Lavalier microphones rental

What is a lavalier microphone?

A lavalier microphone, also called a lapel or clip-on microphone, is a small microphone attached to clothing, usually on the lapel, the collar or just under the chin. The microphone is connected via a thin cable to a small transmitter that the speaker wears on their waistband or in a pocket. That transmitter sends the sound wirelessly to the receiver. The result is that the speaker does not hold the microphone and has their hands completely free.

That is exactly why the lavalier microphone is so popular with speakers. Anyone presenting wants to be able to gesture, click through a presentation, show something or simply move naturally without thinking about a microphone. Because the microphone also sits at a fixed distance from the mouth, the sound level stays constant, even when the speaker turns their head or walks around the room. HuurAV uses lavalier microphones when a speaker wants to come across unobtrusively and freely, and makes sure the placement and settings are right so the voice stays clear.

What do you use a lavalier microphone for?

The lavalier microphone is the first choice for formal presentations and speeches where a single speaker holds the floor for a longer time. At a presentation or conference the speaker wears the microphone for the whole session, so there is no hassle of picking it up and passing it on. The hands stay free for the clicker and gestures, and the speaker comes across calm and professional.

The lavalier microphone is also ideal at a corporate event with a chairperson or host who links the programme together. The host can walk around, welcome people on stage and guide the whole without holding a handheld microphone. At a wedding the master of ceremonies or the registrar often wears one, so the ceremony flows naturally and everyone can follow it all. And for a recording, a presentation on video or a livestream, the lavalier microphone delivers a clean, constant sound that does not intrude on the picture.

Unobtrusive on camera

An important advantage for presentations that are filmed or streamed is that the lavalier microphone is barely noticeable. Where a handheld microphone or headset appears in shot, a lavalier microphone virtually disappears into the clothing. For a tidy appearance on camera that is a plus. We place the microphone so it does not disturb the picture and tuck the cable away neatly.

The technology behind lavalier microphones

The biggest challenge with a lavalier microphone is placement. Because the microphone sits a little further from the mouth than a handheld microphone, a good position on the clothing is crucial. Sit it too low and the voice becomes dull; sit it wrong and it picks up the rustle of clothing or a tie brushing against it. HuurAV determines the best spot per speaker and per outfit, and fixes the microphone so it does not shift and does not pick up clothing noise. We also tuck the cable away neatly.

As with other wireless microphones, frequency coordination is important. Each transmitter gets its own channel, and those channels must not interfere with each other, certainly not in an environment with a lot of wireless traffic. We check the frequencies at the location and make sure there are fresh batteries in the transmitters, with spares ready. We then set the level on the mixer, matched to the speaker’s voice. You can read more about our approach on the page about sound.

When a headset is better

A lavalier microphone picks up sound all around and sits relatively far from the mouth, which makes it more prone to feedback than a directional microphone. In acoustically tricky rooms or at high volumes we therefore sometimes recommend a headset microphone, which sits close to the mouth and gives a more stable, louder signal with less chance of whistling. We weigh that up based on the room and the programme, and discuss in advance what suits best.

Dealing with clothing noise

The most common annoyance with a lavalier microphone is rustle: the sound of clothing brushing past the microphone. It arises when the speaker moves and a scarf, tie or jacket touches the capsule. It is easily prevented with the right attachment and placement. We choose a position on the clothing where there is little movement, fix the microphone firmly with a clip that does not slip and tuck the cable away so it does not pull or tap. With tricky outfits, for example a thin blouse or a dress without a lapel, we look for the best solution together with the speaker. During the test we have the speaker move as they will later, so we notice and fix any rustle before the audience hears anything of it. That way the voice keeps sounding clean and natural, even when the speaker is active.

Setup, testing and operation by HuurAV

At HuurAV a lavalier microphone never comes without good support, because placement is a delicate matter. We discuss in advance how many speakers need a microphone and match the sets to that. On the day itself we place the microphones on the speakers, coordinate the frequencies and test every set for sound, level and battery status. We have speakers speak briefly so we know for sure the voice comes across clearly.

For a simple setup with one speaker you can continue yourself after the test; we set everything up in advance and explain how it works. For several speakers, a tight running order or a livestream we recommend a technician who manages the microphones live and watches the balance per speaker. That way HuurAV handles the advice, the setup, the testing and the operation, while rental without support is possible through SpeakerVerhuur.nl. HuurAV is part of Speaker Verhuur Amsterdam. Request a no-obligation quote.