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When it comes to conducting interviews, whether for journalism, content creation, or corporate purposes, the quality of your audio can make or break the experience for your audience and the interview itself. Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel mics, offer an excellent solution for capturing clear and crisp audio without the bulk of traditional microphones.
In this guide, we explore the best lavalier mics for interviews, from best overall to best in value.
DJI Mic 2The DJI Mic 2 is our top choice due to its 32-bit float internal recording, long wireless transmission, and noise-cancelling technology. | RØDE Wireless PROThe RØDE Wireless PRO is a versatile pick due to its dual-transmitter wireless audio system, universal compatibility, and additional locking Lav mic adaptors. | Shure MVLThe Shure MVL doesn't skimp on performance even at an affordable price. It's equipped with RF interference protection, high signal to noise ratio, and high SPL. |
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The DJI Mic 2 stands out as the premier choice for those who prioritize a seamless blend of quality, convenience, and performance in their interview setups. One of its most impressive features is its wireless transmission range, which extends up to 250 meters.
This extensive range allows for significant freedom of movement during interviews, ensuring that you can stay connected without worrying about signal dropouts. The battery life of the DJI Mic 2 is another highlight, offering up to 15 hours of operation with the included charging case. This longevity is perfect for lengthy interview sessions, providing peace of mind that your equipment will last throughout the day.
This Lavalier mic also includes a built-in recording feature that offers up to 14 hours of 48kHz 24-bit audio storage. This capability allows you to record audio directly onto the device, serving as a reliable backup in case of any unforeseen issues with your primary recording setup.
If that’s not enough, then wait until you hear about its design! Due to how compact and portable the DJI Mic 2 is, it makes it easy to carry and set up, enhancing its convenience for users who are constantly on the go. However, the charging case is on the larger side.
Overall, the DJI Mic 2 delivers great performance with its robust feature set, making it the best overall choice for Lavalier mics in interview settings.
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✔️ Good for long distance (up to 820ft) ✔️ Long battery life ✔️ Equipped with 32-bit float internal recording ✔️ Mono and Stereo recording on all devices | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Large charging case |
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The RØDE Wireless PRO is a remarkable option for professionals seeking versatility and advanced features in their audio equipment.
This Lavalier mic system excels in flexibility, supporting dual-channel functionality that allows the use of two transmitters simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for two-person interviews, ensuring both voices are captured clearly without the need for additional equipment.
The broad compatibility of the Wireless PRO is another significant advantage, as it works seamlessly with cameras, smartphones, and computers, making it suitable for a variety of recording environments.
A standout feature of the RØDE Wireless PRO is its safety channel, which records a secondary track at a lower volume. This provides a safeguard against unexpected audio spikes, ensuring that even if the primary track is compromised, the backup will still be usable.
Speaking of backup, this Lavalier mic comes with 32GB of internal storage. This will come in handy when you’re recording interviews that seem to go long.
In terms of audio quality, the RØDE Wireless PRO offers “Intelligent GainAssist”, which will help you adjust the levels on the fly. Needless to say, this is one feature that both professionals and beginners would love to have because of the added convenience it brings.
Additional features such as timecode sync and onboard recording further enhance its utility, making it an all-encompassing solution for professional audio recording needs.
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✔️ Equipped with 32-bit float internal recording ✔️ Has 32GB of internal storage ✔️ Has 2 locking Lav mic adaptors ✔️ Has dual-transmitter wireless audio system | ✖️ Quite pricey ✖️ Limited receiver power |
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The Shure MVL offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance, making it a standout option for those seeking high-quality audio without breaking the bank. In fact, we also included this Lav mic in our list of best mics for interviews.
One of the key strengths of the Shure MVL is its tailored frequency response, which is specifically designed for speech. This ensures that voices are captured with clarity and detail, enhancing the overall quality of the recording.
Paired with its electret condenser capsule, the Shure MVL truly delivers clear and precise audio. This is a must to ensure that speech sounds natural and professional during interviews.
The 3.5mm TRRS connector provides straightforward connectivity with a wide range of devices, including smartphones and other recording equipment. Its compact and portable design adds to its convenience, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go interviews and recordings.
While it does lack advanced features and other frills, the Shure MVL makes up for it with additional accessories such as a windscreen, clothing clip, and carrying pouch. But most of all, an affordable price tag. Thus, the MVL offers great value for its price.
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✔️ Value for money ✔️ Includes additional accessories ✔️ High SP and low-profile design ✔️ Can be connected to smartphones via the headphone jack | ✖️ Limited advanced features ✖️ Cord is quite thin |
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For those new to audio recording or seeking a straightforward solution, the RØDE SmartLav+ offers an ideal blend of simplicity and performance.
This Lavalier mic is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a plug-and-play setup that integrates seamlessly with smartphones and tablets. This user-friendly approach eliminates the need for complex setups or additional equipment, making it perfect for beginners.
The omnidirectional pickup pattern of the SmartLav+ ensures that sound is captured clearly from all directions, providing flexibility in positioning without compromising audio quality. Plus, the durable Kevlar-reinforced cable is designed to withstand regular use, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Affordability is another key aspect of the SmartLav+, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or just starting out in the world of audio recording. Its cost-effective nature, combined with its ease of use, makes it a top choice for entry-level users.
Hence, we’ve even included the RØDE SmartLav+ in our top picks of Lavalier microphones.
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✔️ Equipped with an omnidirectional condenser capsule ✔️ Has built-in noise reduction ✔️ High SP and low-profile design ✔️ Has a Kevlar-reinforced cable | ✖️ Short cable |
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For content creators who often operate in dynamic and demanding environments, the Sennheiser MKE 2 is the ideal lavalier mic.
Its sweat-resistant design is particularly noteworthy, ensuring reliable performance even during intense activities or outdoor shoots. This makes it a perfect choice for content creators who need durable and dependable equipment.
The high-quality condenser capsule of the MKE 2 captures detailed and natural sound, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including video content, vlogs, and professional interviews.
Its versatility is further enhanced by the availability of multiple connector options (3-pin jack, XLR, or open end), allowing seamless integration with various devices.
We dub the Sennheiser MKE 2 as an exceptional choice for content creators who need a reliable, high-quality microphone that can handle diverse recording scenarios.
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✔️ Sweat protection ✔️ Has multiple conector options ✔️ Omnidirectional polar pattern | ✖️ Quite pricey |
Using the best Lav mic can make all the difference in the experience and quality of the interviews you conduct. While all of the Lav mics listed are great on their own, do remember to choose the one that will fit your preference and intended application.
The DJI Mic 2 is an outstanding Lavalier microphone system, ideal for interviews due to its superior blend of quality, convenience, and performance.
It boasts an impressive wireless transmission range of up to 250 meters (829 feet), allowing for extensive freedom of movement. The system offers a substantial battery life of up to 15 hours with its charging case, ensuring it lasts through long interview sessions.
The DJI Mic 2 also features internal storage capable of recording up to 14 hours of 48kHz 24-bit audio, providing a reliable backup. Compact and easy to carry, this mic is perfect for on-the-go professionals looking for top-notch audio quality and reliability.
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