Lavalier & Headset Microphones

Lavalier and headworn microphones for theatre, conference, broadcast and worship work, built around the ranges that dominate professional rigs: Sennheiser MKE Essential and SpeechLine headmics, Shure lavaliers, and Audio Technica’s cW-terminated clip-ons and headworn models. Most are offered in several colours, typically black, beige, cocoa and white, so they disappear against skin, hair or clothing on camera.

Termination is the first thing to get right and the most common reason an order goes back. These microphones are wired for specific bodypack transmitters: 3-pin LEMO for Sennheiser digital systems, locking 3.5mm jack for evolution wireless, TA4F for Shure packs, cW connectors for Audio Technica wireless. The capsule may be identical across versions while the plug is not, so match the termination to the transmitters you actually own before comparing anything else. If you run a mixed inventory, tell us which packs are in the case and we will confirm before you order twice.

Polar pattern is the second decision. Omnidirectional capsules are forgiving of placement and head movement, resist plosives and sound natural, which is why they dominate theatre and broadcast. Cardioid versions reject monitor wash and hold more gain before feedback on a loud stage, at the cost of far more careful positioning: a cardioid lavalier that drifts off axis loses level in a way an omni does not.

Headworn designs hold a constant distance from the mouth, so they win wherever the wearer moves: active presenters, theatre leads, fitness instructors and worship teams. Lavaliers are less visible and better where the wearer stays put. In both cases, the mounting and the spares matter as much as the microphone. Windshields, clips, tape and colour-matched replacements are consumables on a run, and a spare capsule cable is worth having, since that is the part that fails first.

The wireless buying guide covers systems and bands, and the microphone guide covers pattern choice in more depth.

Body Worn Microphone FAQs

Why did my lavalier not work with my transmitter? Termination. These mics are wired for specific bodypacks, 3-pin LEMO for Sennheiser digital, locking 3.5 mm for evolution wireless, cW for Audio Technica. It is the most common reason an order comes back: check the connector before checkout.

Lavalier or headworn? Headmics hold a constant mouth distance, which buys gain-before-feedback and consistent level for theatre and worship; lavaliers disappear better on camera and for panel work.

Why the colour options? Black, beige, cocoa and white let the mic vanish against skin, hair or clothing, order the colour of where it sits, not the outfit.