Lavalier Mics & AccessoriesSanken COS-11s The COS-11s is the result of a joint engineering effort by Sanken and NHK to design a lavalier microphone to meet today’s highest audio

• Products featured in this catalog •

= Available for rent

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Lavalier Mics& Accessories

AKGAudio-Technica

• Beyerdynamic •• Countryman •

• DPA •Electro-VoiceLectrosonics

• PSC •• Sanken •

• Sennheiser •• Shure •

• Sonotrim •• Sony •

• TRAM •

Chapter 13

Phone: (818) 980-9891 Outside California: (800) 228-4429 Main Fax: (818) 980-9911 Rental Fax: (818) 980-7932

Lavalier Mics & Accessories

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BeyerdynamicMCE-7The MCE-7 is Beyerdynamic’s newest omnidirectionallavalier. It has very little cable noise. Comes complete withmounting clip, and can be wired with a connector to fit yourwireless needs. SBEY0035

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHzImpedance: approx. 2k ς

S/N Ratio: 60 dBMaximum SPL: >120 dB

Countryman (cont.)

CountrymanB6Only one-tenth of an inch (2.5 mm) in diameter, the B6outperforms microphones many times its size. The B6 featuresreplaceable protective caps that can change its color andfrequency response to match your application. Designed tosurvive, it is highly resistant to moisture, makeup and otherhazards found in a production environment.

Frequency response: 30 - 20 kHz ±3 dB (flat cap)Maximum SPL: 118 dB

Isomax B3The B3 is a very small, round omnidirectional electretmicrophone. It has special features that allow it to withstandmoisture and makeup when placed in the hair, on the body,or overnight in your favorite cola beverage. The protectivescreen on the B3 is easily removed for cleaning or replace-ment when clogged with makeup, and its Kevlar reinforcedcable and ultra thin diaphragm results in low handling noise.

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHzSensitivity: -10 dB

Output Impedance: 600 ς balanced,2000 ς unbalanced for wireless use

Maximum SPL: 150 dB (hardwired), 130 dB (wireless)

Isomax EMWThe EMW lavalier microphone is a professional electretcondenser mic which has been optimized for discreetplacement on performing talent in film, broadcast, theatricaland sound reinforcement applications. Its omnidirectionalpolar pattern is very uniform over a wide range of frequenciesand is available with a choice of three different frequencyresponses: “F” Response - flattest possible curve, “S” Res-ponse - provides a smooth 6 dB “shelved-up” curve between2 kHz and 15 kHz, and “P” Response - provides a sharp 12dB “peaked” curve at 12 kHz to preserve sibilance andenhance intelligibility when the mic is hidden under clothing.Available with tinned leads (pigtail) or appropriately termi-nated for your wireless transmitter.

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHzSensitivity: -40 dB

Output Impedance: 600 ς ± balanced,1500 ς unbalanced for wireless use

Maximum SPL: 130 dB

DPA4060, 4061, & 4062The DPA4060 omnidirectional lavalier is the result of years ofacoustical expertise from Danish Pro Audio. It is designed tobe used with wireless systems for television and theaterapplications. It maintains a high level of performance whenexposed to humidity, sweat, and wind. The DPA4060 includestwo different protection grids, depending on where themicrophone is to be placed. If it is placed on the head of theperformer, it will need a 4 dB soft boost at 8 kHz to soundneutral, for chest mounting, it needs an 8 dB soft boost at8 kHz.

DPA4060SB&K0004

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHzSensitivity: 20 mV/Pa +/-3 dB

Maximum SPL: 134 dB

DPA4061SB&K0010

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHzSensitivity: 6 mV/Pa +/-3 dB

Maximum SPL: 144 dB

DPA4062Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Sensitivity: 1 mV/Pa +/-3 dBMaximum SPL: 154 dB

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Lavalier Mics & AccessoriesPSC

SankenCOS-11sThe COS-11s is the result of a joint engineering effort bySanken and NHK to design a lavalier microphone to meettoday’s highest audio standards while satisfying the conceal-ment requirements of high-resolution film and video. Theexclusive vertical diaphragm design is the key to themicrophone’s superior performance. Its PPS (poly-phe-nylene-sulfide) diaphragm provides dramatically higherhumidity and temperature stability, outperforming all othercondenser lavaliers.

A built-in, 3-layer windscreen minimizes pops, sibilance, andwind noise. An additional windscreen is supplied for outdooruse.

There are three versions of the COS-11s available: COS-11sConventional (48 V phantom), COS-11sPT (pigtail), and COS-11sBP (battery powered). All are available in grey, black, andbeige.

Also available is the COS-11sPT-RM (Red Mark) for soundpressure levels up to 134 dB with lower sensitivity - 8 mV/Pa.Other included accessories are the HC-11 holder clip and theRM-11 Rubber Mount. Continued on next page.

MilliMicPSC has designed and built the ultimate production lavalier,the MilliMic. Incorporating the latest in capsule design, theMilliMic boasts miniature size, very high output, a low inherentnoise floor, and exceptional shielding against electromag-netic interference.

The soft, flexible, and non-reflective finish of the MilliMic’scable will also better isolate handling noise and keep theMilliMic unobtrusive on camera. Included in the MilliMic’sattractive storage case are a wide variety of MilliMic mountingaccessories, including the exclusive PSC “Guard Mount”,useful in applications where concealment is mandatory andclothing noise must be negated.

Also available is PSC’s revolutionary MilliMic Power Supply.This power supply is available in a variety of connectorconfigurations, and thanks to its Lithium Power Cell,MilliMic Power Supply will power your MilliMic for up to fiveyears. The MilliMic and MilliMic Power Supply are available inseveral different termination options, the most popular ofwhich are listed here.

Microphone Type: Omni ElectretFrequency Response: 40 Hz to 16 kHz

Self Noise:



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• MKE 102 capsule SSEN0056• MKE 104 capsule SSEN0063• KA100-60 right angle cable for MKE102/104 w/K6 Collar

SSEN0072• KA100-5 right angle cable for MKE102/104 pigtail

SSEN0064A• KA100S-5 straight cable for MKE102/104 pigtail

SSEN0064

MKE 102/MKE 104The MKE 102 omnidirectional capsule is similar in size to thehead of the MKE 2, but offers several significant differences.The capsule head can be detached for use with straight orright angle cables. The MKE 102 is highly immune tomoisture, making it an excellent choice for theater or outdoorproductions. Also, the frequency response of the MKE 102has been optimized for speech pickup with its 4 to 6 dB rise at8 kHz. The MKE 104 is virtually identical to the MKE 102, withone important difference: the MKE 104 is a cardioid micro-phone.

MKE 102 MKE 104Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz 40 Hz to 20 kHzSensitivity: 10m V/Pa ± 2.5 dB 10 mV/Pa ± 2.5 dBMaximum SPL: 130 dB 127 dB

Sennheiser (cont.)

MKE 102/MKE 104 Accessories• NB2 adjustable headset boom SSEN0035• MZW 2-A metal mesh windscreen for MKE 2 SSEN0152A• MZW 2-F foam windscreen for MKE 2 SSEN0152B• MZW 102 metal mesh windscreen for MK 102 SSEN0062• MZW 104 metal mesh windscreen for MK 104 SSEN0063A• MZQ 100 clip for right angle KA- cables SSEN0068• TB-US tie bar clip for MKE 2 SSEN0247• MZQ 2 tie clip for MKE 2 SSEN0052• MZM 2/10 magnetic microphone holder SSEN0061• ZH 100 pin clip for ME 102/104 SSEN0079• MZ 100 accessory kit includes: MZQ2 (black and nickel),

MZQ 100 (black and gray), ZH 100, & case SSEN0152C

Mics & Accessories• COS-11PT SSAN0004• COS-11PT-RM SSAN0003• COS-11BP SSAN0008• HC-11 horizontal clip

SSAN0007• HC-11V vertical clip

SSAN0009• HC-11W double clip

SSAN0011• RM-11 rubber mount

SSAN0011

COS-11s COS-11sPT COS-11sBPFrequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz 20 Hz to 20 kHz 20 Hz to 20 kHzSource Impedance: 17.8 mV/1 Pa 8.9 mV/1 Pa 6.0 mV/1 Pa

-35 dB ± 2 dB -41 dB ± 2 dB -44.5 dB ± 3 dBS/N to IEC 179: >66 dB >66 dB >66 dBMaximum SPL: 127 dB 123 dB 120 dBTotal dynamic range: 99 dB Min. 95 dB Min. 92 dB Min.Power supply: 48±4 V Phantom +3 to +10 V 1.5 V Battery or

12-52 V Phantom

Sanken (cont.)

MKE 2 GoldThe MKE 2 Gold sub-miniature omnidirectional lav isideal for television broadcast and theatrical produc-tions. Its accurate frequency response producesnatural, uncolored sound. A unique UmbrellaDiaphragm™ delivers moisture-resistant perfor-mance with the identical high audio quality of theindustry standard MKE 2 lavalier. Its size makes it notonly unobtrusive and easy to conceal, but alsoaffords a textbook perfect omni directional polarpattern. An extremely thin (0.000014") low massdiaphragm exhibits extraordinary transient response.The mic also comes with two additional sound inletcaps to tailor the high frequency as needed. Color:matte black.

Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20k Hz, ± 3 dBSensitivity (free field, no load) (1 kHz): (1 kHz) 10 mV/Pa ±2.5 dB

Equivalent noise level A-weighted (DIN IEC 651):27 dB CCIR-weighted (CCIR 468-3) 38 dB

Max. SPL (1 kHz): 130 dB (THD = 1 %)

Sennheiser

• MKE 2-5 Gold - pigtail SSEN0045L• MKE 2-60 Gold - w/ K6 collar SSEN0048• MKE 2-P-C Gold - w/ XLR male connector for 48 V

SSEN0212

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SonyECM-44BThe omnidirectional ECM-44B offers a high level of perfor-mance at an affordable price. The unit comes hardwired to itspower supply and operates on a single AA-cell battery.

Also included are a foam windscreen, tie bar, and vinylcarrying case. The mic element comes either in a matteblack (ECM-44B) or satin-nickel (ECM-44S) finish.

• ECM-44B (black) SSON0003• ECM-44BPT (black pigtail) SSON0003B• AD-R44B black urethane windscreen SSON0024• SAD-H44B black horizontal single clip SSON0042• SAD-244B black horizontal double clip SSON0052

Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 15 kHzSensitivity: -53 dBS/N Ratio: >62 dB

Maximum SPL: 122 dB

ECM-55BAn omnidirectional electret that offers two-way poweringusing an internal battery (AA-cell) or external power supply.The ECM-55B also comes with a metal windscreen and twotie bars (single and double). Its larger capsule design affordsit improved performance over the ECM-44B. Available inmatte black (ECM-55B) or satin-nickel finish (ECM-55S).

• ECM-55B black SSON0055• ECM-55BPT black pigtail SSON0055B• AD-C55 colored urethane windscreen• AD-R55B black metal windscreen SSON0005A• SAD-55B black horizontal single clip (also fits ECM-66)

SSON0004• SAD-W55B black horizontal double clip (also fits ECM-66)

SSON0004B

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Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 HzSensitivity: -45 dBV/Pa or -55 dBV/Pa (WL50-Lo)

Maximum SPL: 133 dB at 1% THD/1 k ohm,143 dB at 1% THD/1 k ohm (WL50-Lo)

ShureWL50Shure’s new WL50 lav mic series sets a new standard forminiature mics. Visually unobtrusive, the WL50s are ideal fortheater, television broadcast, video/film, and event production.Designed for applications that require minimal visibilitywithout compromising sound quality, these microphones areavailable individually, as well as with Shure wireless sys-tems. WL50BX (black, pigtail) SSHU0234

ECM-66BThe ECM-66B is a unidirectional lavalier for use in applica-tions where background noise must be kept to a minimumwhile maintaining clear, on-axis pick-up. Like the ECM-55Band ECM-77B, it can be powered from its internal battery oran external power supply. Also included are a foamwindscreen and two tie bars (vertical and horizontal).

• ECM-66B black SSON0069• ECM-66BPT black pigtail SSON0066• AD-C66 volored urethane windscreen SSON0046• AD-R66B black urethane windscreen SSON0046A

Sony (cont.)


Maximum SPL: 126 dBPhantom Power: 48 VDC



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ECM-77BThe ECM-77B is a miniature omnidirectional lavalier similarto the ECM-55B except with extended frequency responseand a smaller element design. It comes supplied with ametal windscreen and two tie bars (single and double). Likethe other ECM Series lavaliers, it is available in matte black(ECM-77B) or satin-nickel finish (ECM-77S).

• ECM-77B black SSON0070• ECM-77BPT black pigtail SSON0071A• AD-C77 colored urethane windscreen SSON0075• AD-R77B black metal windscreen SSON0078• SAD-H77B black tie bar SSON0082• SAD-W77B black double tie bar SSON0081



Sony (cont.)

TR-50The TR-50 is a miniature omnidirectional lavalier. Its flatdesign and assortment of clips facilitates ease of mounting.The mic is available with or without the detachable powersupply for use hardwired with a wireless transmitter, orhardwired to its power supply. The most popular configura-tions are listed below.

• TR-50BML+ black w/ TA5F for Lectrosonics STRA0032B• TR-50BML-XL+ black w/ TA5F for Lectrosonics w/ power

supply STRA0035• TR-50BNCMO black pigtail no accessories STRA0011A• TR-50BNC black pigtail w/ accessories STRA0047

TRAM

SonotrimThe Sonotrim is a high grade positive bias TRAM lavalierwith optimum specifications featuring a 3 dB peak in thedialogue range.

• STR-PS+ hardwire to power supply (positive bias only)SSCH0020

• STR-LV+ w/ 4 pin Lemo for Vega SSCH0019• STR-LV-XL+ w/ 4 pin Lemo for Vega w/ power supply

STRA0048• STR-ML+ w/ TA5F for Lectrosonics (positive bias only)

SSCH0039• STR-ML-XL+ w/ TA5F for Lectrosonics (positive bias only)

w/ power supply SSCH0038• STR-NCMO pigtail no accessories SSCH0004• STR-NC pigtail w/ accessories SSCH0053

Sonotrim

TRAM & Sonotrim Accessories(also available in gray, tan, and white)

• BCOH black clip on holder STRA0006• BCH black cable holder STRA0010• BTB black tie bar STRA0014• BDTB black double tie bar STRA0015• BWS black foam windscreen STRA0008• BTD black tape down STRA0012• BTT black tie tack STRA0007• BBLTD black boundary layer tape down STRA0019• BCR black cable reel STRA0013

Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 16 kHzMaximum SPL: 134 dB

Output Level: -57 dBNominal Impedance: 250 ς

TRAM

Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 16 kHzMaximum SPL: 134 dB

Output Level: -57 dBNominal Impedance: 250 ς

SONOTRIM

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PARTS MATRIX FOR FEATURED LAVALIERS

EMW

B3

4060 Series

MilliMic

NanoMic

COS-11s

MKE-2 Gold

ME 102

ME 104

ECM-44B

ECM-55B

ECM-66B

ECM-77B

WL-50

Tram/Sonotrim*color:B=BlackG=GrayT=TanW=White

Windscreenf=foamm=metal

AXWSB (f)

A3B3WS (f)

DUA0560 (f)

FPSCMMWS(foam Ball)FPSCMMWSC(foam for clip)

FPSCNMWS (f)

WS-11 (m)WSL-11 (m, large)FW-11 (f)

MZW 2-A (m)MZW 2-F (f)

MZW 102 (m)MZW 2-F (f)

MZW 104 (m)MZW 2-F (f)

ADR44B (f)

ADC55C (f) 12 pack,2 x 6 colorsADR55B (m)

ADC66C (f) 12 pack,2 x 6 colorsADR66B (f)

ADC77C (f) 12 pack,2 x 6 colorsADR77B (m)

RPM304 (f, black)RPM306 (f, beige)RPM308 (f, white)

*WS (f)

Tiebar

AEMWCLIPB

DMM0001 - single or doubleDMM0004 - miniature single

FPSCMMTBM -singleFPSCMMTBMD -double

FPSCNMTBM

HC-11sV - verticalHC-11sH - Horizontal

TB-USMZQ 2

MZQ 100 (for RA cable)TB-USMZQ 2

MZQ 100 (for RA cable)TB-USMZQ 2

SADW44B - double

SADH55B - singleSADW55B -double

SADH66B - singleSADW55B - double

SADH77B - singleSADW77B - double

2 swivel clips & dual tieclipsRPM500 (black)RPM502 (beige)RPM504 (white)

*TB -singleBDTB - double

Tie Tack

AEMWTACKB

DMM0005

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

*TT

Vampire/Pin

AEMWVIPER

DMM0002 -double orsingle

FPSCMMVC

N/A

N/A

MZS 2ZH 100

ZH 100

ZH 100

SADS44

SADS55

SADS55

SADS77

N/A

*COH

Other

AEMWMCLIP - magnetic clip

A3B3CAP - replacement capB6MCLIP - magnetic clip

DMM0004 - magnetic mountCLV-1 - cleavage mount

FPSCMMGM - guard mountFPSCMMCM - cable mount

FPSCNMTDM - tape down

RM - 11 - rubber mountPIN - 11Ss - safety pin

MZM2/10 - magnetic mount

KA 100 - RA cableKA 100S - straight cableMZM2/10 - magnetic mount

KA 100 - RA cableKA 100S - straight cableMZM2/10 - magnetic mount

High Boost EQ Caps:RPM208 (black)RPM212 (beige)RPM216 (white)

Mid Boost EQ Caps:RPM304 (black)RPM306 (beige)RPM308 (white)

*CH - cable holder(x) TD - tape downBBLTD - boundary layer tapedownMC-1 - mic cage, plain backMC-2 - mic cage, clip on back



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TECHTIP

Lavaliers:An Overview

A lavalier is generally defined as being any small microphone designed tobe worn on a person’s body. The majority of lavaliers are omni directional(they pick up sound in all directions). Most lavaliers are electretcondenser designs, which are highly sensitive, full spectrum, andminiature.

An often-misunderstood characteristic of lavaliers is their “reach”, orability to pick up distant sounds. This is a function of self-noise; thequieter ones will reach further. In some instances, such as in noisyenvironments, this is undesirable.

Lavaliers are usually placed on the performer so they always have a “closeup “sound. Some of the problems that may be encountered with lavaliersinclude the difficulties of hiding them under clothing, the ensuingclothing noise, and wind noise.

Lavaliers may be used as either “hardwire” or “wireless”. Hardwire meansthat the actors are physically connected via an audio cable to the mixingpanel or recorder. Wireless refers to connecting the lavalier to a smalltransmitter and transmitting the signal back to a receiver, which, in turn,feeds an audio signal into the mixing panel or recorder.

Regardless of whether the signal is conveyed by wire or radio, themicrophone capsule remains the same. It is only the connectors andpower supply that change.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:The first modern lavalier to find acceptance by the professional commu-nity was the Sony ECM-50, introduced a generation ago (and sincereplaced by the ECM-55). The sound quality of the ECM-50 wascharacterized as very full with strong bass response. Newscasters felt that itgave their voices a rich, mellow quality.

The ECM-50 can be described as a proximity lavalier, as it did tend tofavor or isolate voice from background. Also, there is a very pronounceddrop-off when the source drifts off-axis (such as turning the head overthe shoulder, away from the mic).

The excellent bass response of ECM-50 proved to be a disadvantage whenworking outside the studio. It was sensitive to wind noise and back-ground rumble. Nevertheless, the ECM-50 was the most popular lavavailable for its day.

The later years brought a handful of new entries into the field. Forinstance, the Tram TR-50 astounded the industry with its diminutive size,without sacrificing quality. Sony updated their lavalier line, Sennheiserdeveloped their impressive MKE 2. Professional Sound Corporationdesigned and built the MilliMic production lavalier, The Sonotrim STR-

ML gained favor for use with production wireless and Sanken introducedthe COS-11PT. The newcomers in the arena of high quality lavalier micsare the elegant DPA 4060 and the super-miniature Countryman B-6.

SO WHICH LAVALIER SHOULD YOU OWN?Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Every sound mixer has apersonal preference based upon experiences, budget, and individualneeds. Many professional mixers stock an assortment of lavaliers in theirpackages. Just like camera lenses, there is no one microphone that is bestsuited for all situations.

Omni Lavaliers* The Tram TR-50 sound is more open sounding than many lavaliers andcuts very well with boom mics. The Tram has been the most popularlavalier in feature film work for many years. It comes with an assortmentof very useful mounting clips and has proven to be a very reliable tool forsound recordists.

* The Sonotrim STR-ML lav is a variation of the Tram mic with a slightlyless severe presence peak. The Sonotrim is very popular for use with theLectrosonics wireless systems. Many mixers will use Tram mics for theirhardwire uses and Sonotrims for when they need to introduce wirelessinto the shot. The Sonotrims come with the same assortment of mountingclips that are provided with the Tram TR-50.

* The Sanken COS-11 has become the new Lavalier of choice forproduction sound mixers. The COS-11 is ultra small, ultra high output,and has recently taken the film and video industry by storm. Theuniqueness of the Sanken lies in the newly developed unique verticalplacement of the diaphragm for greater effective area within a muchsmaller casing. This mic sounds as close to a shotgun mic as any lavalierwe have heard. The COS-11 is often purchased in the “red-dot” versionfor decreased sensitivity when being used with wireless mics. The LSCservice department can also pad non red-dot mics down after the fact ifthe mic proves to be too “hot” for your wireless.

* The Sennheiser MKE-2 has had great success in the live theatricalmarket such as Broadway and touring theater applications due to itsresistance to moisture (read: Actors sweat). Its overall toughness in harshenvironments (read: any stage production) is due, in part, to a metalstrand in its cable, which resists the common problem of capsuleseparation from the cable. Its overall sound quality is superb and itsminiature size makes it very easy to conceal. It is also considered to beone of the premier lav mics for “plant mic” use.

* The Danish Pro Audio (DPA) 4060 lav is the priciest lav on the market.DPA has incorporated a unique double vent protection system togetherwith water resistant materials to offer an exceptional level of moistureresistance. This is one of the smallest lavs on the market and yet it retainsgreat sound and sensitivity. Another great feature of this mic is theprovided protective caps that can be used to modify the high-endfrequency response depending on the placement of the microphone onthe body. The DPA line of mics also has a high SPL rating, making it wellsuited for both film and theatrical applications.


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Lavalier Mics & Accessories* The PSC MilliMic boasts miniature size, very high output, a low inherentnoise floor and exceptional shielding against electromagnetic interfer-ence. The soft, flexible and non-reflective matte finish of the MilliMic’scable will also better isolate handling noise and keep the mic unobtrusiveon camera. It blends nicely with overhead booms. This mic has alsofound a very good niche in the Television News market. The MilliMic ismoderately priced and packaged with a unique and versatile array ofmounting hardware.

* The Countryman EMW series of lavaliers are among the most waterresistant mic’s on the market. They sound great and are available in anassortment of colors and connector types for your wireless. Countryman’sB-6 has also gained popularity due to its incredibly small size and theassortment of included caps, which allow you to tailor the frequencyresponse of the mic capsule.

Directional LavaliersWhat about directional lavaliers such as the Sony ECM-66 and theSennheiser MKE 104? From a production standpoint, the use ofdirectional lavaliers has not proved practical. Directional lavs have to bepointed precisely in the direction of the sound, and often times that isjust not feasible when wiring actors with hidden mics. Also, directionallavalieres stop being directional when their side ports are blocked byclothing and mounting tape, making them difficult to hide underwardrobe.

The most popular application for directional lavalieres has been forpublic address, where feedback can be a real problem for sensitive, omnidirectional lavaliers. As long as there are no loudspeaker enclosuresdirectly over the podium area, cardioid lavaliers are very effective inisolating speech from feedback and ambient noise.

In summary, there is no one lavalier that is best for all situations. Yourchoice of lavaliers should include a wide range of types of patterns,frequency responses and shapes to accommodate the different situationsthat may arise. An actor with a low, muffled “Bruno Kirby-type” voice maybenefit from a lav with a bit of a mid-range peak for clarity. A thinnervoice may be enhanced by a bit of a low-end boost. The best mic for thejob changes with each job. The right mic for this shot or job may not beright for the next one.

NOISE CONSIDERATIONS:One of the ever-present difficulties of hiding lavaliers under wardrobe isclothing noise. In actuality, there are two different causes of “clothingnoise”: Contact noise and acoustic noise.

Contact noise is the result of garments rubbing against either the miccapsule itself or the leading few inches of cable (equally sensitive tofriction). Contact noise can usually be controlled - if not completelyeliminated - by careful positioning and taping down of the mic and cable.

Begin by securing the clothing on both sides of the mic capsule. This canbe done by sandwiching the mic between two sticky triangles of cloth,

camera, or gaffers tape. Form these triangles by folding a few inches of 1"wide tape corner over corner, similar to folding a flag.

By immobilizing the mic between both layers of clothing, you haveeliminated the possibility of either layer of clothing rubbing against orflapping onto the microphone.

If the lavalier must be positioned between skin and clothing, or attacheddirectly to the skin, then a professional medical/surgical tape should beused against the skin.

Once the mic capsule has been secured, the next step is to form a strainrelief for the thin cable. Make a small loop just under the mic capsule.In the case of very sensitive mics, such as the Sony ECM-77, theSennheiser MKE 2, and the Sanken COS-11, make the loop go aroundtwice. Tie a small thread or use a thin strip of camera tape (sticky sideout) to preserve the loop. Tie the loop loose enough so that it can“breathe” (change diameter to absorb tugs).

Apply a few inches of tape along the cable below the loop. Any tension onthe cable will be absorbed by the garment, rather than by the microphone(which is somewhat isolated by the floating loop).

The remainder of the mic cable can be run under clothing and canterminate either at the waist or the ankle. The end of the mic connectorshould be secured so that it does not dangle freely.

During a take, it becomes a simple matter to plug in an extension XLRcable. Afterwards, the talent can easily be disconnected so that he or sheis free to roam around.

When using an external “tie clip”, it is still important to think in terms ofcreating a strain relief. Loop the thin cable up and under the tie clip,forming a semi-circle, and passing through the wide hinge of the clip.Continue the loop behind the garment, and bring the cable arounddownward, thus completing the circle. As the cable loops downward, itshould be inserted between the jaws of the tie clip and the back of thegarment. Hide the balance of the cable behind the wardrobe. Seepictures on next page.

Not only is this arrangement more pleasing to the eye than a danglingcable, but also the floating loop of the cable isolates the mic while thegrip of the tie clip serves as a strain relief.

Acoustic clothing noise is the sound generated by the clothing itself asgarments or layers rub against each other when the actor moves. Noise ismuch more prevalent from synthetic fabrics than from natural cottons orwools. There is no simple remedy, only prevention, so it is wise to consultearly with the wardrobe department.

However, here are a couple of tricks that may help. Anti-static sprays, suchas Static Guard™, will reduce static electric discharge, clinging, andreduce friction. Dry silicon spray lubricants sometimes help, but be



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Form floating loop and tape downthe leading inches of cable.

Form sticky trianglesto secure mic on both sides.

Proper use of horizonalmounting clip.

Notes:

careful of staining. Stiff or starched clothing can be softened with water oralcohol (make sure the colors don’t bleed). Saddle soap, silicon, or lightoil can take the bite out of hard leather.

Another noise problem common to lavaliers is that of wind noise.Manufacturers usually supply small foam or metal mesh windscreens withtheir lavaliers, but these are usually more effective against breath popsthan against outdoor gusts of wind.

Lavaliers used under clothing have the advantage of being partiallyshielded from the wind, but may still require added protection.

Clothing rubbing against windscreens can be extremely noisy, so greatcare must be taken when using hidden lavaliers out of doors. Surround-ing the windscreen with sticky tape and securing it to both layers ofclothing, as you would a bare mic, will reduce the friction noise.However, the tape may destroy a foam windscreen when it is removed!Inexpensive, expendable windscreens can be made by wrapping the micin acoustafoam, or by pulling the foam booties off of video cleaningswabs.

Cheesecloth over a mic works very well against wind. Another Hollywoodvariation is to snip the finger tips off children’s woolen gloves, and pullthe wool tips over a lavalier wrapped in foam or cheesecloth.

We hope these tips are of help to you in your pursuit of better audio. LSCis the professional’s choice for audio gear and support. Call us for moreinformation and to fill any of your professional audio needs. Forrecording sound on location, call Location Sound Corporation.

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Lavalier Mics & AccessoriesSanken COS-11s The COS-11s is the result of a joint engineering effort by Sanken and NHK to design a lavalier microphone to meet today’s highest audio