Have you ever tried holding up a giant microphone while doing a tutorial video or shooting skateboard tricks? Awkward, right? That’s why using the best Lavalier microphone for vlogging is a game-changer!
The Lavalier mics are also super sneaky, as good as invisible on a camera, so your viewers focus on you, not the gear. Plus, they capture every bit of you, whether dancing, teaching, cooking or just showing off your skills.
What Makes Lavalier Microphone Best for Vlogging?
Lavalier microphones, or lapel mics, are handy, little clip-on devices that capture sound at better audio quality. It can be easily hidden under the clothes from view, thus making it the popular equipment used by vloggers and other creators.
Let me highlight the basic features of a good Lav Mic:
- Hands-Free Operation: Perfect for Interviews, Tutorials, or activities.
- Professional Sound Quality: It eliminates the background noise and produces a clear and natural sound.
- Easy to Carry and Setup: Great for vlogging.
- Omnidirectional Pickup Pattern: This pattern captures audio from all directions equally, ensuring clear reception of your voice even when you’re moving or adjusting your position.
Ready to level up your vlog sound? Let’s find your perfect Lav mic!
1. The Rode SmartLav+ Smartphone Lavalier Microphone
Among the several choices for vloggers, Rode SmartLav+ is as simple as it is durable and professional. With its versatility and dependability, this microphone will be a worthy add-on for beginners and professional vloggers.
Key Features:
- Broadcast level Audio Quality: The omnidirectional condenser capsule delivers a natural sound, clear and smooth by picking up sound evenly from all directions.
- Durable Kevlar Reinforced Cable: Prevents potential cable snaps and thus long-lasting performance.
- Compact and Lightweight: Only 6 grams in weight, it is just perfect for long recording sessions.
- Smartphone (TRRS) Compatibility: Works with mobile phones and Camera.
- Extended Frequency Range: Captures from bass tones to high notes (20Hz – 20kHz).
Specifications:
- Frequency: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Cable Length: 1.2m
- Connector: TRRS (for smartphones)
- Weight: 6g
- Output Connection: TRRS
- Power Requirements: Powered by mobile phone TRRS output. On DSLR cameras, using a TRRS to TRS adapter (SC3)
- Polar Pattern: Omni-directional
- Dynamic Range: 83dB
Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy to carry.
- Delivers exceptional sound for its price.
- Durable design, built for frequent use.
Cons:
- The adapter is required to work with a DSLR camera (TRRS to TRS – SC3).
- It will catch some noise from the background in loud areas.
Why Is It Best for Vlogging?
The Rode SmartLav+ delivers a truly professional audio experience, making it one of the best Lavalier microphones for vlogging. It’s ideal for indoor, and outdoor events (with moderate background noise).
2. Shure MVL Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
The Shure MVL Lavalier Microphone is an omnidirectional microphone that delivers a clear sound with an excellent noise reduction feature. Its sleek design and rugged construction make it reliable for all vloggers who want highly professional quality audio.
Key Features:
- Omnidirectional Pickup Pattern: Picks up sound equally well from all directions and gives clear audio recording even if the mic is not perfectly aligned with the sound source.
- Noise Rejection: Reduces background noise, making it the perfect choice for busy outdoor environments.
- Wide Compatibility: Easily compatible with a smartphone, laptop, and audio recorder by attaching it with the 3.5mm TRRS connector.
- High SPL Handling: Mic can handle audio levels exceeding 124dB, allowing for distortion-free recordings in a very noisy environment.
- Durable Build: Its durable design makes it extremely tough and prevents most of the generic wear and tear that you get from travelling.
Specifications:
- Frequency range: 45Hz – 20kHz
- Max SPL: 124dB
- Connector: 3.5mm TRRS
- Weight: 8g
- Compatible devices: Tablet, Headphone, Smartphone
- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
Pros:
- Excellent clarity for speech recording.
- Super lightweight and travel-friendly.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Short cable length isn’t that great for vlogging, especially if you’re moving around a lot.
- DSLR cameras need adapters (TRRS to TRS).
Why Is It Best for Vlogging?
The Shure MVL Lavalier Microphone is perfect for vloggers who often record dialogues, tutorials or interviews, as it is all about clarity. Its Sleek and unobtrusive designs mean, it would look entirely professional on the screen.
3. Sennheiser XSW-D Wireless Lavalier Microphone
The Sennheiser XSW-D Wireless Lavalier Microphone is a premium option for serious creators. Its Wireless feature and crystal-clear sound quality make it an excellent choice for outdoor vlogging.
Key Features:
- Wireless Freedom: The 2.4 GHz frequency guarantees seamless audio.
- Plug-and-Play: Simple set-up with automatic pairing.
- Long Battery Life: It can record for up to 5 hours straight from a single charge.
- Compact Transmitter and Receiver: Both components are lightweight and easy to hide from the view.
- Universal: Works with DSLR cameras, smartphones (with adapters), and audio recorders.
- Great Range: Can transmit audio signals up to 75 metres in a clear line of sight.
Specifications:
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 18kHz
- Range: Up to 75m
- Battery Life: 5 hours
- Weight: 365g (combined transmitter and receiver)
- Charging time: Approx. 3 hours
- Latency: < 4 ms.
- Audio output: maximum 12 dBu
Pros:
- Freedom of movement for dynamic vlogs.
- High-quality sound with no drops.
- Compact and travel-friendly.
Cons:
- High pricing, mainly for use by professionals.
- Needs charging before extended use.
Why Is It Best for Vlogging?
The Sennheiser XSW-D Wireless Lavalier Microphone has made its mark as the perfect entry into vlogging for the person looking for a truly professional and wireless solution. Whether you go out and make some action-packed travel vlogs or tutorials, this microphone consistently gives you high-quality sound.
How to Use a Lavalier Microphone for Vlogging Effectively?
Using a Lavalier microphone sounds simple, but a little thing can change massively in your audio quality. Proper setup, pre-recording checks and avoiding the most common mistakes will surely help you to get the most out of your mic.
The following are my basic guides to help you use your Lavalier mic effectively:
Placement:
- 15-20 cm lower than your chin.
- Attach it near your collar for optimum voice capture.
- Ensure that the lavalier does not touch jewellery or clothing edges.
Pre-Recording Checks:
- Do a short sound test before going to the main recording.
- Briefly monitor audio levels with headphones.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using The Lav Mic:
- Never bury the mic in clothing rustles which can make a noise as they rub against each other.
- Do not put the mic close to your lips.
- Do not start without checking your audio levels.
Why Audio Matters as Much as Video in Vlogging?
Most people can overlook a few mistakes in videos, but if the sound is bad, they’re likely to click away right away. Good audio makes your content feel professional and simplifies the editing process.
Which One Should I Buy?
Your first step into the world of vlogging would involve investing in high-quality Lavalier microphones for truly professional and eye-catching content. These microphones are suitable for all types of users, from the most budget-friendly to professional ones.
Choose the best Lavalier microphone for vlogging that suits your style, and start producing content that sounds as good as it looks. For me, the Sennheiser XSW-D Wireless Lav Mic was the best option at the time, when I was making running videos and needed the wireless option.
Your audience and your vlogs deserve nothing less than the best.
If you’re considering a wider range of options, be sure to check out my guide to the Best External Mic for Vlogging.
Happy vlogging!
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