When working with wireless microphones, there will be numerous instances where attaching a clip to the lavalier before placing it on the talent is necessary. To determine whether a clip is needed, consult the production team or director regarding their preferences for visible microphones. If they approve of visible microphones and prefer using clips, then proceed accordingly. However, always be prepared to hide microphones in case their preference changes.
When selecting a microphone clip, ensure compatibility with the lavalier being used. The simplest approach is to use the clip provided by the manufacturer or purchase additional ones. However, recent developments in microphone accessory companies have led to the creation of innovative clips and mounts that surpass the generic options offered by manufacturers. This lesson will cover various brands and provide guidance on how to use these advanced clips for optimal audio capture and ease of use.
Welcome to this lesson on essential wiring tools for audio professionals. Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or have been working with audio for years, having the right wiring tools can make all the difference in the quality of your work. In this lesson, we will cover a variety of wiring tools that are commonly used in the industry and explain their purposes so that you can become familiar with them and decide which ones are essential for your needs.
It’s important to note that while not every accessory on this list may be necessary for every job, having a diverse arsenal of wiring tools can help you be better prepared for any situation. As the saying goes, “if you don’t have it, you’re gonna wish you did.” So let’s dive into the world of essential wiring tools and equip ourselves for success in the audio industry.
URSA MiniMounts
URSA MiniMounts are low-profile mounts specifically designed for placing microphones on talent in the most minimal way. Constructed from hardened plastic, these mounts maintain their shape and remain durable even under pressure. Ideal for discreet placement and challenging mounting scenarios, URSA MiniMounts offer a versatile solution for rigging lavalier microphones without compromising on quality or stability. There are 2 Versions:
MiniMounts
MiniMounts Circles
URSA MiniMount Stickies
URSA MiniMounts are low-profile mounts specifically designed for placing microphones on talent in the most minimal way. Constructed from hardened plastic, these mounts maintain their shape and remain durable even under pressure. Ideal for discreet placement and challenging mounting scenarios.
URSA MiniMount Sticky Circles
URSA MiniMounts are low-profile mounts specifically designed for placing microphones on talent in the most minimal way. Constructed from hardened plastic, these mounts maintain their shape and remain durable even under pressure. Ideal for discreet placement and challenging mounting scenarios, URSA MiniMounts offer a versatile solution for rigging lavalier microphones without compromising on quality or stability. There are 2 Versions:
URSA MiniMount Stickies Very Sticky Circles
URSA MiniMounts are low-profile mounts specifically designed for placing microphones on talent in the most minimal way. Constructed from hardened plastic, these mounts maintain their shape and remain durable even under pressure. Ideal for discreet placement and challenging mounting scenarios, URSA MiniMounts offer a versatile solution for rigging lavalier microphones without compromising on quality or stability. There are 2 Versions:
BUBBLEBEE INDUSTRIES LAV CONCEALER
Introducing the Lav Concealer from Bubblebee Industries – a versatile and innovative mounting solution for lavalier microphones that makes mounting a lav microphone on the body or in clothing easier than ever before. The Lav Concealer is available for a variety of microphone models, including:
- Sanken Cos-11
- DPA 4060/4061/4062/4063, DPA 4071, DPA 6060
- RØDE Lavalier (all variants)
- Sennheiser MKE 1, MKE 2, ME2 (G3 systems) and ME2-II (G4 systems)
- Countryman B3 and B6
Each Lav Concealer is custom-molded to fit its respective mic capsule like a glove, keeping the mount as small as possible while creating space to support the mic’s natural performance. Additionally, each Lav Concealer includes metal guards to reduce friction noise, making it the quietest mount available.
The Lav Concealer is compatible with Lav Concealer Tape, a soft, pliable organic rubber lav mount that covers a wide variety of mounting options. The tape molds itself to the surface, isolating the mic capsule from vibration and noise, and making it the essential lav mic hiding tool for film, theatre, and TV sound professionals who need to hide the microphone while maintaining optimal sound quality.
Whether you need to mount a Sanken Cos-11, DPA Microphone, RØDE Lavalier, Sennheiser MKE, or Countryman B3 or B6, the Lav Concealer offers a versatile, reliable, and effective mounting solution that will meet the demands of any recording situation.
Viviana Beetle
The Viviana Beetle is an innovative low-profile concealer developed using a unique plastic injection molding process, ensuring exceptional quality and durability. More than just a concealer, the Viviana Beetle serves as the foundation for a modular system, allowing for seamless integration with a variety of Beetle accessories, such as bra clips and vampire clips, in just one click.
With the Viviana Beetle, you’ll be prepared for any situation and can achieve top-quality sound by utilizing its versatile design. Currently, there are two Viviana Beetle models available, catering to different lavalier microphone types:
- Beetle for SANKEN COS11
- Beetle for DPA6060
By choosing the appropriate Viviana Beetle model and combining it with the right accessories, you’ll have the flexibility to adapt to diverse filming environments and wardrobe requirements, all while maintaining a discreet, professional appearance.
- Vampire Clip Accessory
- Clip Accessory
- Beetle Tape
COS-11 VERSION
DPA 6060 VERSION
Hide-A-Mic Sets
Hide-a-mic concealers create a physical space around the microphone, protecting against unwanted noise, and providing a clear and high-quality recording. The set comes with four different holders – the Bra-holder, T-shirt-holder, Tie-holder, and Shirt holder – each designed with a clear user instruction on the back of the package. The holders are easy to use and quick to apply, making them the perfect solution for any daily miking challenge.
Hide-a-mic concealers work with a variety of popular lavalier microphones, including the Sanken COS-11, DPA 6060, Sennheiser MKE1 and MKE2, Countryman B3, and DPA 4060 and 4070 series. Whether you’re working on a documentary, corporate video, commercial, or drama production, Hide-a-mic has got you covered with their versatile and reliable mounting solution. With Hide-a-mic, you can be confident that you’re capturing clear and high-quality audio without any unwanted noise or interference.
LMC Sound Vampire Clips (VClips)
Introducing the Vclip, a versatile vampire clip designed for location sound professionals who frequently hide microphones. This low profile clip offers a snug fit for microphone capsules, allowing for optimal sound quality and quick mounting to a variety of fabric materials. The Vclip was created by a location sound mixer to provide an alternative to taping hidden mics, which can be time-consuming and less effective in wet or moist situations. Available in black and white, the Vclip is perfect for those working on documentaries and other projects that require frequent microphone placement on multiple subjects.
The Vclip is available in two variations, each designed for a specific type of microphone. The first variation is designed for the Sanken COS 11 lavalier microphone, facilitating quick mounting of the mic to many clothing materials without sacrificing sound quality. The mic capsule slides into the Vclip tube for a snug fit, and the mic is held in place by tension between the rubber bushing and the Vclip tube. The second variation is designed for the DPA d:screet™ 4060 series microphones, allowing for a low profile mounting solution that is easy to use and offers optimal sound quality. Both variations of the Vclip provide sound mixers with the versatility they need to get the job done quickly and effectively.
STANDARD
WINDSCREEN VERSION
LMC Sound ISO Mounts
The ISO Mount can be used as a necktie knot mount or wherever extra isolation is needed, and its two flat sides make it easy to mount on any surface. Made of flexible rubber material, the ISO Mount is durable and can be used multiple times, making it a cost-effective solution for sound professionals.
The ISO Mount also offers the added benefit of keeping adhesive residues off your lavs and on the mount itself, making it a cleaner and more efficient way to mount your microphones. Available in black and white, the ISO Mount is an essential tool for any sound mixer who wants to achieve optimal sound quality in their recordings.
STANDARD
WINDSCREEN VERSION
LMC Sound Rubber Mounts
Introducing the Rubber Mount SL and 4S Furry Mount for the Sanken COS 11 lavalier microphone – two versatile and eco-friendly mounting solutions that provide optimal sound quality in different recording situations.
The Rubber Mount SL is a slim profile rubber mount designed for easy concealment and microphone isolation when mounting to fabric or skin. Its compact size makes it ideal for situations where discreet placement of the microphone is necessary, and its flexible rubber material ensures durability and reliability. The Rubber Mount SL is compatible with the Countryman B6 or other small profile lavaliers measuring 5mm diameter or less. Available in black and beige, it is a must-have accessory for sound professionals who demand the best sound quality and performance from their microphones.
The 4S Furry Mount, on the other hand, is designed to reduce wind noise in outdoor recording situations. Its furry cover effectively reduces wind noise, making it an excellent choice for outdoor recordings in windy conditions. The 4S Furry Mount is also an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution, with the ability to be used multiple times. Its 2-sided tape allows for quick mounting of your COS 11 to clothing or skin, and its low profile and easy-to-conceal design make it an ideal choice for sound professionals who need a discreet and effective mounting solution. Available in black and white, the 4S Furry Mount is an essential tool for any sound mixer who wants to achieve the best sound quality in their outdoor recordings.
RM SL
4S FURRY MOUNT
LMC Sound C Mounts
Introducing the C Mounts from LMC Sound – a versatile range of mounts designed to offer a simple and effective way to mount and hide your lavalier microphones on fabric or skin. The C Mounts are available in a variety of styles and colors, and can be used with the following microphone models:
- C Mount-B6 for the Countryman B6™ Lavalier Microphone
- C Mount ME 2-II for the Sennheiser ME 2-II Lavalier Microphone (with fixed windscreen design)
- C Mounts for the DPA d:screet™ 4071 and 4060 Series Microphones
Each C Mount is designed with a slim profile rubber mount for easy concealment and microphone isolation from fabric or skin, offering optimal sound quality and performance. Choose the C Mount that fits your microphone model and enjoy a versatile and reliable mounting solution for all your recording needs.
LMC Sound Universal C Mounts
The C Mount Universal Lavalier Mount is compatible with lavalier mics measuring between 5mm and up to 7mm in diameter, including the DPA 4061 and 4071, Deity W.LAV Pro, Countryman B3, Sennheiser MKE 2 and MKE 1-EW-3, and more. Its flexible rubber material can be used hundreds of times, making it a durable and cost-effective solution for microphone mounting and isolation from fabric or skin. The mount also features a handy flat side for mounting with double stick tape, such as ‘Top Stick’ or ‘Stick It’. The C Mount Universal Lavalier Mount is available in black, beige, and tan.
The C Mount Vampire Clip Universal Lavalier Mount offers the same compatibility as the C Mount Universal Lavalier Mount, but with the added convenience of a vampire clip. Its flexible rubber material and firm gripping properties make it an effective solution for microphone mounting and isolation from fabric or skin, ensuring optimal sound quality. The mount can also be used with mic head diameters less than 5mm in conjunction with double stick tape. The C Mount Vampire Clip Universal Lavalier Mount is available in black and beige.
UNIVERSAL C MOUNT
UNIVERSAL C MOUNT VCLIP
Thomas is knowledgeable because of his real-world experiences. He has a great ability to teach and keep people engaged.
My favorite part was how you described what kids will do to the mic if you explain it in too much detail.
By sharing his experience in the field, Thomas Popp gives a very informative dissertation on all the techniques that go into perfecting the art of getting the sound right the first time and eliminating every problematic situation while dealing with talent gently and tactfully.
He teaches from a Union perspective and this information is crucial for me as I am currently working on joining. Watching these videos has taught me so much and I am already incorporating these techniques on set.
I definitely need to watch a second time to let it all sink in.