How To Record Multiple Lavalier Mics

Record with multiple lavalier microphones to produce stereo effects, clear audio from multiple sources, and overall, a better outlook for your footage.

Have you ever found yourself in situations where one good mic doesn’t suffice? You need multiple lavalier microphones, but there’s only one audio input in your device. How do you fix this? Well. It is easier than you may think, and this article will let you know everything about pairing multiple lavalier mics together without needing professional help from an audio engineer.

The science of connecting multiple lav mics comes down to the type of connector they come with. While the steps to connect multiple lapel mics may vary based on their connector, none of them are too technical or difficult. 

Let us walk you through the steps to connect lav mics together based on their connectors.

How To Record With Multiple Lavalier Wireless Mics

Connecting multiple lavalier wireless microphones is fairly easy and involves the following steps:

Step 1: Find The Type Of Receiver With Your Microphones

A wireless lav microphone works in a way that it is connected to the transmitter via cable which sends the signals to the receiver, placed far from the microphones. The wireless connection is made via a radio channel, and each channel is reserved for a particular frequency. As long as there is just one device transmitting a frequency in one channel, the system will work. However, if multiple devices start transmitting on the same channel it will distort the sound.

Generally, most wireless microphones come with a receiver that can only receive signals from one transmitter. So, you will need multiple transmitters if you want to use multiple microphones. However, some modern wireless microphones come with a receiver that can receive signals from multiple transmitters. So, the further steps are based on the type of receiver you have.

Step 2: Pair The Transmitter With Receiver

Once you know the type of receiver your system has, you can begin to pair the microphones with them. You will have to plug the receiver directly into the AC power supply and use AA batteries for the transmitter to power them. Once both devices are switched on, look for the manual that comes with the microphone. 

Each manufacturer has a different way of pairing their wireless mic with the receiver. However, most require you to bring the transmitter to the receiver and push a button on the receiver to pair them. You will have to repeat the process with each lav mic, bringing all transmitters and receivers together to ensure a seamless pairing.

Step 3: Connect The Receivers Into Processing Device

As the connections are made, you will have to connect the receiver to a processing device that can interpret the audio signal. Again, different receivers come with different outputs. The process to connect a receiver with an XLR connector is different from the one that comes with a TRRS connector. 

While you can convert any connector type into another using an adapter, it is not recommended because it compromises the sound quality. So, it is important to get a connector that is compatible with your processing device in the first place.

For example, if your processing device is a camera, it is best to get a 3.5mm jack. However, if you have an audio interface, you will want an XLR connector for clean audio. 

The next part of the article will explain how to connect each of them to their compatible devices.

How To Record With Multiple Lav Mics With XLR Connector

You will need an audio interface or any other processing device that is compatible with the XLR connector. Typically, an audio interface offers multiple audio inputs so you can plug the outputs of all receivers and the microphones in it. That said, it is important to look for the number of inputs an audio interface has to ensure it can accommodate all your microphones.

Furthermore, an audio input will have two outputs, one for the headphone jack, so you can monitor what two mics are recording in real time. The other output will go straight to your desktop or computer, where the audio can be edited and processed further. Some audio interfaces also come with USB output, which you can connect to a cell phone and laptop as well.

How To Record With Multiple Lavalier Mics With 3.5 and TRRS Connectors

An extra accessory will be required to connect multiple lav mics with a 3.5mm jack or TRRS output. Such connectors are typically used in cinematography because they can be directly plugged into cameras and synchronization of audio and video is easier.

You will have to purchase an adapter that can combine multiple outputs of multiple microphones. It is a tricky part because while the microphones are connected to one device, they should be recording separately. This way, you will get a separate soundtrack from each microphone, which will make things easier in post-production.

For example, if you zoom in on a subject, you can manipulate the voice so the person speaking seems closer in the final clip. So, it is important to get an adapter that is capable of recording multiple people on separate tracks, even if you are running on a tight budget.

Once you have acquired the adapters, plug the mono ends of the microphones in it. Remember that the adapter has different channels to help you create a stereo effect. The red end is the right channel, and the black end is for the left channel. Plug the output of the adapter into your camera and start recording. 

Complete the recording and import the footage to your processing software. It should show two different recorded tracks. You can mix and edit them to balance both of them correctly for a proper stereo effect.

How To Record with Multiple Lav Mics With USB Connector

Just like a single lapel mic with a usb connector starts working the moment you plug it into your laptop, more than one microphone will also work. You will need an extra gear or accessory but only capable software so the sound card can register sound coming from different microphones on different tracks.

In one of our previous guides, we have already explained how to connect multiple mics with USB connectors.

Conclusion

Connecting multiple lavalier microphones is simple as long as you are familiar with the basics. You just need to know the kind of connector your microphone has to find the appropriate processing device for it. Furthermore, you do not need any additional equipment to connect multiple mics together except in the case of those that come with TRRS or 3.5 mm connectors.

Frequently Asked Questions