Lavalier Microphone Techniques For Theater - Shure MUSIC EDUCATORS Manual

Know your performers!
Lastly, remember to keep in mind the skill level of the performers involved.
Professional actors and singers know how to project their voice, which creates more
signal level at the microphone. Children, especially shy ones, do not make much
sound, which further necessitates close-miking techniques. As mentioned above,
turning distant microphones up louder will most likely result in feedback. Remember,
if you can't hear what the actors are saying from six feet away, the microphone
certainly can't either!
If the above examples seem to paint a grim picture, don't despair. Placing the
microphones as close as possible to the actors mouths will always result in improved
sound quality. Just be aware that overhead microphones, used carefully, can increase
intelligibility for smaller speaking roles. What they cannot do, however, is create a
Broadway-like experience. Wireless microphones and carefully controlled, expensive
sound systems operated by top-flight sound technicians are the science behind the
illusion in professional theater.
Recommended models:
Overhead microphones – MX202
Boundary microphones – MX391

Lavalier Microphone Techniques for Theater

The object of most theatrical microphone techniques is to make the mics as
inconspicuous as possible and provide the actors with freedom of movement, while
still providing a high level of sound quality. The obvious choice is wireless lavalier
microphones, which are becoming increasingly popular. Today it is common to find
Broadway productions that incorporate twenty to thirty wireless microphone systems
on a nightly basis. This section presents a few tips and techniques to get the best
results from lavalier microphones.
Place the microphone near the top of the
chest, above the ear, or in the hair line (see
figure 16). A common mistake is to place the mic
near the throat, but this will lead to an unnatural
sound due to a "shadow" created by the chin that
will block high frequencies from reaching the
microphone.
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Figure 16:
Lavalier Microphone Placement