Do you want to get great results when miking someone for broadcast or film? Who wouldn't?Here is some sure fire advice for getting the best results when recording your subject with lapel mics. Discussed are some of the problems associated with lapel mics and some ways to solve them. Ready?
Wardrobe:
To make it easier for placement the talent will do better wearing a buttoned shirt. With a button-down shirt you'll do best by placing the lapel mic between the top two buttons. Despite its name it's best not to place it on your collar or lapel. The mic should be about 8" from the mouth. If your subject is wearing a t-shirt wrap the mic cable behind their neck and bring it under the t-shirt. Fasten the mic underneath so the mic still points upward. When wearing a t-shirt the mic tends to want to point downward, so check and make sure that it's fastened in such a way as to ensure that it's upright.
Diplomacy:
Discretion and diplomacy are, needless to say, very important. The subject is probably used to being somewhat harshly handled in placing the mic. Let your talent put on their own microphone. Request them to thread the cable comfortably and stabilize it as they wish. After the the person has positioned it, casually ask him/her if it's OK to adjust it yourself to make final
tweaks.
Wind Noise:
When it is windy outside you will want to make sure that the mic has a wind sock or foam filter. Even if there's no wind it's prudent to have it just in case the wind kicks up. Even a light breeze can ruin a perfectly done broadcast. It will also protect somewhat from the ambient noise that these mics are prone to picking up. Even if you don't have one or want to go to the expense of buying a filter, one can always fashion one - utilizing a bit of foam and affixing it with a rubber band in order to secure it.
Also concerning the wind screen, if you have somebody that can stand by and hold a large
piece of foam core blocking the direction of the wind source, the assistant can act as a screen to prevent the wind from registering.
Headphones:
Always listen with a pair of headphones. With a mixer this will be very easily a done by wiring it to the headphone input. When it comes to hearing what the mic is really capturing headphones are essential,whether it's distortion or wind noises.
Although these tips are not comprehensive for the lapel mic user, they provide some extra information for becoming a better and more successful shooter.
Howard Fine has achieved a preferred place in the world of broadcasting and video. Through his knowledge, these tips can lead one to better standards of recording with lavalier mics, from the novice to the professional.
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