You have probably seen lavalier microphones used for television, theater, and public speaking applications. They are also commonly used in film production, although you will not be able to see them when used in this application as they are typically hidden in costumes.
We recorded in many different places – sometimes at the seaside and sometimes at altitudes in excess of 5,000 meters. The mics [4060s] coped with atmospheric pressure changes and extreme changes in temperature and humidity.
Hans Andia, Composer and musicican
These lapel mics are very versatile; placement and mounting depends on which application the mic is being used for. In theater applications, lavs are often concealed in the performer's hair, forehead or even in their clothing. In television and public speaking applications, the lavalier will typically be clipped to the subject's clothing, usually on the tie, jacket or collar. As mentioned above, lavalier microphones are very common in film applications, where they are hidden under clothing.
To attach these bodyworn mics to the talent, a wide variety of small clips are available to mount the mics on collars, ties or other clothing. There are also accessories that allow these mics to be hidden in button holes, underneath clothing and in the hair.
4060 Series Omni Miniature Lavalier Mics
This series of five miniature lapel mics is extremely varied in relation to their sensitivity and thus their flexibility to adapt to various sound pressure levels (SPL). Due to their high focus on speech intelligibility, they can be used to capture clear audio for broadcasters, TV studios, news anchors, theaters, film and more.
Depending on the maximum SPL the specific mics can accept, some of the mics in the series can make ideal instrument close-miking solutions, even extremely loud instruments such as drums and brass. The 4062 can handle extremely high SPL’s and is very often seen in recordings of engine sound, where they are placed in the engine compartment and externally near the exhaust pipes. These lavalier microphones withstand the most rigorous use with world known live broadcast car races as well as being used in famous movie scenes.
The 4061 is often chosen by theaters for placement on the forehead or in the hair line, whereas the 4060 is the right choice to use as a clip mic for broadcasting purposes and public speaking applications.
4160 Series Slim Omni Lavalier Mics
Two mics that are sonically on par with the classic 4060 Series but made in a smaller, flatter and more unobtrusive package. The range of applications is as wide as with the original 4060s. When used with the detachable Button-Hole Mount or Concealer, it becomes completely invisible. These mics are perfect for your film assignment or for any other situation where you need a completely hidden microphone.
4660 Series Heavy Duty Omni Lavalier Mics
These lapel mics are sonically identical to the 4060 Series but more robust. The range of applications is as wide as with the original 4060s but they are specifically made for situations where you require maximum security and where the visual size of the mic is less important. The Heavy Duty series is often used in rough outdoor environments where the all-metal housing and the thicker cable comes to its right.
4080 Cardioid Lavalier Microphone
In some challenging acoustic environments a directional lavalier microphone, placed on the chest of the talent is the best choice. Well suited for broadcast, conference and other live performances in the studio or in the field. This mic is optimized for placement on the speaker’s chest, which improves speech intelligibility. The type is often used where a very high gain before feedback is required (i.e in a speaker-amplified studio or the like). It is also a better choice than an omnidirectional microphone mounted on the chest if many people are speaking, for example, during a panel discussion. In this case, the “bleed” from one microphone to the next is minimal. It also minimizes comb filter effect often occuringin panel discussion set-ups.
Lavalier Microphone Kits
These kits give you exactly what you need so that you can easily use Miniature Microphones on your specific assignment. They contain a range of relevant accessories, nestled in a handy box so you can easily keep track of things. We have kits for use in film production, instrument close miking, ENG/EFP applications and stereo miking.