Record your voice from a lapel attachment for better quality using an itty-bitty mic.
One of the problems with hand-held microphones is that they have to be held. The subject has one hand available while the other is holding the mic. The mic might pick up handling sounds, which could ruin your video. One solution is the lavalier.
You’ve probably seen lavalier microphones on TV. These are itty-bitty thumb-sized microphones that are typically attached to a lapel, tie, or blouse. (The older versions used in the 60s were hung from a necklace.) Available both wired and wireless, they are designed to pick up the human voice clearly and with almost no ambient noise.
A wireless Lavelier consists of three pieces: The microphone itself, a transmitter (which the microphone plugs in to), and a receiver (which plugs into the camera). You can buy the components separately or together as a kit.
Three important questions:
• Is it waterproof? If you’re doing location shooting in rain, you don’t want to risk shock or water damage.
• Wired or wireless? As with handhelds, wired lavaliers are less expensive, but wireless allows for more freedom of movement.
• Does it pick up handling noise? While lavaliers are not hand-held, if you shift position or adjust your clothes, most will pick up some ruffling sounds, and it could be loud! Some models offer limited protection against such handling noise, but you may need to train your subject to sit or stand still and not rustle their fabric.
Three lavalier microphones to consider:
If you want to buy all the pieces at once, a good example is the Azden 111 Lavalier Microphone System. With a range of more than 300 feet, the system includes volume control, a removable antenna, and a body-pack transmitter.
The Audio-Technica AT831CW is a cardioid microphone that can be used to mic voices or musical instruments. You’ll need to buy a transmitter and receiver separately.
If you prefer a wired Lalvelier, consider the inexpensive Nady LM-14U Unidirectional Lavalier, which has a mini-locking plug. (If your camera has a standard audio input outlet, you can buy a mini-to-standard adapter).
What if you don’t want the mic in the shot at all? Come back tomorrow and find out how you can do this and still get good sound!
