Key takeaways

• Lavalier microphones are small, clip-on mics that attach to your clothing, so you can record your voice without holding a microphone
• They’re great for interviews, filming, and content creation, especially when you need to move around
• Most lavalier mics pick up sound in all directions, helping your voice stay clear even when you move around
• Where you place your mic is important. Keep it around 8–10 inches below your mouth, away from rustling clothes or jewellery, and always do a quick sound check
• Wired mics are simple to set up, while wireless models give you more freedom to move without cables getting in the way

What is a lavalier microphone?

A lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel mic or a lav mic, is a small clip-on microphone designed for hands-free mic applications, best suited to television, content creation, and other studio applications where handheld microphones aren’t suitable.  

The term “lavalier” comes from “lavaliere”, which refers to pendants worn around the neck, as when lav mics were invented in the 1930s, they were worn — you guessed it — around the neck.

Now, the lavalier mic is typically worn as a clip-on device, attached to a shirt collar or buttonhole for a lightweight, hands-free mic option. 

What are they used for?

Lavalier microphones are mainly used in broadcasting and content creation where a standard microphone gets in the way of the action. Due to their small size, they’re discreet for on-camera use without the bulk of a headset or handheld mic.  

They can be attached almost anywhere, so you can position them depending on your needs. Just be sure to avoid any rustling fabric or jewellery, which can cause extra noise, or your sound editor won’t be happy.   

Whether you’re filming a vlog or hosting an interview, a lavalier mic is a great option for when you need to use your hands and have your voice heard. 

How does a lavalier mic work?

Like other mics, a lavalier works by converting sound waves that hit a diaphragm into an electrical signal.

The angle at which the mic picks up sound waves depends on its polar pattern. For example, an omnidirectional polar pattern is sensitive to all angles and picks up sound uniformly around the mic; a cardioid pattern picks up sound from the front, decreases in sensitivity around the sides, and picks up nothing from the rear; and a super-cardioid rejects side sources, picks up more from the front, and a tiny bit from the back.

The polar pattern you choose will be decided by the situation you’ll use the mic in. While most lavaliers are omnidirectional for high-movement activities, tight environments, or when you’re near speakers, a cardioid or super-cardioid pattern may be the better option to avoid interference and background intrusion. 

Most lavaliers are condenser microphones, which produce a detailed, highly sensitive sound. You will need a power source, such as a bodypack transmitter, phantom power adaptor, or inline battery packs to keep the lavalier powered. These can be easily found on our website.

Our top tips for using a lavalier microphone

Clip to clothing that doesn’t make much noise

There’s nothing worse than only hearing the actor’s necklace jingling rather than their actual speech. Make sure to position the mic on quiet fabric to avoid masking the speaker’s voice.  

Conceal your cable

If you’re using a wired lapel mic, make sure to hide the cable behind a shirt collar or inside your clothes to maintain a professional, clean look.

Consider the location of the mic

Always ensure the mic is clipped somewhere you can hear the user. This will vary from person to person, depending on speaking volume, but roughly 8-10″ from the mouth is a good starting point. 

Sound check, sound check, sound check

Speaking of microphone distance, always check the sound quality before operation. Don’t go in blind hoping the speaker can be heard; you should sound check each actor to perfect levels and mic placements.  

How to choose the right lavalier microphone for you

If you want a neat setup with minimal cables getting in the way, as well as a more hands-off approach, a wireless lapel mic is your best bet. Just make sure to choose the right frequency band for your area and that all components are charged before use. 

A wired lavalier is still a great option to avoid dropouts or any potential feedback issues from wireless sources. It just depends on your priorities and how you wish to use your mic.  

As always, consider your budget. You may want to splurge on the highest quality, upscale mic for your setup, but you can also get plenty of high-quality mics which won’t break the bank.  

Finally, know where you’ll be using the lavalier. Some are better suited to indoor spaces if they have more sensitive responses, while others may be better for outdoor use if they have less background pickup.  

Our lavalier microphone recommendations

With so many lapel mics on the market these days, it can be tricky to find the right one for your set-up. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite options on the market today for you to choose from. 

1. Sennheiser ME2 Lapel Microphone 

The Sennheiser ME2 Lapel Microphone is a versatile, unobtrusive clip-on lavalier. It has an omnidirectional pickup and high speech intelligibility, ideal for both vocal and instrumental use in a variety of applications. Thanks to its included minijack connector, it can also be connected to bodypack transmitters for wireless operation.  

2. Rode Wireless ME Compact Wireless Microphone System 

Perhaps one of the most recognisable lavalier mics around today, the Rode Wireless ME Compact Wireless Microphone System is a cutting-edge wireless microphone that provides great versatility with its wireless design and USB-C connection. This makes it ideal for content creation and on-the-go use, specially constructed with video cameras in mind.  

If you want a recognisable wireless microphone for easy content creation and short-form content, the Rode Wireless ME is your best bet.  

3. SubZero Lavalier Condenser Microphone – Universally Compatible 

If you want an even more versatile and affordable option, go for the SubZero Lavalier Condenser Microphone.

While being one of the most affordable lapel mics out there, it also comes with adaptors suited to Shure, Sennheiser, AKG, and minijack applications, making this almost universally usable and saving you from needing to look around for additional adaptors.  

4. Shure SM11 Dynamic Lavalier Microphone with XLR Connector 

If you want to avoid needing phantom power, the Shure SM11 Dynamic Lavalier Microphone with XLR Connector is one of the few dynamic lavalier mics on the market. Just plug in using the XLR connection and get performing without worrying about additional power connections and charging.  

5. Shure GLXD14+/93 Digital Wireless Lavalier System 

The Shure GLXD14+/93 Digital Wireless Lavalier System is a digital wireless system which works in most parts of Europe license-free and comes with a rechargeable battery, saving you from needing to look for an additional battery or worry about any license requirements.  

Not always hands-free

In most cases, lavalier mics are designed exclusively for hands-free and clip-on use only. However, you might have noticed a growing trend of content creators either holding the lapel mics or clipping them onto handheld objects, defeating the purpose of them being hands-free!

While you can argue there may be an aspect of inexperience with these mics, oftentimes it’s a deliberate choice to add spontaneity, a unique prop, or a more down-to-earth, less professional look. It has created a lot of discourse online, though. Also, as most lavaliers can plug directly into a phone or tablet, it’s often the easiest option for a cheaper setup that requires less equipment to get started.  

Feel free to use your lavalier mic the traditional clip-on way or try playing around with uncommon attachments for a bit of whimsy.  

FAQs

What’s the point of a lavalier microphone?

The point of a lavalier mic is to capture clear, hands-free audio for situations where freedom of movement is important.  

What is the difference between a lavalier mic and a normal mic?

The difference between a lavalier mic and a “normal” mic is its smaller size, placement, and intended use. Lavalier microphones clip onto clothing for hands-free recording, while conventional microphones are typically handheld or mounted on stands. 

What’s the disadvantage of a lavalier microphone?

The main disadvantage of a lavalier microphone is its sensitivity to clothing rustle and unwanted noise, and its battery limitations, especially with wireless models requiring charging.   

Final thoughts

If you’re in the market for a discreet, hands-free microphone, a lavalier mic might be perfect. With its easy clip-on capabilities and the various wireless or wired options, you have plenty to choose from.  

Just consider exactly how you want to use the mic, your budget, and whether you prefer a wired or wireless setup.