TOP-5 lavalier microphones for high-quality sound recording

BOYA BY-M1 Price from 410 up to 1 101 ₴ →

The lapel from the Chinese company Boya is a cheaper alternative version of the microphone Audio-Technica ATR3350 Price from 1 810 up to 2 264 ₴. Both devices are similar both externally and in characteristics.

The delivery set includes a microphone and a separate power unit, located on a 6-metre wire, as well as a number of additional accessories (clip-fixer for clothes, foam nozzle for wind protection and a miniJack-Jack adapter). The power unit has a place for an LR44 battery, which provides power to the microphone on cameras that do not support power supply through a standard connector. But for some reason there was no place for the remaining battery charge indicator, so before starting recording, you need to double-check whether the battery is working each time.

The technical characteristics of the lavalier microphone make it a strong representative of the low-cost segment. The device recognizes sounds in the range of 65-18000 Hz and has a high sensitivity level of -30 dB, which allows you to hear faint sounds better. In terms of sound quality, the microphone also does not graze the rear and produces decent audio tracks with a good level of noise reduction.

The main plus of the buttonhole is its price. For a minimum of money, you will get a solid "workhorse" that provides a quality result. The model is appreciated both among novice video bloggers and among fans of filming unpacking goods, replenishing the base of video hosting with their videos.

Audio-Technica ATR3350 Price from 1 810 up to 2 264 ₴ →

Although the name of the Audio-Technika brand is similar to ours, its history originates in Japan.

The wired lavalier with the model index ATR3350 has a condenser microphone type, which provides uniform sound transmission over the entire operating range. The microphone recognizes sounds at frequencies from 50 Hz to 18 kHz with a sensitivity of -54 dB. These figures indicate a wide coverage of the frequency spectrum and a good level of sensitivity. The device can be placed on clothing using a removable clip-lock, without directing it to the sound source due to the omnidirectional signal reception from the broadcast source.

The lavalier wire boasts a 6-metre length, which is enough for most shooting scenarios. The scope of delivery also includes a windscreen cap, which reliably protects the microphone head from extraneous noise during gusts of wind. When recording indoors and outdoors, the sound is clear and legible.

The sound amplifier is powered by a single tablet battery, the charge of which is enough for a long time. The only disappointing thing is that there are no indicators on its body, which makes it impossible to understand whether the buttonhole is on, and it is also impossible to track the remaining battery charge. In addition, many owners note the flimsy design of the clip-lock.

Among the compact recording equipment available, the Audio-Technica ATR3350 lavalier looks like a very “tasty” option. It can be safely used in tandem with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to record high-quality audio for video sequences.

It is important to know. Condenser-type microphones have strict requirements for air humidity, ambient temperature and mechanical stress. Therefore, it is recommended to use them to record sound outdoors in dry sunny weather, being careful when transporting.

Rode SmartLav+ Price from 1 999 up to 4 662 ₴ →

A miniature lavalier microphone from the Australian company Rode was designed specifically for use in tandem with Apple smartphones. But with Android technology, he also does not mind working.

The microphone is connected to mobile gadgets via a miniJack connector, i.e. directly into the headphone port. For devices running iOs, there is a special application with which the smartphone turns into a full-fledged recorder with a wide variety of presets to satisfy all user requests in any recording conditions. With Android-based gadgets, the microphone is provided by third-party applications, the selection of which falls on the shoulders of the owner. A list of devices tested for compatibility can be found on the official website of the manufacturer.

The model with the “+” index differs from its predecessor in increased sensitivity (-35 dB) and a lower level of microphone self-noise (27 dBA). The frequency range of perception of sounds has also changed slightly, ranging from 60 Hz to 18 kHz. Petlichka writes sound tracks of excellent quality, cutting off unnecessary noise and effectively fighting the wind. For the latter, a removable foam nozzle is provided in the delivery set.

Perhaps the only drawback of the buttonhole is associated with a short length of its wire - only 1.1 m. But given the orientation of the device for mobile phones, this length should be enough for any use case. As a bonus, the construction of the wire includes elements of Kevlar to give it very strong strength.

Thanks to the miniature size of the lavalier microphone, you can always take it with you to record high-quality podcasts or voice notes without the need to purchase separate recording equipment.

BOYA BY-WM5

The Boya BY-WM5 radio system with a lavalier microphone for sound recording works via a wireless connection, which provides high-quality signal transmission over a long distance.

The system consists of a fixed waist-mount transmitter and a hot-shoe-mounted on-camera receiver. Its main advantage is the presence of an additional earpiece for the transmitting side and a headset for the operator, which allows for two-way communication over a long distance. In simple words, the operator has the opportunity to give remote commands regarding the behavior in the frame and the quality of filming in general.

The claimed range of the Boya BY-WM5 is 50 m. In reality, this figure can be safely doubled - in the line of sight, the sound is transmitted over a distance of more than 100 m and worsens only if you stand with your back to the receiving side.

The signal-to-noise characteristic once again confirms the high quality of the microphone - a value of 76 dB indicates excellent sound purity and a professional orientation of the device. Only pumps up the maximum ceiling of the frequency range, which stopped at around 14,000 Hz. But this is completely uncritical.

The quality of communication between the receiver and the transmitter is quite sensitive to batteries, which are 2 AAA batteries. On a single charge, the batteries can provide 3-4 hours of continuous recording.

The radio system will be an excellent acquisition for reviewers of various devices, as well as auto and motorcycle equipment. In terms of "price-quality of sound recording" it is one of the most attractive options with wireless communication on board.

Azden WLX-PRO Price from 2 600 up to 2 965 ₴ →

Azden WLX-PRO is a two-channel wireless system that has a lavalier microphone in its arsenal for recording sound from a distance.

High-quality sound transmission from the transmitter to the receiver is provided at a distance of 75 m between them (in the line of sight). In the presence of obstacles, the range is somewhat reduced. For more confident signal reception, the receiving unit is equipped with a retractable antenna. In addition, on its body there is a channel switch "F1 / F2", which allows you to select one of two reception frequencies - 169.445 MHz and 170.245 MHz, respectively.

For ease of use, the microphone is attached to clothing with a clip. The receiving unit can be mounted both on the operator's belt and on the hot shoe of a DSLR or camcorder. To control the quality of the recorded sound, the receiver has a separate headphone jack.

In the process, the brainchild of Azden shows itself in the best way - the sound tracks it records are distinguished by excellent purity and minimal distortion. But when recording directly near high-voltage power lines, some interference may occur - the owners of the radio system indicate this feature in product reviews. In the case of the negative influence of other interference, it is often enough to switch the communication channel.

Both blocks do not require "phantom" power from external sources, as they take energy from 9-volt "PP3" batteries. Also, they will not weigh down the operator and reporter-interviewer with excess weight - the transmitter with a battery weighs 190 g, and the receiver weighs only 128 g.