Wireless audio for film: lav and mic setup
Audiences forgive imperfect picture far sooner than bad sound. A wireless lav gets clean, close dialogue without a boom op. Here's how to rig and level it so it sounds professional.
- Place the lav a hand-span below the chin, centred on the chest.
- Aim for peaks around -12 dBFS with headroom.
- Always record a safety scratch track on the camera mic.
Watch: lav mic setup & getting good levels
How to set up a wireless lavalier and get clean, usable levels on a DSLR, mirrorless or XLR rig.
Placement is everything
Clip the lav about a hand's width below the chin, centred on the chest. Keep it clear of clothing that rubs (scarves, zips, jackets) and any jewellery that clinks. Hidden under fabric, use a foam/fur cover and a small loop of cable as strain relief.
- A hand-span below the chin, centred — consistent placement = consistent sound.
- Use the windshield outdoors; even a light breeze ruins a take.
- Mind clothing rustle — tape the cable to skin or fabric near the capsule.
Set levels and check the link
Aim for peaks around -12 dBFS with healthy headroom — loud enough to be clean, quiet enough not to clip. Do a line-of-sight check between transmitter and receiver before rolling, and always record a safety scratch track on the camera mic.
- Peaks around -12 dBFS leave room for a sudden laugh or shout.
- Keep transmitter and receiver in line of sight; bodies and walls cause dropouts.
- Record a backup on the camera mic so you can re-sync if a pack glitches.
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