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Shopping for a Good Lavalier Mic?
I shoot a lot of videos where I’m either (1) inside my office talking or (2) outside talking.
Typically I use my Olympus LS10 PCM recorder’s built in microphone zoomed in on me. However, it’s not ideal. I’d prefer to have a lavalier mic attached my my shirt.
I’m shopping for them here but there’s about a billion of them. Just curious are they all about the same? I’d prefer it has a mini windscreen and or pop filter on top as well.
Which ones have you guys used and what do you recommend? Thanks!!!
PS. Sorry if I’ve posted something that was already there. I’ve been searching forum but haven’t found anything with a direct recommendation.
I’m learning the ropes of online publishing. Mostly as an excuse to play with more cameras.
Here’s several of my latest ventures,
https://www.keystoaz.com
https://www.fitlish.com
https://www.corvettemedic.com -
13 Replies
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Hello Matthew and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.
Lavs by Countryman (EMW and B6), Sanken (COS-11) and Tram (TR50) will serve you well.
Sony ECM 77B, 88B
Audio Techinca: AT AT803B, AT898, AT899 & BP896.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog -
Hey thanks! I’m looking at these here and they seem a bit pricey for what I’m doing.
However, it does raise another question… Are most all lavalier mics omnidirectional? Is there a reason for that?
I’d like to avoid getting a ton of background noise. Partly why I was looking at them. I’m also assuming omnidirectional means it pics up noise in all directions?
I’m learning the ropes of online publishing. Mostly as an excuse to play with more cameras.
Here’s several of my latest ventures,
https://www.keystoaz.com
https://www.fitlish.com
https://www.corvettemedic.com -
I’m not exactly sure whether you are talking about casual recording (verbal notes) or whether you are asking about using this for video production?
While the microphones suggested by Mr. Ford are all well-respected models, remember that your recorder appears to have only 3.5mm mic input jack, so microphones terminated in XLR connectors won’t work.
There are any number of small (and inexpensive) clip-on lav mics that you could use, including one recommended by Olympus for your model…
https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-145045-ME-15-Microphone/dp/B000815CF4/ref=pd_cp_MI_1
Also on Amazon, I saw several similar clip-on lav mics selling for one cent(!) Any microphone designed for plugging into a computer will also work with your recorder (except that typically it will record on the left channel only).
Most lav mics are omnidirectional because they use the principle of PROXIMITY to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The laws of physics prevent making a microphone directional at very low frequencies when the physical size is smaller than the wavelength of the sound wave.
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LOVE the Sanken COS-11D. It’s a splurge but worth every penny. Like having a high definition pro camcorder for voice. 🙂
Noah
Call Box Training.
Featuring the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic AC160/130. -
The DPA 4060 is fast becoming the favored lav mic in the pro community. Combine that with Audio Ltd 2040 wireless and you’ll think you’re in audio heaven.
Eric
“I push the RECORD button and hope for the best”
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I am recording in a studio that is not sound proof so I am looking for a lapel mic that will pick up the LEAST background sounds.
We used a Sony UWP -C1 Wireless kit which worked very well, but I’d prefer a wired mic.
I’ve heard that the Sony ECM 55b (a proximity mic) is good for this. Can anyone recommend anything else? -
Hello Karen,
Cardioid lavs are made, and are more directional than omni lavs, but you have to be a lot kore careful with placement.
The Sony you mention is good, but the SOny 77B and 8B are also good.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog -
Thanks Ty Ford. I was looking at the 77b (I can actually get it cheaper than the 55b and it’s smaller) but I was told it was “transparent” meaning that it picks up more background sound.
I was using the Sony UWP C1 kit and strangely, it was perfect in that it picked up no other noise but the speaker. These are very hard to get now as they have been replaced by the UWP V1 which may not be as good for my purpose. (BTW I live in Australia so the C1 is legal here). -
Hello to Down Under Karen,
“Transparent” may mean something different below the equator. Up here it means “doesn’t interfere with the sound much.”
Most lavs are omni. As such, they hear from all directions and ore high frequencies from whatever teh diaphragm is aimed at, regardless of make, model, gender preference or color.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog -
Ty,
Are you sure that ecm-77 will work with Olympus ls-10 ?
I have an ecm-77 (Output impedance : 150Ω )and an ecm-44 ( impedance : 250Ω) lav both with a TA5F connector . I have a tascam dr-22wl (input impedance 2.5k ohm) and (buying soon) an olympus ls-11 (input impedance 2k ohm) recorder .I was thinking of cutting off the TA5f connector and putting in a 3.5mm connector instead on the lavs to be used with the recorders.
Was just wondering if the signal from the lavs will be loud enough, whether I might face impedance mismatch or if I might face some other problems
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