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Clip a lavalier mic near the center of the chest, around the sternum, with its capsule exposed and clear of clothing, hair, jewelry, and hands. Secure the cable so it cannot swing or tug on the mic, then record a short test while speaking and moving. Chest placement is a useful starting point—not a universal measurement: the best position depends on the microphone, outfit, voice, and recording conditions.
Start near the sternum, then fine-tune
A centered chest position gives a lavalier a reasonably close, natural pickup and helps keep the voice more consistent as the speaker turns. RØDE describes the sternum as a useful general position, while Shure’s recommendations vary by product and context: its MX100 guidance suggests about 3–6 inches below the neckline, its WL18xM guidance gives 6–10 inches from the speaker, and its video and film production guide suggests about six to eight inches below the chin. Treat these as model- and situation-specific starting points, not one rule that applies to every lavalier.
Place the capsule where it has a clear path to the voice. Keep it out from behind a fold or collar edge unless you are intentionally concealing it. Some collar positions can sound muffled, so if speech lacks clarity, try a slightly lower or more central stable point.
Choose a stable spot for the clothing
Shirt, blouse, lapel, or tie
Clip the mic to a firm edge above the sternum, such as a lapel, tie, pocket edge, or shirt opening. Aim the capsule into open space rather than into a fold. Check that the clip holds securely and the fabric does not brush the capsule when the wearer talks or turns.
#1 Best Overall
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T-shirt or sweater
A collar may be the most practical attachment point, but it can rub against the neck or contact the mic. Listen for friction and check whether the collar muffles the voice. Move the mic to another stable, central point if needed.
Concealed placement
Concealment can reduce visibility but adds opportunities for fabric and body noise. Use a compatible mount or tape, keep the mic and first few inches of cable from rubbing, and leave a small slack loop near the capsule. RØDE describes its InvisiLav as a soft mount intended to absorb noise and vibration; check that a mount suits your microphone and clothing before relying on it.
Rank #2
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Control cable noise, breath, and wind
- Secure the cable: Attach it to clothing rather than letting it swing or pull on the capsule. Leave a little slack beside the mic for strain relief. For a hidden setup, route excess cable behind the garment where practical and secure a length inside the shirt.
- Reduce breath and plosives: Try a compatible foam windscreen. RØDE also suggests mounting the mic upside down in its clip to reduce plosive bursts from hard consonants. Test either adjustment with your microphone; neither is guaranteed to work equally well with every capsule.
- Handle outdoor wind: A furry lavalier windshield is a better option for heavier wind than a basic foam cover, though it may make a concealed mic more visible. Check windscreen and mount compatibility.
- Watch for rubbing: Hair, jewelry, hands, collars, and loose fabric can all create noise if they touch the capsule or cable. Ask the speaker to move naturally during the test, not just stand still.
Account for the microphone’s pickup pattern
Omnidirectional lavaliers are generally easier to position and less susceptible to wind and cable noise. Cardioid or supercardioid models can be useful when background noise or feedback is a concern, but may be more sensitive to plosives, wind, proximity effect, and cable noise. Follow the microphone’s intended orientation and test it in the actual room.
A chest-mounted mic will not keep a perfectly constant distance from the mouth as the speaker moves their head; voice level may shift. Keeping the mic near the center of the chest can reduce changes as the speaker turns side to side, but a headworn mic will generally stay more consistent with head movement.
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Test positions before recording
- Attach the mic at the sternum or another stable central point and secure the cable.
- Record the same short sentence at each candidate position using the actual microphone, clothing, and recording setup.
- Listen back on headphones for clear, natural speech rather than muffled, thin, or boomy tone.
- Have the speaker turn, walk, and move their arms as they will during the recording. Listen for rustle, bumps, or level changes.
- Check breath, hard consonants, and wind. Adjust the position or try a compatible windscreen, then record again.
- Choose the best tradeoff among sound, movement noise, visibility, and background pickup.
RØDE’s guidance puts the general principle plainly: “As a general rule, placing the mic capsule over the talent’s sternum will give you a nice balance of close proximity and natural sound reproduction.” It is a starting point, so verify it with the speaker and setup in front of you.
Troubleshoot common placement problems
| What you hear | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Muffled or dull speech | The capsule is behind a collar, fold, or other obstruction. | Expose the capsule or move it to a clearer central position; compare a different stable clothing edge. |
| Rustling, bumps, or crackle when moving | Fabric, hair, jewelry, or the cable is touching or pulling on the mic. | Clear the capsule, secure the cable to clothing, add slack near the mic, and repeat the movement test. |
| Plosive bursts or breath noise | Air from speech is striking the capsule. | Try a compatible foam windscreen or test the mic upside down in its clip. |
| Wind overwhelms outdoor speech | The available wind protection is insufficient for the conditions. | Try a compatible furry windshield and listen again; account for its visibility if the mic is meant to be hidden. |
| Voice level changes as the speaker turns | The mouth-to-mic distance changes with head movement. | Keep a chest mic centered and test movement; if head movement must not change the level, consider whether a headworn mic better fits the production. |
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