When filming talent there are a few different mics options for a production company to use on set. You may see a boom mic or a shotgun mic on set at your shoot but what about the trusty old Lapel Mic?
We’ve had a few clients and collaborators push back or question the Lapel mic and if they’re still valid these days but we still love them. The Lapel mic or technically known as the Lavalier mic is exceptional for capturing audio with talent. To run a lav mic, we use a wired Lav mic that connects to a small wireless transmitter. The transmitters are super small and either clip on the inside or back of clothing, or we hide them in you pocket.
Other mic types tend to gather more sound than intended on a shoot. Some are very broad or highly directional – meaning that we’re also sometimes capturing a conversation outside or audio from the whole room. Lapel or Lav mics are very well designed and if used correctly, gather the presenter or talent’s voice only.
In 2025 we are still in favour of using the Lav mic for capturing the audio from talent on a shoot. Some key considerations are;
- To clip the lav mic in a close proximity to the talent’s mouth
- Ensure that other clothing layers aren’t able to move or rub on the mic during the shoot.
- Route the cable from the mic well.
- Find a comfortable and out of site location for the transmitter.
But if looking to really level up the usage of a Lav mic, we’re going to suggest a broadcast loop. This neat trick is ideal for the aesthetic of a lapel or lav mic, it looks pro and it helps with the cable routing.
Here are the steps to creating a Broadcast Loop;
- With the microphone attached to the clip, the cable should be hanging straight down.
- Loop the cable up and around the mic in a ‘J’ shape then attach it to the clip side of the Lav mic.
- Adjust and tidy up the loop and slack of the cable in the clip’s teeth until you’re happy with the look.
- Now clip your lav mic onto the talent.
- Neatly route the mic’s cable down the back side of the clothing. Note that because of the Broadcast Loop, the cable is automatically on the back side of the clothing and already out of site.
Gaffer tape can be used to help hold the mic cable and won’t damage clothing.