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Selection and Use of Lavalier
Microphones
Rigging lavaliers: Outside the Clothing
written by Fred Ginsburg, C.A.S.
In many situations, it is permissible for the microphone to be
visible in the shot.
Needless to say, this simplifies the process of rigging the little
devils quite a bit!
To begin with, you should be familiar with the proper technique of
using a tie bar type mounting clip.
Secure the mic capsule (head) in the clip as one would expect. Then,
loop the mic cable around in a "J" so that it circles upward and
re-enters the tie clip.
The cable should pass freely through the closed end side of the clip
where it hinges (the side farthest away from the jaws). With the tie
bar in place on the clothing, continue the mic cable up and around
so that it completes a circle behind the clothing.
Bring the cable back down (still behind the clothing) and
secure it inside of the spring jaws of the clip.
The action of the metal clip will serve to eliminate
conductive cable noise from being transmitted to the mic
capsule. It will also strain relief the mic from any tugging
or pulling on the cable.
The remainder of the lavalier's mic cable should be
hidden behind talent's clothing.
Although it is acceptable for the microphone itself to be
visible to the audience, there is never an excuse to see a
sloppy cable!
The thin cable of the lavalier terminates at some sort of
XLR connector/power supply.
This supply should be hidden either in a pants pocket,
waistband, or at the ankle.
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"Ipod DJ Package
#1" |
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Never encourage talent to drag this XLR connector around; you
risk great damage to the frail cable and electronic connections.
Instead, always secure the connector end to talent, and simply plug
a standard XLR mic cable into it.
At the end of a take, simply unplug the heavy mic cable from talent
and they are free to roam the set without risk to your lavalier mic.
I have found that a heavy duty rubber band with a safety pin
works well to secure the power supply inside of a waistband if there
are no convenient pockets to use.
A heavy sock (or at least the ankle portion of one) works well at
the ankle; as also does an ACE bandage or a salvaged ankle holster.
Even a strip of gaffers tape works well, but remember to line the
ankle with cloth or toilet tissue first.
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"PA Package #1" |
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Velcro straps are fine on males, but will destroy fine
hosiery and stockings.
Clip-on lavaliers are often attached to the center chest
opening of a shirt/blouse or to the necktie. They can also
be attached to the lapel of a sports jacket.
If attaching to a lapel, make sure that you attach to the
side most likely for talent to turn towards. (Towards the
interviewer, towards the projection screen, etc.)
Although the lavalier is visible to the camera, it does not
have to be conspicuous.
Remember that in a wide shot, the lavalier is very tiny on
screen. In a close-up, the lavalier will be framed out of
the shot.
Just a little judicious camouflage will make the lavalier
all but invisible. Cover the visible portions of the mic and
clip with small strips of white camera tape. Color the tape
with magic markers to match the color and pattern of
wardrobe. |
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