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Lavalier microphones are the perfect solution to record sound infiltrate into a cinematic or tv scene without being noticed.
They are small, discreet, and hand-free microphones that can easily be hidden in your actor’s body and stay out of sight.
When filming, shotgun microphones are often used in the background and above your subject’s heads. They have a great pick-up range and low background noise making it easier for the operator to focus on the high-quality sound captured.
However, if your actor or speaker is meant to be moving a lot during a scene with dialogue or you plan on taking long shots in your film, you’ll need a lavalier mic in order to capture sound.
If you have an operator holding a boom pole and running around in one of these situations it is very likely that a shotgun mic will get into the frame and that’s the last thing you want.
That said getting proper clear sound in the film is not quite as easy as it might seem.
When it comes to setting up a lavalier microphone you need to do it properly, otherwise, the rustling between the clothes and the mic could create interferences and your audio could be severely ruined.
If you have never used a lavalier microphone and are wondering how to hide them away, do not fear.
In this article, I will teach you all there is to know about them and will give you some tricks for hiding lav mics on your subjects.
What are lavalier microphones?
Audio is super important in the world of filmmaking and yet people focus on learning more about the visuals.
Lavalier microphones are an indispensable part of films, theater performances, and television appearances.
Also referred to as lapel, clip-on, or collar mics these are compact vocal microphones that can be attached to a person’s body or piece of clothing.
When filming or in television studios it is almost impossible to get a proper and clear dialogue recording without one of these. The second option would be having someone in the background holding a shotgun mic, which needs an operator, and it’s very difficult to hide due to its size and the boom pole holding it.
This is obviously impossible when you want to have freedom in the frames and shots you take and if you have someone moving around on a stage.
That’s why for every one of these situations, either you are wanting to take dialogue for a film while to take a long shot, you want to record a TED talk monologue or record a TV journalist speaking on the news a lavalier microphone will be the device in use.
How does a lavalier microphone work?
This is how a lavalier microphone works:
A personal radio frequency transmitter transmits the sound signal from a transmitter to a receiver, which doesn’t have to be connected to the transmitter.
These transmitters are small and can be clipped on or hidden behind your back since they are very lightweight.
In the receiver, a sound mixer would control and adjust audio feeds.
How do you use lavalier microphones?
The first step is super simple, you need to mount the microphone on your subject.
There are wired and wireless options but both share the same rule.
Your clip-on mic needs to be close to their mouths in order to pick up sound properly.
However, if it’s too close the mic will be visible and your sound won’t be as pristine as it could be.
Not sure where to hide your lapel mic?
Not to worry, there are several tricks to hide your lavalier microphone.
You’ll find the 8 perfect spots below.
Hiding your lavalier microphone
Shirt or blouse
There are several spots where you could hide your clip-on mic if your subject is wearing a shirt or blouse.
The most popular place is in the collar of the shirt. You can use some tape to secure the microphone and avoid rustling.
Depending on the shape of the clothes worn, you can also hide the mic in your speaker’s collarbone.
Hair
Another clever option to hide your lavalier mic is to use hair to cover them.
This option could easily work if the person you mic has thick bangs or a lot of hair.
Because the mic will literally be sticked into your actor’s forehead it will be in a sweet spot to catch and record audio.
Although it might not always work and your subject could be a bit uncomfortable it’s a creative way with an easy sound pick up.
Buttons
Buttons work really well in making a mic disappear.
Find the spot in which both sides of the shirt meet and clip it there.
Make sure you pin it properly so it doesn’t fall out or rub itself against the clothes while recording.
Here’s a video guide:
Accessories
Any accessory worn by your subject could work to your advantage.
Necktie knots are the wonderful disguise for a lav mic.
Others include scarfs, bow ties, helmets, and big necklaces.
Any accessory near the head or neck will work perfectly for this purpose.
Just remember it needs to be secured and clipped on properly.
Chest and Ears
Another way to hide your lavalier mic is to stick it on your subject’s chest or behind and at the top of one of their ears.
Use first aid tape to attach the mic to the sternum.
Get a moleskin in order to create a small separation between the shirt and the microphone, otherwise, you’ll get some unwanted noise and rustle.
Lav’s cable
Beware your lavalier cable. Your mic could not work without it but sometimes it can be very annoying and get in the way.
Secure your cable and tape it down as much as you need.
You can always put a loop in your cable and hold it with some tape to prevent friction and vibrations.
The solution to most of your problems: Tape, tape, tape!
Vapon topstick is the preferred option for professional sound operators.
It is also a pain free adhesive that will save some unwanted hair removal.
A deadcat or windshield could also be super helpful in order to avoid scratches and rustles.
Last but not least Moleskin will help you separate the space between your costume and the microphone if you decide to stick it to your subject’s chest.
Pros and Cons of lavalier mics
If used for the right situations and you have proper lav mics that record good audio, there are more pros than cons to be mentioned.
You would purchase a lavalier mic when wanting to take a voice recording from close and have a hands free microphone.
These are the main pros:
-Portable: if your speaking is going to move around a stage or scene, you need a microphone that can follow them everywhere and not lose its quality or signal, a lapel mic was designed for this exact reason.
-Discreet: their design is very small, lightweight, and discreet, which makes it an easy option to attach or hide in your speaker’s body.
-Hands-free: once the mic is attached there is very little you need to do in order to maintain its operation. You just need to monitor the sound outcome from your receiver. No holding is required.
That said there are some CONS you should keep in mind:
-Quality: the sound quality in lavalier microphones can sometimes be lower than other different types of microphones.
-Clothing: your speaker’s clothing could be a challenge if you don’t position your mic properly. The rustle between the clothes and mic will produce unclear audio and interferences in the signal.
-Power: you’ll need to change and recharge batteries so in order to avoid disruptions make sure you always have extra ones prepared.
Best wired lavalier mic
The Rode Smartlab+ is an omnidirectional condenser microphone that offers you an extraordinary full-range response.
Built with great engineering and quality this lavalier mic truly deserves to be considered one of the best due to its professional signal resolution and sound that will serve any film, tv, podcasting, or broadcast studio.
Best wireless lavalier microphone
This is definitely the best lavalier microphone kit designed for indie filmmakers.
IT delivers great high-quality audio and allows you to do so hands-free.
One of these wireless lavalier mics would usually cost $200, and you can get this RodeLink Filmmaker kit for around $300 so it’s a good investment if you still want to remain on a budget.
Best value wireless lavalier microphone
Classified as one of the smallest, most versatile compact microphones in the world, the Rode Wireless Go works on a unit of transmitter and receiver and is set up for DSRL’s or audio recorders.
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