Issue: Lapel mic feedback. Users new to wireless often complain that a system is defective because feedback occurs where none was present before. Part of the problem is that the lapel mics typically used with wireless are not directional and thus provide little feedback protection.

However, the larger problem is usually that the mobility of wireless allows users to walk into zones more likely to cause feedback.

Solution: Use lapel mics with a unidirectional pattern, or use headset mics. Moving the mic closer to the mouth and lowering gain is also helpful. Many users think headset mics are unsightly, but unidirectional mics can suffer from sudden drops in level when wearers turn their heads.

The better solutions are acoustic, either by training users to avoid feedback zones, or by modifying the loudspeaker configuration to put feedback zones out of reach.

Issue: Lapel mic mechanical problems. This is common to lapel mics, in particular because their cables are small, often delicate and typically get considerable abuse.

Even if not damaged outright (i.e., the cable pulled out of the mic connector), lapel mic cables eventually wear out.

Most often this wear occurs first at the connector end, but keep in mind that it can also happen at the capsule end. Usually the cable shield fails first due to constant bending in the area where a cable leaves the connector’s strain relief.

A headworn mic can be an option in some cases, and there are a wide variety of lapel mics to choose from. (Upper photo couresy of Electro-Voice, showing the company’s RE97 headworn mic.

When this happens, clicks, pops, other noise and “lost audio” are experienced. Even before there’s a complete break in the shield, pops and clicks due to RF disturbances can happen.

Therefore, it’s always prudent to check the cables when experiencing lapel mic noise of any type. Breaks at the connector end can usually be repaired (and don’t forget the bypass capacitors), but a break at the capsule end may not be fixable.

Mechanical noise due to lapel mic capsules rubbing on clothing is relatively common and can usually be eliminated by using the right type of mic clip, one that holds the capsule away from the fabric.

It may also be necessary to carefully secure the cable near the mic capsule. Static electricity sometimes creates audio noise, especially with certain types of fabric. Clothing anti-static spray usually solves this problem.

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