Tips and Tricks | Concealing Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier microphones (or lapel mics) are one of the most common and popular tools used by audio technicians. They’re small, discreet, and versatile which makes them perfect for capturing high-quality audio without being noticed. But as any professional knows, hiding a lavalier effectively is a skill in itself. It’s not just about making the mic invisible; it’s about ensuring it stays in place and delivers great audio no matter the setting.

That’s where companies like Bubblebee Industries come in. These companies specialise in products that help technicians tackle the challenges of hiding lav mics while keeping audio clear. In this article, we'll explore professional tips and tricks for concealing lavalier microphones, making them easier to use and more effective. 

Why conceal a lavalier microphone?

There are many reasons to keep lavalier mics out of sight. Whether it’s an intimate interview, a dramatic film scene, or even a corporate film, visible microphones can distract the viewer and break the illusion. But, it’s not the aesthetics. Effective concealment can reduce unwanted noises like fabric rustling or wind buffeting.

However, it is easier said than done. Different outfits, fabrics, and environments can make it tricky. Tight clothes might leave no room to hide the mic while flowing fabrics can cause it to shift. Add in the potential for wind, humidity, or clothing noise, and the challenge can be significant. But with the right tools and techniques, these can be overcome.

The challenges with concealing lavalier mics

Here are some of the most common issues and challenges there when hiding lavaliers:

• Clothing noise: Fabrics rubbing against the mic can cause unwanted rustling and the sound will differ depending on the material. Thick wool behaves very differently from slippery silk, meaning you’ll need to adapt your approach for each outfit.
  
  
• Placement problems: Not every outfit offers easy spots for hiding a mic. Tight clothing can make concealment tricky, while loose garments can lead to shifting or dislodging.
  
  
• Sound quality: Place a mic too deeply, and you risk muffling or degrading the sound; position it poorly, and the audio can be tinny or distorted. Getting that balance of clean audio without being overly exposed is key.
  
  
• Environmental factors: Wind, humidity, and even body heat can affect how the microphone functions, adding another layer of complexity to achieving a clear recording.

Tips and tricks for concealing lavalier mics

Let’s take a closer look at some of the practical techniques for hiding Lavalier microphones while ensuring high-quality and clean audio.

Choose the right location

The first and most crucial step in concealing a lavalier microphone is choosing the right placement on the body. This is usually on the chest, collar, tie, or lapel area, but the goal is always the same; the microphone should be placed as close to the sound source (the speaker's mouth) as possible without being clearly visible.

• Inside clothing: Hiding the mic under a shirt or blouse is one of the most common places. With the right clip or adhesive, you can keep it secure the fabric can act as a sound buffer.
  
  
• Under jackets or ties: For formal or business attire, placing the mic underneath a jacket or securing it to the tie can be an effective strategy. The key here is to ensure that the mic is not pressed too tightly against the fabric, which can cause muffling.
  
  
• Costume-friendly tricks: In theatre or film, concealing a mic can be particularly challenging due to the wide variety of costumes. Each requires a different method of concealment to prevent noise from movement while maintaining sound clarity. For example, in period pieces, mics might need to be hidden in hats, wigs, or inside thick, heavy fabrics. 
  
  

Use specialist concealers

Various tools on the market are specifically designed to make mic concealment easier.

• Lavalier concealers: These small devices house the lav mic securely and reduce any noise from fabric friction while keeping it hidden. They’re great for maintaining sound clarity. They can be taped or clipped inside the clothing or even affixed directly to the skin in a comfortable way. Take a look at this one as an example.
  
  
• Invisible covers: These thin adhesive covers can be applied directly to the Lavalier microphone, reducing wind noise and friction from the fabric. They’re often used for outdoor recordings or when the mic is placed under tighter clothing. These covers are a great solution for maintaining sound quality while keeping the mic discreet. 
  
  

Adapting to fabrics

Different fabrics behave differently so you need to think about this when trying to conceal a lapel mic. 

• Soft fabrics: Fabrics like cotton or polyester tend to be more forgiving and make it easier to hide microphones without too much friction noise. You can generally place microphones directly underneath, provided they’re held securely in place.
  
  
• Hard or noisy fabrics: Leather, silk, and other stiffer materials can be more problematic. These fabrics are prone to making noise when they rub against the mic, so using additional padding (like a small piece of soft foam) or a concealer, like the ones mentioned previously, can help reduce this friction.
  
  

Control environmental noise

Environmental noise, particularly wind, is another major factor when concealing a lavalier microphone. Outdoor recordings are especially prone to wind noise, which can easily drown out dialogue or create distortion. Tools like Bubblebee’s Windbubble can protect your mic without compromising its concealment. 

For indoor environments, humidity and body heat can also impact microphone performance, particularly when the mic is placed directly against the skin. Using professional-grade mic tape or lavalier concealers can help secure the mic and its functioning. 

Securing the mic

Once you’ve chosen the mic placement and concealment tools, you need to make sure the microphone is secure during the entire performance or recording. It’s best to use professional-grade microphone tape, which holds the mic in place without damaging clothing or skin.

Sound first, concealment second 

While hiding the mic is important, maintaining sound quality should always be the top priority. The best concealment methods are pointless if they compromise the audio. That’s why it’s essential to test the mic placement thoroughly during rehearsals or sound checks. Working closely with actors or presenters to find the optimal placement is a vital part of the process.

What kit would we suggest?

As with any discipline, there are multitudes of options and it's often difficult to know what to choose. But, if you’re starting out or simply looking to improve your lapel mic audio quality while keeping it hidden, then you can’t really go wrong with this starter kit. It includes everything that we’ve discussed in this article and will suit a range of different audio recording situations!

As for what mic you should use… Again, there are many. But our top-selling lav microphone and the one that you see all over the industry is the Rode Lavalier II. The Rode Lavalier II is a high-quality lapel mic perfect for interviews, presentations, or creating content. It is compact and discreet, which makes using the tips in this article super-easy, while delivering crystal-clear audio. With a locking 3.5mm connector, it works with a range of devices, and the included accessories help you get pro results anywhere. Those accessories include Pop Filter, Mic Clip, Mini Furry Windshield, a set of Coloured ID Rings and a convenient Zip Case.