The lavalier mics are also known as clip or lapel microphones. They are common for use during interviews, conferences, live performances, and TV presentation. They are compact in size and you can clip it either to your tie, collar, or shirt and you can record hands-free.
Clip microphones are an amazing way to capture clean audio with a low-profile mic. When it comes to Lavalier mics, Sony manufactures lapel mics. There are more than 20 different kinds of Sony clip mics to choose from. As much as that is good, but which ones are the best?
Well, that is where we come in handy, we have done the hard work and now we present to you some of the best Sony Lavalier mics that you can buy today.
Best Lavalier Microphones Buyers Guide
Before you buy of clip microphone, you need to know the things to look for. Here are some factors to take into consideration:
– Use
The first question that you should ask yourself is where you are going to use the clip mic. Are you going to use the mic for interviewing people, reporting live for TV programs among other uses?
Once you know the environment under which you are going to use the mic, you can be able to choose the right lapel mic that will suit that surrounding.
– Sound quality
The quality of the sound that the mic will produce is critical. You cannot compromise on the audio quality that a lapel mic has. A mic with high-quality audio will make your recording clear and audible.
– Design
Depending on where you are going to use the mic, it is essential to get a design that will allow you to use the mic without any inconvenience.
Ensure that the mic has a rugged construction so that it will serve you for a long time to come. Also, consider whether the mic is fitting and has sockets where you are going to attach it to other devices if any. Ensure that the sockets are compatible with the other devices you are going to use it with.
– Pop filters
The audio quality is paramount in any kind of presentation. Getting a clip mic with pop filters and if possible a windscreen will go a long way to prevent any unwanted sounds during a recording.
– Cable length
Another essential thing to consider is the length of the cable. Again the length will be determined by where you are going to use the mic. The intended audience is significant to take into consideration. If you are going to interview for instance a one-off audience, the cable length should be long enough to reach your audience.
– Price
Price is a determining factor in almost anything that is bought. However, price is relative. It is critical to have a working budget range. When you have a budget range, it will be easier to make a decision as compared to when you do not know how much you are willing to spend.
The prices of a clip microphone are determined by the specs that it has. Make your choice wisely.
Best Sony Lavalier Mics
1. Sony ECM77B
The number one clip mic from Sony in our list is the Sony ECM77B. We have chosen it because it is designed to be inconspicuous such that if you are reporting for a TV, for instance, it will not be seen. You can clip it to your neck-tie or collar and it will not be protruding for viewers to see it.
It is a condenser kind of microphone with omnidirectional voice reception. Besides that, the Sony ECM77B comes with an XLR connector.
It can be powered either by size AA batteries or phantom power. The dynamics of Sony ECM77B are impressive. It comes with a windscreen but lacks a pop filter so it can be disturbed by external voices.
In terms of tone quality, Sony ECM77B stands apart. The exceptionally crisp and clear tone makes it the number one choice for most news reporters. What’s more, Sony ECM77B is made from high-quality material. Therefore, durability is a guarantee.
Moreover, Sony ECM77B is available at a reasonable price so you will not have to break the bank to own it.
Pros
- Durable
- Excellent audio quality
- Concealable
- Battery or phantom powered
- Impressive dynamics
Cons
- Lacks pop filter so can be affected by background noise
2. Sony ECM88B
Are you looking for a discreet, highly sensitive clip microphone with a dual-diaphragm for professional work? Look no further. The Sony ECM88B is a lavalier mic with high-quality audio quality.
The mic is very easy to conceal but has a great miniature condenser. It comes with a frequency range of between 20Hz and 20 kHz which gives a near-natural sound capturing.
In terms of design, it is very small such that it will not be noticed on the screen if you are a news reporter.
What’s more, the Sony ECM88B has a waterproof ability so you can use it outside without any fear than the fear of getting damaged by water.
The Sony ECM88B comes with a sonic character which makes it to stand apart. It is made from high-quality material so durability is well taken care of.
Other outstanding features of Sony ECM88B is the exceptional noise handling and flat frequency characterizes. The voice clarity is very crispy and it will not disappoint whether you use it inside or outside.
This clip microphone is powered by the phantom power supply. Also, it comes with a male 3-pin XLR connector.
Pros
- Durable
- Powered by phantom power
- Compact and sleek design
- Excellent audio quality
- Flat and wide frequency range
- Waterproof design
- Can be used both inside and outside
- Comes with a sonic character
Cons
- None to note
3. Sony ECM-44
When compared to the other lavalier mics on our list today, the Sony ECM-44 is a step higher than the rest. Why? Because it is an XLR connector which implies you must use a USB interface, mixer, or a zoom recorder. All these are portable and so you can carry them with you without any inconvenience.
Besides that, the Sony ECM-44 comes with 2 metal clips. One clip is meant for a single mic while the other one is meant for a dual clip lavalier mic.
The cable is thick and sturdy so it will not get cut easily. Moreover, the Sony ECM-44 is battery powered.
In terms of the audio quality, the Sony ECM-44 has a clean and near-natural voice quality. However, it does not have a pop filter so it might capture background sounds if any.
When it comes to design, it is sleek and compact. Therefore, you can clip it to your collar or neck-tie and it will not be seen on the screen.
Pros
- Durable
- Crispy and clear sound
- Sleek and compact design
- Comes with two metal clips
- Uses the XLR connector
- Value for money
- Appropriately priced
- Good cable quality
Cons
- Not ideal for use outside
- The cable is not detachable
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4. Sony Integrated Digital Wireless Bodypack
Are you a news reporter who’s always on the go? Then you need a wireless bodypack lavalier mic. We bring you the Sony Integrated Digital Wireless Bodypack which you can use on the go without wires running down your back.
However, the use of Sony Integrated Digital Wireless Bodypack is similar to its wired counterparts but the only merit is no dangling wires. The wireless connection gives you mobility and flexibility without chances of getting entangled by wires.
You can clip the sender of the Sony Integrated Digital Wireless Bodypack on your belt while the receiver remains with your sound guy. If you are filming, this mic gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility which wired mics cannot afford.
In terms of audio quality, just like the other mics that we have highlighted above, Sony Integrated Digital Wireless Bodypack has an exceptional voice quality. It has a sound frequency range of up to 20,000 Hz. In addition to that, it is omnidirectional which means it can receive sound waves from any direction.
It is powered by 4 size AA batteries. The battery can run u to 8 hours for the bodypack and 6 hours for the receiver. Therefore, the battery is sufficient to help you through a normal day’s work.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Battery-powered
- Flexible and mobile
- Excellent audio quality
- Wireless
- Wide frequency response
- Omnidirectional mic
Cons
- None to note
Conclusion
When you do not want to be waving a handled microphone on the face of your subject, a lavalier mic is the best solution. Apart from that, they are concealable so it will not be seen on the screen. Also, the clip mics are mounted just below the mouth of the speaker, it captures better audio quality. They also offer free hand movements for those speakers that love using gestures while speaking.
Therefore, whether you are into the news industry, Youtuber, or sound engineer, there is a lavalier mic that will suit your needs. The 4 best sony lavalier mics that we have reviewed in this post are a great selection to get the job done.
All the mics that we have listed here are great, but we would like to recommend the Sony Integrated Digital Wireless Bodypack because it is flexible and mobile thus giving you the freedom to record your audios on the go.