Lavalier Microphone- Perfect For Public Speaking

This article discusses The Lavalier microphone and the different types of Lavalier microphones available. I’ll also be taking a look at how a Lavalier microphone operates and discuss how placement of this lapel microphone can effect sound quality and how the sound is transmitted. You’ll learn what types of electronics these microphones are compatible with and what you need to look for when purchasing a quality Lavalier microphone.

Lavalier Microphone-Wireless Microphone System: how they operate:

The Lavalier microphone is commonly referred to as the “lapel” microphone, as it is commonly mounted to a person’s collar or lapel when in use. Measuring as small as ½ an inch to two inches the Lavalier microphone is easy to conceal.  The microphones operate on a low radio frequency in UHF or VHF, via a battery powered radio frequency transmitter that’s hidden in the waistband or pocket of the person using the device.  Low costing models of the Lavalier microphone operate with infrared and need a visible line of sight to the receiver to work, much like your TV remote control, 

Lavalier Microphone image

Lavalier Microphone

 

A proximity Lavalier works best when kept close to the source of the voice and works well on emphasizing said voice while able to minimize background noise. Wearers of the proximity microphone have to be careful of not turning their heads away from the placement of the microphone or the sound will drop off considerably.

A transparent Lavalier works at a greater range. Very sensitive to sound, the transparent Lavalier microphone tends to pick up quite a bit of background noise and is commonly thought of as an omnidirectional microphone.

Another type of lapel microphone is the SONY EMC 44.  The EMC-44 is in the middle in terms of proximity and transparent Lavalier models.  More open sounding than the Lavalier proximity and suppressing background noise better than the transparent it also features the ability of the wearer to turn away from the microphone and be more forgiving in terms of losing sound. 

On movie sets, the most common type of Lavalier microphone used is the lavalier transparent microphones such as the SONY ECM-77. These are concealed on set and great for picking up stage sound.

Some Lavalier models only run on a single channel, causing interference from surrounding appliances or other electronic equipment. Higher priced Lavalier microphones operate on multiple frequencies, giving you more frequencies to choose from in order to avoid interference.

Lavalier Microphone-Wireless Microphone system: Why we need them

Used commonly on movie and theater productions, or during television interviews and talk shows, the Lavalier microphone is also used in the most common of places such as church or during a lecture at your local university, or lecture halls. People commonly use Lavaliers that are compatible with their camcorders for home movies, weddings or for amateur movie productions for sites like YouTube. 

Lavalier Microphone image

Lavalier Microphone

 

Lavalier Microphone-Wireless microphone System: what kind meets your needs?

You can purchase Lavalier microphones from many major electronics lines such as SONY or Sennheiser, online or in stores. When you buy a Lavalier microphone, speak with someone from the sales team that can help you find what type of Lavalier microphone will meet your needs depending on what  you’re intended use of the microphone is. Whether it’s for outside use, or in an enclosed area, for a birthday party of music production, there’s bound to be a specific type of Lavalier microphone that will meet your needs.