A lavalier microphone is a small, discreet omnidirectional microphone designed to be clipped to a person's clothing, typically on the lapel, tie, or shirt front. Its name is derived from the French word “lavallière,” referring to a type of necklace, hinting at its placement near the chest.

The primary advantage of a lavalier is its ability to capture clear, consistent audio hands-free, making it indispensable for television presentations, theatre productions, public speaking, and filmmaking. Being fixed close to the speaker's mouth, it provides a stable audio source that minimizes background noise and avoids the issue of varying audio levels that can occur with handheld or boom mics.

Lavalier mics can be wired, connecting directly to a recorder or sound system, or wireless. Wireless systems transmit the audio signal from a small body-pack transmitter (to which the mic is attached) to a receiver unit. Their small size, however, means they often require careful placement to avoid rustling against clothing, which is frequently mitigated with accessories like windscreens and specialized mounts.

Tag：Microphone