Microphones are a vital piece of equipment when creating any type of recorded project, but when you watch big feature films, you never seem to see the microphones. This is due in part to the fact that sometimes directors will make use of boom mics, which are held above the speaker and out of the frame of the camera. However, lavalier microphones are also often used when filming because this device is small, discreet and can easily be tucked away and out of sight. Lavalier microphones are perfect for interviews or scenes when the actor is moving around a lot and we still need to hear his or her dialogue. If you’ve never used a lavalier mic before, learn more about these pieces of equipment and how to keep them tucked away from the camera.
What Is a Lavalier Microphone?
A lavalier microphone is a small device that features a clip-on option, making it easy to attach to a speaker's shirt or other article of clothing. Lavalier microphones are typically made with two different pickup patterns—omnidirectional or unidirectional. The type of audio that you are hoping to capture for the scene will determine which of these patterns will better suit your needs. Omnidirectional mics are able to pick up sound from many different directions and are usually used when filming TV shows or hosting concerts. Unidirectional mics are designed to pick up sound in one specific direction. A unidirectional lavalier microphone is probably most beneficial if you’re trying to capture each individual’s dialogue, especially if there is a lot of movement in the scene.
How to Use Lavalier Microphones
Using a lavalier microphone is fairly simple. The first step to using your new mic is mounting it on the speaker. The mounting spot is important as it needs to be somewhat close to the speaker’s mouth in order to pick up the sound, but if you are creating a movie or short film, you probably do not want the mic to be visible. There are plenty of ways to tuck the lavalier mic away and still capture great audio. Lavalier microphones are available in wired and wireless options, but you will also need a receiver to pick up and record the audio. If the wired receiver is attached to the speaker, be careful not to catch the receiver in your shot as well.