In Summary
- Lavalier microphones or lav mics are miniature microphones used for recording audio hands-free.
- They come in different types and configurations and are available at various price points.
- Following is a guide to help you find the best lav mic for live streaming, recording interviews/podcasting, or carrying out any other professional audio broadcasting.
Lavalier microphones or lav mics are small microphones used for recording audio hands-free. Also referred to as lapel mics, these miniature microphones are clippable and commonly worn on lapels, collars, or ties.
When stacked against boom microphones, which are popular among professionals, lav mics come out on top as more versatile, owing to factors like compact size, portability, and ease of use.
If you’re a content creator planning to buy a microphone to record audio for videos, podcasts, etc., a lav mic is an excellent choice. And through this guide, we help you find the perfect lavalier microphone that fits your requirements.
Table of Contents
Types of Lavalier Microphones
Lavalier microphones come in two types: wired lavalier mics and wireless lavalier mics, each with its own set advantages and disadvantages.
A wired lav mic is the most preferred choice of a lavalier microphone. It offers good audio quality and is also economical. On the other hand, a wireless lav mic is more portable (and easy to move around with) and carries a higher price tag. Plus, compared to its wired equivalent, a wireless lav mic produces slightly inferior audio.
Similarly, lavalier microphones also offer two transducer options: condenser and dynamic. A condenser microphone is highly sensitive, and therefore, is a better choice in quiet surroundings, wherein you don’t want it to pick up background sounds. In contrast, a dynamic microphone isn’t as sensitive, making it an ideal choice for recording audio in settings where you don’t mind picking up audio in the background.
Best Lavalier Microphones
So depending on what your requirements are — and the setting in which you plan to use the mic — you can pick the lavalier microphone type accordingly and find the right one from the list below. We present to you a wide range of lapel mics both in terms of features and budget.
1. Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Rode is a leading audio accessory maker best known for its microphones, audio interfaces, and consoles, and the SmartLav+ is its latest offering in terms of a lavalier microphone.
It’s made out of a reinforced Kevlar cable to offer strength and prevent it from stretching or snapping in day-to-day use. Setting it up is also pretty straightforward: you simply need to mount the mic using the built-in clip on the subject, plug it into a smartphone or tablet via the (TRRS) headset jack, and open the RODE Rec app to start recording the audio.
Rode employs an omnidirectional condenser microphone on the SmartLav+, which allows it to pick up sound from all angles and makes it a perfect companion for use in a host of broadcast scenarios.
Highlights
- 4.5mm size
- Kevlar reinforced cable
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- RODE Rec companion app
- TRRS output
- 60Hz-18kHz frequency range
- Includes clothing clip, carrying pouch, and foam pop shield
Price: $80
Buy from Amazon (US) | Buy from Amazon (India)
2. Audio-Technica ATR3350xiS Omni Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica is yet another popular audio-accessory maker. It offers a few different options for lav microphones, with the ATR3350xiS being its most popular offering.
The microphone equips an omnidirectional microphone, which can pick up audio from all directions, and a dual-mono 2.5mm output plug that can connect to a video camera, DSLR, or any other audio recorder and record audio on both left and right channels. Not just that, it also comes bundled with a mic/headphone adapter to help you use it with your mobile device.
In terms of other features, the Audio-Technica ATR3350xiS has an in-line battery pack with a switch for quick on/off functionality.
Highlights
- Newscaster-style miniature microphone
- Dual-mono output plug
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern
- Features in-line in/off switch
- Includes mic/headphone adapter, foam windscreen, clothing clip, and LR44 battery
Price: $39
Buy from Amazon (US)
3. MAONO AU-100 Clip-on Lapel Mic
MAONO’s AU-100 is one of the more budget-friendly lapel microphones out there. Its unique selling feature is the 7-layer noise reduction, which reduces the effect of echoes, wind noise, and other noises to make it a perfect mic for use in live streams and interviews.
Functionality-wise, the AU-100 is a battery-powered microphone and has an omnidirectional capture pattern. It terminates with a 3.5mm plug that lets you use it with any smartphone and camera to record audio.
Moreover, if you use a mixer or some other professional audio equipment, the company also bundles a 6.35mm adapter with the mic to facilitate quick extension.
Highlights
- 7-layer noise reduction
- Omnidirectional capture pattern
- 16kHz-20kHz sensitivity range
- Includes 6.5mm adapter, batteries, window muff, metal clip, and carrying pouch
Price: $19.29
Buy from Amazon (US) | Buy from Amazon (India)
4. Boya BY-M1 Lavalier Microphone
When talking about budget-friendly microphones, the Boya BY-M1 comes out on top as the most preferred lavalier mic of choice for most audio professionals. This is because it’s one of the few affordable lavalier mics that cost low but offer pretty good functionality without compromising on the essentials.
With the M1, you get a condenser microphone that offers 360-degree omnidirectional pickIn addition, it. It comes with a 3.5mm 4-pin gold plug, which comes in handy when you want to record audio from your smartphone or camera. And, you also get a toggle switch over the battery compartment for quick on/off functionality.
Much like some of the other lapel mics, the Boya M1 also bundles a 6.35mm jack for use with devices that require the same, which makes it a versatile option.
Highlights
- Omnidirectional condenser mic
- 4-pole gold plug
- On/off switch
- Includes lapel clip, foam windscreen, 6.5mm adapter, and LR44 battery
Price: $14.95
Buy from Amazon (US) | Buy from Amazon (India)
5. Shure MVL Lavalier Microphone
Much like Rode, Shure is another major audio accessory player in the market, and the MVL Lavalier microphone sits as its direct competition to the Rode SmartLav+. It features a very sleek form factor, which gives it a discreet appearance onscreen, and it appears to be made of good quality material.
The Shure MVL uses a 3.5mm TRRS connector, which makes it ideal for use with multiple devices, including mobile phones. And, it also offers a companion app called Shure Plus MOTIV (only for iOS) to help you capture audio and share the same with others.
Besides, Shure also offers a clip mount to put on the mic and a windscreen to prevent the mic from picking unwanted noises in the background.
Highlights
- Omnidirectional pattern
- TRRS connector
- ShurePlus MOTIV companion app
- RF/GSM interference protection
- Includes tie clip, windscreen, and carrying pouch
Price: $69
Buy from Amazon (US) | Buy from Amazon (India)
6. Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone
Purple Panda Lavalier is yet another pocket-friendly microphone that ensures you get all the essential features at a relatively affordable price point. Packaged as a whole, the microphone comes as a kit that includes a mini-USB adapter, extension cord, windscreen, and a TRS adapter.
In terms of functionality, the Purple Panda has an omnidirectional microphone with a metal capsule, and it terminates into a 3.5mm audio jack, which makes it compatible with pretty much most portable devices, including smartphones and cameras.
Not just that, though, but you can also use the Purple Panda Lavalier microphone to record audio from GoPro and Zoom portable recorders.
Highlights
- Discreet design
- Omnidirectional lav mic
- Extra-long cord
- Extensive device compatibility list
- Includes extension cord, mini-USB adapter, TRS adapter, and fuzzy windscreen
Price: $29.99
Buy from Amazon (US)
7. Sony ECM77B Electret Condenser Lavalier Microphone
The Sony ECM77B Electret condenser lavalier microphone is a standard microphone option in the audio industry known for its natural and accurate sound quality. It’s one of the tinier mics with a discreet and lightweight design.
One standout feature of the ECM77B is that it comes with an XLR connector, which allows it to be used with mixers and other professional audio equipment. Similarly, you can also use it either via power on power or via AA batteries.
Lastly, talking about functionality, the Sony ECM77B Electret incorporates a condenser mic and has an omnidirectional capture pattern, which makes it ideal for use in a professional audio recording setting.
Highlights
- Discreet and lightweight design
- Omnidirectional condenser mic
- XLR connector
- Natural sound quality
- Operates on both phantom power and battery
Price: $89
Buy from Amazon (US)
8. Sennheiser Pro Audio ME 2-II Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Well-known for its headphone lineup, Sennheiser is another major audio brand with a few different lavalier microphone options. The Pro Audio ME 2-II is one of these microphones touted for its high-speech intelligibility and natural audio quality.
Build-wise, the Sennheiser Pro Audio ME 2 is quite sturdy and minimal and uses a durable cable. In addition, it incorporates an electret condenser and has an omnidirectional polar pattern, which allows it to capture audio from all directions.
One of the interesting features of the Sennheiser ME 2-II mic is that it packs in a mini-jack, which lets you use it with transmitters from the likes of AVX, SpeechLine Digital Wireless, and XS Wireless.
Highlights
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern
- Electret condenser mic
- Natural audio experience
- Uses mini-jack
- Includes metal windscreen and clothing clip
Price: $129.95
Buy from Amazon (US) | Buy from Amazon (India)
9. Sennheiser Pro Audio (XSW 2-ME2-A)
Sennheiser also offers a wireless lavalier microphone system, which is ideal for people who prefer a more portable solution for both indoor and outdoor use cases. It’s called Sennheiser Pro Audio, and it has an easy-to-use and set up process.
The microphone has an omnidirectional polar pattern, which allows it to pick up audio in all directions. Coming from Sennheiser, you can expect a high-quality sound experience and great clarity with the Pro Audio, not to mention the ability to tune out audio using the 12 different supported channels to suit your requirement.
Battery life is claimed to be around 15 hours for the Sennheiser Pro Audio, which is sufficient for uses cases like interviews and even live stage performances.
Highlights
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Easy setup
- UHF frequencies (with up to 12 channels)
- Includes rackmount kit
Price: $399
Buy from Amazon (US)
10. Movo WMIC80 Expandable Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Wireless lav mics come at a significantly higher price point than their wired counterparts because of the added electronics. However, Movo comes in as a brand that changes this notion: it offers one of the most affordable (yet fully capable) lavalier wireless microphones without much compromise.
Called Movo WMIC80, the mic lets you record audio from your DSLR, camcorder, or even a portable recorder. It has two groups of UHF frequencies with 48 selectable channels, which makes it ideal for a gamut of use case scenarios.
It captures audio in an omnidirectional pattern and offers a 300-foot range. Being a budget offering, though, the quality of material used on the transmitter and receiver feels plasticky and subpar, which is a compromise one has to make at this price.
Highlights
- Omnidirectional mic
- 48 selectable channels
- 300-foot range
- Includes shoe mount and XLR and 3.5mm cables
Price: 99.95
Buy from Amazon (US)
Choosing the Right Lavalier Microphone
Picking the right microphone type and choosing the right lavalier microphone within that subset is an essential step before you start your audio production/broadcasting journey.
While the lav mics we’ve mentioned in this list cater to different needs and budgets and work well for live streams, recording interviews/podcasting, or carrying out any other professional audio broadcast, it finally comes down to you who needs to choose a mic that meets your use case and fits the budget.
FAQs About Buying Lapel Microphones
2. Are cheap lavalier mics any good?
Cheap lavalier mics aren’t all bad or all good. While the mileage you get out of them may vary, options like the Boya BY-M1 or the Purple Panda lavalier microphone come as an exception and promise a great deal of value at a relatively low price point without compromising on the essential features.
3. How do I choose a good lavalier mic?
Since lav mics come in different types and at different price points, you must take the following factors into consideration before buying one:
- Budget
- Polar patterns: Omnidirectional (captures audio from all directions) or Cardioid (captures audio in a specific direction)
- Type: Condenser (more sensitive) or Dynamic (less sensitive)
- Connection: Wired (less expensive, offer less mobility) or Wireless (expensive, better mobility, require configuration before using)
- Compatibility: TRRS (tip-ring-ring-sleeve) or TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) plug, and which one of them does your device (on which you’re planning to use your mic) support
4. Best lavalier mic for YouTube?
In our opinion, the Rode SmartLav+ and the Audio-Technica ATR3350xiS are two great lavalier microphones you can use for doing YouTube live streams, recording videos, and giving voice-overs thanks to their excellent background noise reduction.
5. What is the best placement for lavalier mics?
1. The best placement for a lavalier mic is in the "Adam's Apple".
2. We recommend that the mic be placed just below your audio talent's chin, and at a 90-degree angle from their mouth.
3. The microphone should be about one to two inches above the collarbone.
4. For video production, we recommend using a wireless lav mic with an omnidirectional pickup pattern and frequency response of 100-10KHz.
5. This will help your audio talent sound clear and crisp, not muffled.
6. What are the disadvantages of lavalier microphones?
- One major disadvantage of a lavalier microphone is that it does not have the same range as other microphones.
- Also, it attaches to just one place on your body, which limits the range of movement.
- Additionally, they are quite fragile in comparison to other microphone types and prone to easy damage.
7. What is the difference between a shotgun mic and a lavalier mic?
A shotgun mic is a microphone that has an extended length or barrel. Lavalier mics are small, personal microphones that can be worn on the body or clipped to clothing.
A shotgun mic is a microphone with an omnidirectional pickup pattern, meaning that the sound is picked up equally from all directions. Lavalier microphones are usually used to pick up sound from a single direction.