Lavalier microphones have a specially shaped frequency response to compensate for off-axis placement (loss of high frequencies), and sometimes for chest “resonance” (boost of middle frequencies).
The most common polar pattern is omnidirectional, though unidirectional types may be used to control excessive ambient noise or severe feedback problems.
However, unidirectional types have inherently greater sensitivity to breath and handling noise. In particular, the consonants “d”, “t”, and “k” create strong downward breath blasts that can result in severe “popping” of unidirectional lavalier microphones.
Placing the microphone slightly off to the side (but still aimed up at the mouth) can greatly reduce this effect.
Good techniques for lavalier microphone usage include:
• Do observe proper placement and orientation.
• Do use pop filter if needed, especially with unidirectional.
• Don’t breathe on or touch microphone or cable.
• Don’t turn head away from microphone.
• Do mute lavalier when using lectern or altar microphone.
• Do speak in a clear and distinct voice.
(Go to next page for discussion of headworn microphones.)