Lavalier (LAV)

A lavalier microphone — called a "lav," "lapel mic," or "clip-on mic" — is a small microphone designed to be worn on the body, typically clipped to a jacket lapel, shirt collar, or tie, with the cable running discreetly under clothing to a wireless transmitter or directly to the camera/recorder. Because the microphone is positioned close to the speaker's mouth regardless of where they turn their head, it captures consistent, close-proximity audio quality throughout any talking head, interview, or presentation — maintaining clean dialogue even when the subject moves around a stage or turns away from a boom operator's position.

Lavalier microphones are the standard choice for on-camera talent in broadcast television, corporate video, documentary interviews, and event production. Their small size and discreet positioning make them appropriate for situations where a visible microphone would be distracting or a boom operator isn't available. The audio quality, while excellent for dialogue capture, differs from boom mic audio: lavs pick up more chest resonance (giving voices a warmer, lower quality) and more clothing noise (fabric rubbing against the mic capsule is a persistent hazard). Professional audio technicians spend significant time during setup ensuring lavs are positioned away from clothing that will move during the interview.

Wireless lav systems (transmitter worn by the talent, receiver connected to the camera or audio recorder) are standard in professional production because they eliminate trailing cables and allow talent to move freely. The trade-off is RF interference risk in complex technical environments and the need for battery management for both transmitter and receiver. For B2B video production teams who regularly shoot talking-head content and can't staff a dedicated boom operator, a quality wireless lav system is typically the most important single audio investment they can make.