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Also called lapel mics, lavalier microphones are commonly used in film and television to record dialogue.
They are a very small device that you can clip on and hide underneath your collar and that allows you to record completely hands-free.
Lavalier microphones are also used with smartphones, cameras, pc, and sometimes even action cameras.
They make an awesome choice for any kind of dialogue recordings from podcasting, youtube videos to film and television.
Once they are properly clipped on a collar you can fully focus on the content you are recording without worrying about holding or positioning them in the right direction.
You can either get a wired or wireless lav mic.
Obviously, each one of them has some good and not so good features and they can also differ from price ranges which can sometimes seem confusing.
So how do you choose a lavalier microphone?
In this article, we will take you through our 6 best affordable lavalier mic list.
Of course, there are many more and you are welcome to purchase the option that suits you best.
We have shortlisted or clip-on microphones by budget and by a wired/ wireless configuration to give you a sneak peek into the best options on the market if you’re on a budget.
Let’s start!
Best Wired Lavalier microphones
Before we go into detail there’s one specific thing you need to know about this lapel mic and that is, it has a 3.5 mm TRRS connection for smartphones or tablets.
That means the microphone would need to be connected to one of these devices and draw power from there, no batteries would be needed.
You’ll also need a recording app on your phone if you’re using Android.
If you intend to connect your lavalier microphone to a camera you should get a TRRS to TRS adapter in order to make it work.
This wired lavalier microphone it’s a great option that offers good quality for a fair price and has a very low noise level and a fine dynamic range.
It also has a response range from 45 Hz to 20kHz and comes with a clip, carrying pouch, and a windscreen.
Video review:
Microphone features:
1/8″ (3.5 mm) TRRS connector plugs into any mobile phone or tablet with a headset microphone input jack
Sleek, miniature housing for discreet appearance onscreen
Best-in-class in signal-to-noise ratio, headroom and maximum SPL
Proven Shure RF/GSM interference protection blocks errant noise artifacts due to external interference
Quality design and construction, built to Shure technology and durability standards
As well as Shure MvL, the Rode Smartlab + would need a TRRS to TRS adapter if used with a camera.
The Rode Smartlab+ is an omnidirectional condenser microphone that offers you an extraordinary full-range response.
It also means that this mic will pick up sound from any angle.
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.
This mic is very user friendly and allows users to access a range of EQ settings that will suit you for different recording situations.
This Rode mic works with a recording app specifically designed for iPhone Rode Rec but also works with any recording app in Android.
Video review:
Microphone features
The smartlav+ is a broadcast-grade wearable microphone designed for use in a wide range of film, television and broadcast scenarios.
With the smartlav+ the user simply mounts the microphone on the talent, connects it to a smartphone or tablet headset jack and records.
By employing a professional quality omni-directional condenser capsule the smartlav+ picks up sound equally from all around the microphone.
A foam pop shield is supplied to minimize wind noise and vocal plosives (hard ‘b’, ‘t’, and ‘p’ sounds), as well as a durable mounting clip with in-built cable management.
The smartlav+ is compatible with any audio app that accepts input from the headset connection.
Discrete 4.5mm miniature microphone
Another great omnidirectional condenser lavalier mic engineered to get the best accuracy in your voice and dialogue recordings.
The Audio- Technica ATR3350xiS will pick up sound from any angle and it’s equipped with dual mono.
Although this mic was also designed for “smartphone use” it will work with a DSLR using the TRRS to TRS adapter mentioned previously.
It has a very nice vintage discreet style, a very long life LR44 battery, and a foam windscreen that will allow you to use your microphone outdoors and not worry about unwanted background noise.
It also includes a headphone adapter, windscreen, clothing clip, and a 3.55 output.
Video review:
Microphone features:
Newscaster-style miniature mic is perfect for video use. In-line battery pack with On/Off switch provides convenient control
Dual-mono 3. 5 mm (1/8″) output Plug connects to a video camera, DSLR, or handheld audio recorder’s stereo 3. 5 mm (1/8″) input, to record audio on both left and right channels
Omnidirectional pickup pattern offers full coverage
Includes mic/headphone adapter for use with tablets, computers, and smartphones that accommodate a 3. 5 mm (1/8″) headset connection
Clothing clip, LR44 battery, foam windscreen included
Best Wireless Lavalier microphones
If you’re not a big fan of cables the Rode Wireless Go is your best lap mic option.
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.
It is also an omnidirectional mic which means you will get audio pick up from any angle.
This microphone comes with a compact pouch for easy carrying and a 3.5 mm TRS input so you can use any of your wired mics as well and 2 furry windshields.
It is very user friendly and comes with 3 adjustable gain settings and USB-C ports that will let you charge both transmitters and receivers at the same time as well as provide you with firmware updates.
Video review:
Microphone features:
Complete all-in-one Broadcast grade wireless microphone system and belt-pack
Up to 7 hours battery life from full charge
Uses new Series III 2.4GHz Digital transmission
Built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone, supports external microphones
Up to 70M range (line-of-sight)
Incredibly compact and lightweight
Proudly Made in Australia, with 2 Year
This is definitely the best lavalier microphone kit designed for indie filmmakers.
It is super easy to set up and use and would work with any DSLR camera.
This microphone delivers great high-quality audio and allows you to do so hands-free.
The kit comprises a transmitter that can be clipped on clothing, a receiver that connects to your camera via an included cable, and a lavalier microphone.
Your audio will work across 100 meters from your camera and it has the advantage of using a greater range and AA batteries instead of USB power.
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.
Video review:
Microphone features:
Series II, 2.4GHz digital transmission
128-bit encryption
Up to 100 meters range
OLED display (on receiver).Receiver (RX-CAM):111mm X 65mm X 52mm,Transmitter (TX-BELT):111mm X 65mm X 40mm,Lavalier:12.00mmH x 4.50mmW x 4.50mmD
1 x RØDE Lavalier Microphone 1 x RØDE RX-CAM Camera-Mounted Wireless Receiver 1 x RØDE TX-BELT Belt pack Wireless Transmitter 1 x Captive TRS cable
The Saramonic Dual Wireless Lavalier Microphone Bundle is a low-cost wireless mic solution that will work perfectly if you plan to shoot with a DSLR camera.
It comes with 2 transmitters, 2 receivers with lavalier mics, and an audio mixer for DSLR cameras.
The Saramonic Wireless Bundle is a great value option at around $300 for the basic kit.
Its equipment is very solidly built and comprises AA batteries and a quite easy to set up the system.
The cables are a bit long so make sure you hide them away properly so that they don’t get into your shot.
You will be able to control your audio levels from the receiver and they will be displayed on a 0 to 20 scale as opposed to the standardized scale in dB.
Video review:
Microphone features:
The Saramonic UWMIC9 Wireless Lavalier System features two wireless transmitters and one receiver made of metal fuselage.
The RF power output can be switched between high, medium and low settings. Two omni-directional lavalier microphones are included with a windscreen to reduce wind noise. A dedicated headphone jack is handy for audio monitoring, ensuring accurately adjust levels for optimum audio quality.
With 2 groups (A and B) and 96 selectable channels in the 514-596 MHz UHF frequency range, the working distance is up to 330-feet in open areas or 200-feet with obstacles.
The lattice LCD displays for input accuracy. A 1/8” BMP-type mic input on each transmitter for attaching lavalier microphones.
Lapel clips for attaching them to clothes. The receiver has a shoe adapter for quick mounting to a DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
Lapel mic buyer’s guide
What is a lavalier microphone and how do they work?
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.
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.
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.
What to look for when you’re buying a lavalier microphone
First of all, you will need to settle on a budget and decide whether a wired or wireless microphone is best for you.
After you’ve done that it’s just a matter to check the features you will usually take into account when purchasing any microphone.
Those being:
Frequency response and sensitivity
Length of the cord to allow flexibility
Kit providing accessories like pouches, windshields, and clips
Audio quality
Minijacks to attach to a device
Conclusion
A lavalier microphone should be included in your kit if you want to film and have good quality audio.
Lavalier microphones are an indispensable part of films, theater performances, and television appearances.
They make an awesome choice for any kind of dialogue recordings from podcasting, youtube videos to film and television.
They are definitely better if the only option to capture the audio you have is your camera.
And they are also the best option if you are wanting a low-cost wireless solution.
Shotgun mics are great and provide a better quality however, they are more expensive and won’t do a good job if you are planning for your actors to move around a lot and you want to take long shots and still record their dialogue.
That said you should have both when filming a project, otherwise you’ll miss the chance of having different audio settings covered.
For more information about the sound and microphones available out there, check the following articles:
“Kit for filmmakers on a budget”
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