Unidirectional lavalier microphones: when you just want to know, look here

What is a unidirectional lavalier microphone?

Unidirectional microphones, as the name implies, are devices that are designed to pick up sound predominantly in one direction relative to the microphone.

A lavalier microphone with a unidirectional polar pattern excels in environments or locations where there is less than complete silence because it predominantly receives sound from one direction or area in a circumference and, by default, not from others.

When worn or pointed in a certain direction to receive sound, whether from the user’s voice or the subject of an interview, for example, such a microphone will pick up about half as much sound from the sides as from the front and less than from the front. a tenth of the sound from the rear.

This gives the speaker greater clarity of message with selective focus and is exactly why they are ideal for capturing human speech and dialogue in many ‘on the go’ situations and environments.

A crowded area with background noise would be one of those situations and scenarios. However, a news broadcast or home video shot without that background noise would also be ideal because it can be worn against the body without the risk of noise from clothing or respiratory interference.

In fact, this is why unidirectional lavalier microphones are a preferred choice for things like hosting live shows, conducting interviews, doing a newsroom broadcast, or shooting video recordings, particularly with mobile devices now.

location counts

Unidirectional lavalier microphones may be the polar pattern of choice or recommendation, but users can still end up compromising sound quality if the device is not positioned correctly. In general, lavalier or clip-on microphones are attached to the speaker’s clothing and ideally 6 to 8 inches from the mouth. Yes, they can be worn around the neck or a V-neck or even a bandana so they don’t show up in video recordings, however this may compromise sound quality if you’re looking for absolute perfection, but can be quite adequate for most situations.

Too close to the sound source and the mic will probably amplify every breath and sound hoarse or annoying or both and too high below the chin you’ll probably lose some consonant ‘s’ and clarity of speech.

Too far, you can lose volume and are more likely to pick up feedback.

If hidden under clothing and out of sight, rustling clothing can also compromise sound quality. Users should also consider the location and security of the cable, as the microphone can pick up any movement. This is easily done with the clips provided or a good compromise is to use soft tape.

Voice and recording settings

A microphone is a tool to amplify your voice, not a substitute for good vocal expression.

It means you have to check your device for the default or required settings that it allows and when everything is set and done: volume, pitch, rhythm, clarity, vocal expression, word emphasis, and ultimately the engagement comes from the speaker, not from the team.

Bring up one last point and that is the use of windshields.

There is no hard and fast rule with using these, except when there is an obvious breeze blowing through the doors. Designed to reduce, cut, or minimize wind interference, using one indoors is a personal preference depending on how a particular subject sounds when speaking into a lavalier microphone.

This is easily verified with a test log before launching. It will sound better with or without one and so will be used accordingly.