Lavalier Mic vs Shotgun | Which One Wins for Your Audio Needs?

Discover the difference between shotgun and lavalier mics to pick the best companion for your cameras.

Cameras have come a long way in terms of video quality but audio still needs improvement. An external microphone helps you work around the problem, but only if you pick the appropriate one. While the function of lavalier and shotgun mics is to improve audio quality, their application drastically differs from one another.

The designs of shotgun and lavalier microphones enable specific applications, and when used beyond the scope of their applications, you may not find the output appealing. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the designs of shotgun and lavalier mics and understand how they impact their applications.

Let’s get to it;

A Sneak Peek Into Differences Between Shotgun and Lav Mics

Features	Shotgun Mics	Lav Mics
Polar Pattern	Unidirectional	Omnidirectional
Price	$$$	$$
Long Distance Recording	✔	⛌
Mic Position	On Camera	On Speaker
Size	Large	Small
Best For	Isolating the primary sound source	Ambient sound recording

Design Differences In Shotgun Microphones and Lavalier Microphones

Shotgun microphones are pen-shaped, sometimes resembling a shotgun because of the mount used to connect them to cameras. Typically, these microphones are mounted at the top of the cameras and point straight towards the subject. These mics have a narrow directional polar pattern, meaning they pick sound from the source pointed directly at them. This design also helps them pick clear audio from the sound sources from long distances.

The downside to such a design is even a little deviation from the subject can distort the audio. Furthermore, if the mic is not pointed in the right direction, it can pick up a lot of background noise.

Lavalier microphones, also known as lap mics, typically feature an omnidirectional polar pattern. They can be attached to the clothing of the subjects, enabling them to move around during recording. However, their placement must be optimized to ensure the omnidirectional polar pattern does not pick up background noise. Furthermore, you will almost always have to use a windshield with lav mics.

Benefits of Shotgun Mics

The unique design and narrow pickup pattern of shotgun mics enable the following benefits;

1. Excellent off-axis rejection

The directional polar pattern offers excellent off-axis rejection, minimizing the background noise. You can use these microphones outside even in noisy environments and still get good enough results.

2. Flexibility

Shotgun mics are more flexible because you do not have to switch the microphone from one subject to another while recording an outdoor interview. You can simply point the cameras towards the different subject and the microphone will start picking up sound from that direction.

3. Long distance recordings

Shotgun mics are mounted directly onto the camera, enabling the camera person to move as back as possible to get the right frame. The distance from the subject is not a problem because these mics are designed to pick up sound from long distances.

4. No Clutter

Modern shotgun mics have short cables, allowing you to easily pack them within your camera bag. You will not have to detangle the cable every time you pull the mic out from the bag. 

5. Reduced Handling Noise

Shotgun microphones often come with a shock mount to ensure they absorb the vibration originating from the movement of the camera person. It reduces handling noise and keeps the audio clean and crisp.

6. Boom Pole Compatibility

Professional-grade shotgun microphones are designed to be compatible with boom poles, allowing the producer to bring them as close to the subject as possible to get the best audio.

Disadvantages of a Shotgun Mic

While the design of the shotgun mics makes them effective for diverse applications, it also limits their use because of the following disadvantages.

1. Limited off-axis pickup

The directional pickup pattern of the shotgun mics allows them to capture detailed sound from one source, but it also blocks the sound from other sources. So, if you want to record two sound sources simultaneously, a shotgun mic is not a great choice.

2. Large Sizes

Shotgun mics are bulky and have large sizes, sometimes making them difficult to wield. They also have a weight to them, increasing the weight of the camera and making them difficult to use for longer periods.

3. Expensive Prices

Shotgun mics are more expensive than lapel microphones, making them inaccessible for people running on a budget. The white market offers some affordable options, but they have problems of their own.

4. Limited Stereo Imaging

Stereo sound recording requires simultaneous capture of multiple sound sources, which is not possible with a single shotgun mic. You will have to purchase multiple shotgun mics to enable stereo recording.

Benefits of Lavalier Microphones

The specific applications of Lavalier microphones are enabled by the following advantages;

1. Easy to Use

Unlike shotgun mics, lapel mics do not require a boom pole, shock mount, or any of the other accessories. You simply attach them to the clothes of speakers at a right distance from their mouth and it will start recording. The subject does not have to stay still, the hands-free operation allows the liberty to move around without compromising audio quality.

2. Close Miking

Lav mics are less likely to pick up plosive sounds, allowing the producers to use them close to the sound’s source to capture notes more accurately. Close miking also reduces background noises, which are otherwise picked because of omnidirectional polar patterns.

3. Discreet Design

Lapel mics feature a very compact size, which does not stick out in footage and reduces visual distractions. The cable can also be hidden discreetly even when the subjects are constantly moving.

4. Wireless Recordings

Lapel mics can be connected to a wireless transmitter which can send signals to the receivers at great distances. The wireless Lavalier microphones enable long-distance recordings without compromising on sound quality. 

5. Stereo Imaging

The omnidirectional polar patterns of the Lavalier microphone allow it to capture multiple sound sources at once to produce stereo imaging. Unlike shotgun mics, a single Lavalier mic will be enough.

6. Cost

Lav microphones are usually more inexpensive than their shotgun counterparts. You can get a complete wireless lav microphone setup at the price of a medium-tier shotgun microphone, making them an excellent choice for people who are running on tight budgets.

Disadvantages of a Lav Mic

Factors that limit the use of lapel mics in some situations include;

1. Background Noise

The omnidirectional polar pattern makes them challenging to use in noisy environments. While the polar pattern offers some axis rejection, it is often not enough in noisy outdoor environments and they pick up unwanted noise. 

2. Shooting challenges

If you want to record a podcast or a two-person interview, a Lavalier mic will present several challenges. You will either have to use multiple mics or switch the lapel every time subjects take turns to speak.  For beginners, it can be quite difficult as they may opt for non-professional equipment, so it’s advisable to look for the best mics for podcasting especially for beginners.

3. Microphone Placement

Lavalier microphones must be positioned optimally on subjects to capture good audio. Otherwise, they capture unwanted sound which distorts the overall video quality.

4.  Cable Management

Cable management is a challenge even when you use wireless systems. You have to hide the cable under the clothes of the speaker and transmitter behind them. While it does affect individuals in standing positions, those who use it while sitting find it uncomfortable.

Applications of Lavalier and Shotgun Microphones

The differences between the designs and features of shotgun and lav microphones make them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Credits

B&H photo Video, Audio University,