HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MICROPHONE
Is this thing on? Which microphones are best for your event.
Event planners and hosts alike can all agree on one thing: audience engagement is crucial for the success of any gathering. Yet, the most critical part, securing the correct microphone, is often overlooked. Why? Well, for starters, there are many factors to consider: durability, frequency, range and mobility of different mics. All of these details can affect your event, but keeping track of them can get confusing. Your AV company is here to make it easy!
Before selecting a microphone, you should ask yourself several questions. What type of event am I planning? What will the microphone need to be used for? Will the microphone need to be moved around?
Keep these answers in mind as you consider the several different microphone options listed below.
The Handheld
The handheld microphone offers the highest quality audio of all the wireless options. These microphones are easy and effective to use, and are well known for their durability. Light and portable, handheld mics can be passed back and forth between multiple speakers. However, this microphone is also highly visible. It must be held near the speaker’s mouth to be effective and, therefore, is best used for short presentations and for Q&A or audience feedback.
Choose the handheld microphone if you:
Require a microphone that is quick and easy to pass around
Desire a microphone durable enough to be out in the audience
Things to consider:
This microphone is highly visible
Your speaker’s volume will change based upon the distance between their mouth and the microphone
The Lavalier
Another member of the wireless family, the Lavalier microphone, is a small, hands-free device. These miniature mics are provided with clips that allow for easy attachment to clothing. These microphones are ideal for animated presentation in which the speaker uses many hand gestures, and the cords are easily concealable from the audience.
Choose the Lavalier microphone if you:
Require a hands-free option for speakers with a lot of movement
Prefer a microphone that can be concealed by clothing
Things to consider:
Not easily removed to be passed around
Picks up frequency of only one speaker
Not ideal for places like tradeshows
The Headset
This microphone is supported by a headset piece, extending a small microphone a few inches from the speaker’s mouth. The headset secures the microphone in the same position, allowing volume to remain consistent despite the movement of the speaker. This also enables stable pick-up of input, ensuring high voice quality. The headset microphone comes highly recommended for specific situations with an experienced presenter.
Choose the headset microphone if you:
Prioritize a consistent level, tone and volume for your speaker
Require a secure microphone for an active or mobile speaker
Things to consider:
Easily visible by the mouth of the speaker
This microphone is intended for one speaker
The Countryman
This virtually invisible microphone comes with a lightweight headframe that is fully adjustable to fit any presenter. The capsule is resistant to moisture, making it totally repellent to sweat, hairspray, and makeup. This allows for placement of the microphone in hair or on bare skin, minimizing the background noise due to a close proximity to the speaker’s mouth. The thin wire can easily blend into clothing or skin tone, making the microphone nearly impossible to see from the audience. This microphone works well for speeches, performance or presentations.
Choose the countryman microphone if you:
Seek a microphone that is virtually invisible
Desire a moisture-resistant option
Require a microphone that is small, compact and ultra lightweight
Things to consider:
This microphone can be attached to only one speaker at a time
Talk To An AV Expert Today
As leading experts in event technology since 1999, Source1AV specializes in pairing you with the best microphone recommendation. All that is needed from you is a little information regarding your specific speaker or event.
