How to Place Lapel Microphones

Placing the Microphone Outside Clothing

• 1

  Attach the microphone capsule to the clip.

• 2

  Clip the microphone between the top two buttons of the talent's shirt. It should be 6 to 8 inches from the talent's mouth.

• 3

  Have the talent drape the cable beneath his or her shirt and partway around the waist so that the microphone's power supply is in back.

• 4

  Tuck the microphone's power supply into the back pocket or waistband. Secure it to the waistband with a heavy duty rubber band.

Hiding the Microphone Beneath Clothing

• 5

  Form a small loop in the microphone cable just beneath the microphone capsule and secure it with a small piece of gaffer's tape.

• 6

  Wrap a thin strip of moleskin around the microphone to create a barrier between the layers of the talent's clothing. This will minimize noise.

• 7

  Tape the microphone in place on the talent's undershirt 6 to 8 inches from the talent's mouth. Have the talent button up his shirt as normal.

• 8

  Have the female talent position the microphone in her bra where the cups meet, and then tape it in place with medical tape.

Hiding the Microphone Under the Hair

• 9

  Run the microphone cable up the back of the neck and through the hair.

• 10

  Place the microphone just under the hairline and secure with medical tape.

• 11

  Comb the hair into place so that the microphone is concealed.