure in a range of frequency ranges. This particular kit, however, uses the 542-572 frequency range. This frequency range is widespread in professional audio devices.
If you need to add another microphone to your system, this can quickly be done with readily available equipment.
Qualitative Construction
The Shure BLX14 microphone and the CVL-10 microphone are of acceptable build quality. Although it’s unlikely to break, you don’t want it to be able to withstand bomb blasts.
All of the main points of failure have been strengthened. The cable is strong and durable and will not jumble or become knotted. The connector is thick and durable. It also has rubber support to keep the cable from fraying or bending.
The clip is lightweight, but it can be removed and bent. It is therefore not susceptible to snapping. If you do live performance and expect to be very active, you might consider upgrading to a stronger clip. This clip will work well for a general presentation in which you don’t move too much.
The bodypack has a solid, spring-loaded clip at the back. It seems to be very reliable. It is very tight, so you don’t have to worry about accidental falls or drops.
Sound Quality
The Shure BLX14/CVL-1010 shines because of the high-quality audio it produces. This microphone is professional-grade. It is a condenser mic, widely regarded as the best technology for using voice. Its cardioid polar pattern is what makes it unique.
This is the design of the diaphragm, which indicates that the microphone has a limited range. Although this may sound bad at first, it is essential to remember that the microphone should pick up your voice and not other sounds around you.
The audio was clear and well-presented, with no distortion or noise. The microphone was excellent, and we were surprised. We were initially skeptical about the microphone’s build quality. This microphone produces a professional-grade sound, which is what consumers expect.
[amazon box=”B016APL728″ template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Use of efficient batteries
- Simple setup
- Good range
Cons
- Microphone is quite large
Sennheiser XSW 2-ME2-A
Sennheiser’s XSW 2-ME2-A wireless microphone delivers high-quality sound. This lavalier microphone has a 15-hour battery life and is perfect for outdoor recording, interviews, music performances, or live performances.
The Sennheiser XSW 2ME2-A is a great option for those who want a simple setup. Turn on the microphone, connect the batteries, and turn on the receiver. The XS Wireless 2 has an LCD screen and 12 compatible channels.
This wireless lavalier microphone is reliable if you look for high-quality sound and precise articulation. It does require some tweaking to make the sound appropriate for your environment.
[amazon box=”B06Y4BJG5L” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Robust
- High-quality
- Reduce background noise
Cons
- Some tweaking is required
Movo WMIC80 Wireless 48-Channel UHF Lavalier Microphone
Movo is not the most popular brand in audio equipment but they make high-quality devices and sell them at a reasonable price. Movo has shown that they are sensitive to the needs of their clients and can design something that meets all your requirements.
First Look
Movo WMIC80 wireless lavalier microphone is quite imposing. It was designed for performance and film work. It is smaller than other devices and can be used for more purposes.
If you wanted to record video with a DSLR, you could mount the receiver on the flash mount and then transmit the audio directly into your video file. This makes it portable and easy to use in any setting.
Operating range
There are 48 channels that can be selected from between the 608 MHZ frequency and 584 MHZ frequency. This transmitter is a line-of-site transmitter.
The signal can travel a maximum distance of 300 feet if there is a clear path. It will not be affected by small obstructions like cars passing or pedestrians, but it is not intended to travel through walls.
Qualitative Construction
The WMIC80 was designed to be portable and withstand any abuse you might give it. The durable, thick plastic casing makes it very hard to break. The clips are strong and secure so that it is unlikely you would lose your transmitter, no matter how active or inactive.
The microphone is also durable with a thick, lightweight casing. The connector and cable are well-made, so even a strong yank won’t cause any damage.
Audio Quality
The audio quality is clear and precise and captures all the details in your environment. This can be either good or bad, depending on the purpose. You won’t hear anything if you use the microphone in noisy environments.
If you are in a quiet area, the microphone won’t pick up noises such as the rustling papers or chattering in the background. This is not a problem if you are outdoors and need to isolate sounds such as passing cars.
A sensitive microphone’s main advantage is its ability to be placed anywhere you like noise cancelling microphones. It can be hidden under your shirt or collar and still pick up your voice clearly and easily.
[amazon box=”B079YY42HC” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Cordless recording
- Wireless sound is amazing
- Affordable
Cons
- Transmitter for plastic-feeling
Sony ECMAW4 Wireless Microphone
The Sony ECMAW4 Wireless Microphone, a small wireless lavalier system, is perfect for connecting to Bluetooth devices and digital cameras. The microphone is compact enough to be used by professional videographers who travel frequently.
You can use the Sony ECMAW4 Wireless Microphone with iPads, but you need a separate connector or splitter. This wireless lavalier microphone can be used with standard AAA batteries and is great for recording on the go. If you plan to use the microphone for more than two hours, you will need backup batteries.
The clip included is strong enough to be attached to clothing easily. Although the wireless sound quality isn’t great, it’s comparable to other consumer-level wireless setups.
[amazon box=”B00JWU6WWO” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Compact and small
- Fast pairing
- The clip is versatile and strong
Cons
- Bluetooth cannot be used to connect directly to iOS devices
Comica CVM-WS50(C)
Comica CVM WS50(C) is ideal for vloggers looking to record clear audio while recording with a smartphone. This compact kit contains everything you need, even a wind muff to use outdoors.
The range of the wireless lavalier microphone for smartphones is remarkable. It can pick up background noise, but the intended recording can still be heard clearly.
The Comica CVM WS50(C) overall setup is very simple. iPhone users will have to buy an extra connector. Some oddities are included, such as the need to put your iPhone on airplane mode to eliminate static. This Comica set is solid and inexpensive.
[amazon box=”B078JPPT3N” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- High-quality sound quality
- Long-range
- Rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Static sounds when your smartphone is not in airplane mode
PylePro PDWM3400 Premier Series UHF Microphone System
Pyle is a leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment. Consumers have enjoyed their amplifiers and speaker systems, so we are expecting big things from them microphones.
First Look
We have yet to find a lavalier microphone system that includes two microphones and a dual-channel receiver. The PylePro PDWM3400 Premier Series is our only review. This is extremely useful if multiple presenters or performers want to streamline their setup process.
The headset microphone is not discreet, so this system is best suited for presenters. This system does eliminate many of the issues associated with lapel microphones.
Operating range
Although RF signal is more reliable under challenging conditions, it still has a limited range. These transmitters can reach approximately 50-60 feet in range. A minimum line-of-sight requirement does not restrict you.
You will still receive a steady signal even if you are in another room or behind a wall. Its RF technology and the range of 673 to 975MHZ are responsible for this.
Qualitative Construction
PylePro microphone systems are of great value and feel that way. It is not very sturdy and wouldn’t withstand heavy abuse. This is not an issue for presentation use. You can wear the microphone on your head while the transmitter is on your belt.
This microphone system is not recommended for actors but is perfectly adequate for general presentation.
Audio Quality
The PylePro microphone system has a headset-style microphone that is a big plus. It is so close to your face that they can use a more sensitive microphone. It will not pick up external noises and provide clear and easy-to-understand vocals.
Although the sound reproduction is very accurate, it doesn’t have studio quality. It’s perfect for speech but not singing.
Pyle 2 Channel Wireless Microphone System
Pyle 2 Channel Wireless Microphone System, a reliable lavalier microphone, is simple. The receiver has individual controls and high sensitivity for clear, concise sound quality.
Two headset microphones are included, which can be used in dual-use. You can place the headsets on different channels without interfering. Even taller people can comfortably walk on the long cables connecting the microphone and transmitter.
Pyle 2 Channel Wireless Microphone System can be used with mixers, amplifiers, and PA systems. This is an excelle
[amazon box=”B00DO7AAJW” template=”horizontal”]Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Two headsets included
Cons
- Not suitable for large performances
Samson Go Mic Mobile Lavalier System
Samson also offers great kits if you are looking for a wireless microphone for your Android or iPhone.
Samson Go Mic Mobile Lavalier System comes with all the cables you need to connect to a smartphone or DSLR.
The device uses the 2.4GHz digital spectrum and can work up to 100ft. There is also an optional handheld microphone that you can use.
[amazon box=”B0749WP3M3″ template=”horizontal”]FAQs
What Are Lavalier Microphones Used For?
Clip-on microphones Lavalier are small microphones used for broadcasting and filmmaking.
Are Lavalier Microphones Repairable?
Broken connectors are the most common problem with a nonworking lavalier microphone. It is possible to replace connectors fairly easily. If this fails to resolve the problem, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer to find out if they offer a warranty for the entire system.
Conclusion
Rezence hopes that you found the article about the best lavalier microphone useful. A lavalier microphone is a great choice for recording sound quality on a documentary, narrative, or other project.
You can see that not all lavalier microphones are the most expensive. There are many lav mics available for different purposes. This guide should help you decide on which one to purchase. For more on the topic of micro, be sure to check out: best wireless micro article. Thank you for your reading!