Microphone Placement and Reducing Clothing Noise

Good placement does more for your sound than any mixer setting. These are general best practices.

Earsets and headsets

• Place the capsule near the corner of the mouth or along the cheek, not directly in front of the lips (that causes pops and breath noise).
• Keep the position the same every performance so your sound operator's settings stay consistent. Mark it in your mic plot.
• Secure the cable behind the ear and down the back of the neck with medical tape so it can't swing or tug.

Hairline and wig placement

• Center the capsule at the hairline or slightly forward of it, with the capsule clear of hair and wig lace.
• Pin or tape the cable along the hairline and down the back. See Building hair rigs for lavaliers.

Reducing clothing noise and rustle

• Keep the capsule away from collars, costume fabric, jewelry and hats that can brush against it.
• Leave a small loop of cable (a strain-relief loop) taped near the mic so movement doesn't pull on the capsule.
• Tape the cable flat to the skin so it doesn't rub on fabric.
• Put the bodypack in a mic belt or pouch so it doesn't slide or knock.

Sweat and hygiene

Use sweat protection on the pack and capsule, change tape between performers, and let mics dry after every show. See Caring for body-worn microphones.