Many first-time wireless microphone users are often confused: ‘The device is small, but how to use it correctly to record clear and stable sound?’
The SYNCO team has spent a week compiling the following most detailed and easy to understand 8 steps for you to master how to use wireless lapel microphone:
- Charge or Insert Batteries
- Connect the Microphone to the Transmitter
- Attach the Mic to Your Clothing
- Power On the Devices
- Pair the Transmitter and Receiver
- Connect the Receiver to Your Recording Device
- Adjust Audio Input Settings on Your Device
- Test the Microphone
Just follow these 8 steps to get started with a wireless lavalier microphone easily!
Introduction
The Wireless Lavalier Microphone is a miniature microphone system that transmits audio wirelessly through a transmitter and receiver.
It is designed to allow you to be free of cables and still get high-quality vocal reception.
Although the device may seem simple, the right way to use it is the key to guaranteeing good reception and avoiding recording failures.
Therefore, it is necessary to carefully understand the steps of how to use a wireless lavalier mic!
What You Need To Get Started?
Before you start using the wireless lavalier microphone, it is recommended that you have the following components and equipment ready:
Wireless lavalier microphone: microphone (some models have a microphone built into the transmitter), transmitter, receiver, cables, accessories.
Recording equipment used: camera/computer/mobile phone etc.
Power supply preparation: check transmitter and receiver batteries or charge status.
How To Use Wireless Lav Mics: Step By Step!
Here is the guide on how to use wireless lapel microphone. Follow the steps and you will be able to get started easily even if you are a novice!
#1 Charge or Insert Batteries
Before you begin, first make sure that both the transmitter and receiver of the wireless lav mic have sufficient power.
Most modern wireless microphones are designed with an in-built lithium battery, which can be charged using the supplied Type-C charging cable.
It's usually recommended to fully charge the device before first use, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and a full charge will usually give you 7-8 hours of battery life.
Suppose you are using a conventional UHF microphone powered by dry-cell batteries.
In that case, you need to prepare suitable batteries (e.g., AA or 9V) in advance and install them correctly in the positive and negative directions.
#2 Connect the Microphone to the Transmitter
If your wireless lavalier microphone uses an external mic capsule, plug it into the transmitter’s mic input (usually 3.5mm).
For all-in-one transmitter systems with built-in microphones, you can skip this step.
#3 Attach the Mic to Your Clothing
The position of the clip on microphone wireless directly affects the sound quality of the reception.
It is recommended to clip the microphone close to the mouth, such as on the collar of a shirt, on the inside of a collar or the inside of the lapel of a suit, with a distance of 15-20 cm being ideal.
To further improve the sound quality, you can install accessories such as windproof cotton or a small fur cover, which significantly reduces the effects of wind noise, especially when used outdoors.
#4 Power On the Devices
Next, power on the transmitter and receiver separately.
Most wireless lapel microphone systems have a long-press power button that is held down for 2-3 seconds to activate.
At this point, the indicator light or display will light up, and some devices will also show current power, volume and channel information.
Always make sure that both devices have successfully powered up and that no red lights or error symbols are flashing abnormally.
#5 Pair the Transmitter and Receiver
Most wireless lapel microphones are paired by default at the factory and connect automatically as soon as they are switched on.
However, if you change channels and mix multiple devices during use, you may need to pair them manually.
In general, manual pairing only requires you to press and hold the Pair button on the receiver and transmitter at the same time and wait for a few seconds until the indicator light stops blinking, which means the pairing is successful.
However, it is recommended that you try to refer to the wireless lavalier microphone user manual of the corresponding product and follow the instructions for manual pairing.
#6 Connect the Receiver to Your Recording Device
Suppose the interface of your recording device and the interface of the wireless lavalier microphone are perfectly matched.
In that case, there is no need for adapter cables, adapters and other accessories, so they can be plugged in and used directly.
However, suppose the interface of the recording device and the wireless lavalier microphone do not match. In that case, you need corresponding adapter cables and converters.
For example, mobile phone users can usually use a 3.5mm TRRS cable, Type-C adapter cable or Lightning adapter to connect, while cameras usually use a 3.5mm TRS audio connector to connect.
#7 Adjust Audio Input Settings on Your Device
Open the settings page of the recording device you are using and select the external microphone as the default input device.
At this point, you can adjust the audio input volume to avoid popping due to excessive volume.
#8 Test the Microphone
Always do a short test recording before starting the official recording.
Say a few regular lines or a description of the environment, and then play it back to check for any noise, breaks, or abnormal volume.
If the device supports monitoring, plug in headphones to listen to the recording in real-time.
You can also try moving your body during the test to see if the microphone is making noise due to friction or cable wobble, to rule out potential problems in advance.
How To Use A Wireless Lavalier Mic With An iPhone?
iPhone users need to pay attention to the interface adaptation when using a wireless lavalier mic.
It is recommended to choose a plug-and-play wireless lavalier mic like SYNCO G1T/L.
Otherwise, you still need to use the corresponding conversion cable or header for connection.
For example, if you have a wireless lavalier mic with 3.5mm output, you can use a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
Plug the 3.5mm adapter cable of the wireless lavalier mic into the adapter, and then connect the adapter to the iPhone connector.
Once plugged in, the iOS system will automatically recognize the microphone, and you can start recording and using it without any additional settings.
Tips For Best Performance
Aside from knowing the steps on how to use wireless lapel microphone, you also need to know some tips!
Use a windshield: Effectively eliminate wind noise when recording outdoors.
Keep the microphone steady: Reduce friction noise caused by body shaking.
Regularly check the battery level: Make sure it is fully charged before shooting for a long period.
Test on multiple devices: Test on multiple devices in advance in case something goes wrong in the official scene.
Conclusion
How to use a wireless lapel microphone? Using a wireless lapel microphone is actually not complicated.
As long as you master the right steps, from power check, pairing and connection to device recording, you can achieve efficient and stable wireless radio.
As long as you prepare well before use and pay attention to the details during the recording process, you can easily use a wireless lapel microphone to create a professional sound performance.
If you want to know more about wireless lavalier microphones, please feel free to follow SYNCO.