Lavalier, lav, or lapel mics are really common in the video production and filmmaking industries. They are small, lightweight, easy to use, and allow hands-free operation for the person wearing them. And if the majority of your freelance video production work revolves around interviews or testimonials then you almost undoubtedly use a lavalier microphone. These come in both wired, and wireless varieties. I do a lot of testimonial based videos and some documentary work, and lavs like these great Deity wireless ones are always in my kit. Typically we clip these to a tie, shirt lapel, or collar, and in most of these instances you’ll want the cable hidden so it looks clean and professional. Traditionally this is done by having the talent wind the cable up through their shirt, but in this video I wanted to share a method I’ve been using for years that is really a game changer for instances where the talent has their shirt tucked in, doesn’t have a collar, or has a lighter fabric on. And all you’ll need to do it is one of these little binder clips. So let’s get into it.
Most women’s outfits don’t have collars, and in a lot of cases you might find the fabrics are not as sturdy as they are for men’s clothing. Clipping a mic on can cause the fabric to hang awkwardly or droop inward, neither of which look good for the talent. For scenarios like this you’ll want to clip the mic where you normally would, near the sternum or close to a collar bone.
Disclaimer: Obviously before you touch anyone let them know what you’re doing and ask their permission.
We’ll keep the cord on the inside by gently tucking it under the edge of the collar, have the talent move their hair if needed, and wind it back towards their shoulders. Once you have it back here you’ll just use your clip to keep the cord secured, drape the rest of the cable down their backs, and if it’s wireless have them place the receiver in a place that’s comfortable to them. This works the exact same way with any shirt that might be a little flimsier - including t-shirts.
For shirts with collars or shirts that are tucked in we’ll be using the same method but running the cord underneath the collar around to the back, securing it again with your clip, and letting any excess drape down the back.
With this method you can mic your talent up much quicker, there’s no need for tucking and untucking shirts, it’s super handy for less sturdy fabrics that might awkwardly droop or hang otherwise, and it reduces the amount of handing and jostling around your mics might be subjected to.
Do you have any lav tricks? If so be sure to share them with us below!