Since someone first thought of hanging a microphone like a pendant on a necklace in the 1930s, lavalier mics have become a mic locker mainstay. The gradual improvements in making them smaller and better reveal their significant benefits in concealability, mobility, and hands-free use. They work well with wireless transmitters and come in various color options.
If you ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for help choosing between a lavalier or a headworn mic, then they’ll most likely suggest a headworn model. It’s a solid choice. The signal is more consistent because the wearer’s head cannot turn toward or away from the mic when looking down, up, or side to side. The mic’s proximity to the source provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio, allowing its omnidirectional capsule to capture a realistic sound while reducing potential background bleed and the feedback issues associated with lavaliers.
While conventional wisdom is reaching for a headworn mic first, several situations are better suited for lavaliers. Lavaliers are easily concealed in the hairline, under a tie or light clothing, in a prop, or even behind eyeglass frames. Omnidirectional lavaliers can cover more than one person, like a groom and bride saying their vows. Lavaliers are easily sharable between team members without adjusting headset or earset frames. Also, the wide selection of clips and hardware available make a lavalier a prime go-to for miking instruments like violins, horns, flutes, or guitars or instruments requiring a level of mobility that a handheld microphone cannot provide.
To decide between the many lavalier and headworn options, consider sound quality, durability, cost, versatility, and personal preference. Here are the most popular options earning consistently high ratings from Sweetwater customers and staff.
Note: Most lavalier and headworn mics come with various connector types. Whichever mic you select, make sure its connector is compatible with your wireless unit or that a suitable adapter cable is available. Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will be glad to help you select the right one.
A Closer Look at Headworn Mics
The super-discreet Countryman E6 omnidirectional earset microphone uses a light, springy, single-ear frame that won’t interfere with your hair, headphones, or hat. The pickup pattern and 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range capture a natural-sounding vocal tone with lower self-noise, making it an excellent, comfortable option for singing and speaking.
The Acacia Audio LIZ Pro headworn microphone for Shure wireless systems has a single-ear frame and a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range for natural sound in an affordable package. You’ll like its ease of use and clear sound.
If you need dual-earset security, then consider the adjustable Countryman H6 omnidirectional headset microphone. It’s the lowest profile headset mic in the world; its tiny capsule keeps sight lines clean, and it comes with a sweat-resistant connector. The 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range will capture a vocal’s full tone.
Consider the award-winning, dual-ear-framed DPA 6066 CORE omnidirectional subminiature headset microphone for Shure wireless systems for demanding high-noise stages. It is hermetically sealed for intense water resistance, captures a full 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, and will endure a rock-solid 144dB sound pressure level.
For animated performers, consider the rugged, moisture-resistant Shure SM31FH fitness headset microphone. The 45Hz to 20kHz frequency range reduces the low end to help fight feedback. Its hydrophobic, moisture-repellant capabilities also make it a prime consideration for humid environments. Plus, it handles an impressive 145dB of sound pressure.
For an economical alternative, take a look at the Behringer BD440 headworn cardioid microphone. Its dual-ear frame has an adjustable boom length, and the microphone boasts a warm, balanced tone. The 80Hz to 16kHz frequency range helps reduce feedback issues.
When Lavalier Mics Are the Right Choice
The popular, highly rated Shure WL185 lavalier microphone has a cardioid polar pattern for improved ambient noise rejection and a versatile 50Hz to 17kHz frequency response. The clip can rotate in 90-degree intervals for placement flexibility.
The Audio-Technica PRO 70 is a vocal and instrument microphone with a miniature cardioid polar pattern with a narrower 100Hz to 14kHz frequency response that acts like a built-in lowpass and highpass filter. It features a low-frequency roll-off switch for additional room noise reduction and includes a clothing clip and adjustable acoustic guitar instrument clip.
The Audio-Technica AT831cWlavalier microphone has a cardioid polar pattern with a full 40Hz to 18kHz frequency response and a hefty maximum sound pressure level of 141dB. Sweetwater customers like its combination of warm tone and reduced background noise.
For smartphone, tablet, or computer recording and streaming, consider the RODE Lavalier GO professional wearable microphone. This 20Hz to 20kHz omnidirectional condenser comes with a pop shield, mounting clip, and Kevlar-reinforced cable. Sweetwater customers like its clear vocal sound.
For theater and broadcast applications, look to the Sennheiser MKE 2-EW Gold lavalier microphone. With a maximum sound pressure level of 142dB and a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, this concealable subminiature omnidirectional microphone is also moisture resistant. It comes with two end caps to tailor the high-frequency response.
The economical Shure CVL-TQG lavalier microphone boasts a cardioid polar pattern with a frequency range of 50Hz to 20kHz, plus a maximum sound pressure level of 139dB. Sweetwater customers like its clarity and low self-noise of 22dB.
Where Do You Go from Here?
Many factors influence microphone selection. How much low end can you roll off to avoid feedback issues without losing important frequency content? Is an omnidirectional or cardioid polar pattern most appropriate for your specific application? How important are features like moisture resistance, frame type, and concealability? For professional advice to clarify your options, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700, and let them help you choose the best lapel or headworn microphone.