Hiding Lavs

F

fede:lang

Active member
Hi, I was wondering if any of you could show me how to place hidden lav microphones. I currently own a Sennheiser G2 system. I live in Costa Rica so I can't get any vampire clips for my ME2. Is there any way to place it with tape? maybe double face? I usually tape it to the shirt and chest at the same time, but I keep getting clothing noise... please help me out here....thanks :D
 
Here's one to try: works great for most shirts (as long as they're not too thin). Go to a pharmacy and see if you can find some Dr. Scholls brand moleskin. This is an adhesive product that has strong glue on one side and felt-like material on the other. Cut out small square (approx 1x1") place the mic capsule directly onto the adhesive side (trying not to get glue in the ports/holes of the cap) and then curve the moleskin around the sides a bit to create a sort of pocket in which the capsule sticks. Stick this to the inside of the shirt right around the sternum. Works for me about 90% of the time. Careful not to make too much of an indent on the shirt if it's real thin. You need a light touch when placing it.

Another tip is to tie a small knot in the wire about 2" below the capsule, this should deaden some cable-inducted noise. (leave the knot loose to prevent damaging the wire)

If you're wiring a woman and she's wearing a bra I suggest you attach the mic right around the bridge of the bra between the two cups. It may sound silly but there's nothing better for lav placement than cleavage. I use a clip of some sort to do this, you'll have to be creative. Just don't offend the talent while you're poking around in there ;)
 
for those situations where shirt is too thin, can use same moleskin and tape lav between "cleavage" of man or woman. actually better off using hypafix or other non irritating tape when sticking to skin. if they got hairy chests.... try something else
 
I have a kit I've made myself for batteries and lavalier planting. I keep it stocked with three things generally. Dr. Scholls Moleskin (the generic stuff doesn't stick worth sour ****), Transpore (3M brand) or similar medical grade skin tape, and double sided adhesive of some sort.. topstick or similar. And always have more batteries than you could ever possibly use in one day. Having a designated kit like this makes life a little easier on set.
 
May be too late on this, but get yourself some Hypafix tape and corn pads (cheap brands work. Hypafix right over the mic head, then use the corn pad around it to protect it even more. Then tape your able.

Be aware that with the ME2/ME4, you will get lots of noise from cable rub - it's not a good lavaliere option. Better to replace it with a Countryman EMW.

Phil
 
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