I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “content is king.” It’s for a good reason. One of YouTube’s most popular content creator, Pewdiepie, has more than 110 million subscribers and makes an average of $40 million a year. But not everyone wants to put in that much work or have their videos go viral with no help from outside sources.
Luckily, there are some great options out there that will make it easier for you to get started on YouTube! Today, we’re going to be talking about lapel microphones and why they’re such an important tool in any YouTuber’s arsenal of gear. Let’s talk about using lapel mics! as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Lapel microphones are a great way to improve the quality of your audio. They’re small and discreet, which means they won’t distract from your video or get in the way of your hands. Most importantly, they’ll help you capture your voice clearly. This is important because, as a content creator, your voice is one of your most important tools.
There are a number of great lapel microphones on the market, but we’re going to focus on the five most popular mics for YouTubers.
1. Rode SmartLav+
The SmartLav+ is a mic that is designed for the noise-shy. This microphone can pick up sounds from all directions and its foam pop filter helps eliminate vocal plosives or rubbing noises you might get when interviewing people, so your voice will sound great no matter what. It also has a pretty wide frequency response range which means even at max volume levels it maintains crispiness as well as an impressive SPL 110db (dB).
This may not seem like much, but trust me, if your recording ever needs boosting in post production, then these dB readings make all of the difference between sounding polished and professional versus amateurish.
Pros:
- Discreet size – only 4.5mm
- Kevlar-reinforced cable
- Compatible with Android and IOS devices
Cons:
- Accessory durability
2. RodeLink Microphone
The RODELink mic is a professional-grade wearable microphone that features the locking TRS connector and can be used with most recorders equipped to take 3. 5mm jacks. It has an omnidirectional microphone for clear sound capture from all directions while also coming equipped with foam pop shield so you don’t lose any clarity during recording sessions outside when it’s windy or there are vocal plosives happening simply because your voice will come out much louder than expected.
Pros:
- Discreet size – only 4.5mm
- Kevlar-reinforced cable
- Compatible with Android and IOS devices
Cons:
- Pricey
3. Audio-Technica ATR3350iS
If you’re looking for an omnidirectional microphone that’s perfect for video use, look no further than the Audio-Technica ATR3350iS. This microphone has a low-profile design that ensures minimal visibility, making it ideal for recording videos. Additionally, it has a dual mono 1/8″ output plug that allows you to connect it to a video camera, DSLR, or handheld audio recorder’s stereo 1/8″ input. This way, you can record audio on both the left and right channels. The Audio-Technica ATR-3350IS comes with a smartphone adapter, which makes it easy to use with smartphones.
Pros:
- Omni-directional
- Dual-mono output plug for video cameras, DSLR, handheld recorders, and smartphones
- Small, low-profile design for minimum visibility
Cons:
- Delicate construction
- Some people have had trouble with sound recordings that are too noisy. The mic picks up too much of the background sound.
4. PowerDeWise Professional Lavalier
This lapel mic is a professional-grade microphone that provides clear sound and is compatible with almost any device. It has an extra-long cord (79″/2m) with an extension cord included in the box. The microphone has plug-and-play functionality, allowing it to be used on any device without needing special software or drivers. It is ideal for recording videos and interviews, capturing live performances, making podcasts, or just chatting face to face on your computer.
Pros:
- Plug-and-play
- Compatible with most iPhones and Android smartphones
Cons:
- Sturdiness
5. Movo Clip-on Lapel Mic
The Movo Clip-on Lapel Mic is great for any occasion! This lightweight, durable microphone comes in two different styles. The primary mic has an 8′ (2.5m) cable and can be attached to your shirt with 4 lapel clips so you’re always ready to record interviews or give presentations on the go; while the secondary removable “Interviewee” module provides additional shoulder presence when needed by using 3.5mm headphone monitoring jack. The set includes a deluxe carrying case plus foam windscreens which eliminate most types of unwanted noise during playback.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Compatible with most devices
Cons:
- Requires a lightning adapter for phones newer than iPhone 6
In this article, we discussed some of the best lapel microphones for YouTubers. If you’re looking to get started with YouTube and need a microphone that will capture your voice clearly without being bulky or distracting from video footage, these mics are perfect for you!
However, our top pick is the Rode SmartLav+ lapel mic. It’s extremely compact, which makes it appropriate for shooting videos. Additionally, the smart plug compatibility ensures that you can use it with most types of smartphones without any software installation necessary. Lastly, it has a durable construction that can stand up to some wear and tear over time.
We hope this guide was helpful in helping you find the best lapel mic for YouTubers. Good luck on your journey!