Can I use any Lapel Mic for my video camera?

Question

Are lapel microphones universal? Or do I need to have a specific lapel mic for a specific video camera? And where do I connect the lapel transmitter to know they are a match?

Answer 1

Some lavaliers (that is what a lapel mic is called) are wired... some are wireless. Those that are wired will connect directly... but there are different types of connectors.

Wired mics (whether lav or "regular") can connect using 1/8" jacks (most common for consumer grade camcorders that do have mic-in jacks... most don't have them... or XLR jacks which are generally used on pro-grade camcorders or PA systems. Some low-end mics use 1/4" jacks.

Wireless mics actually have more wires than wired mics. A lavaliere has a wire to it's body-pack (transmitter). This connects wirelessly to a base station (receiver). The base station typically has a wire for power (unless it is battery powered) and a wire to connect to the camcorder (or mixer or whatever).

If your camcorder has a 1/8" jack, a wireless base station (that can receive an audio feed from a single lav) can be used.

If the base station needs an XLR connector, then you will need an XLR adapter (like those from BeachTek).. then the XLR adpater plugs into the camcorder.

If you are using a Sony camcorder that does not have a 1/8" mic-in jack, get the  Sony VMC-K100 Microphone Adapter for Camcorder Hot Shoe from B&H Photo (they are the only store that carries it - you can't even get it direct from Sony).

If it is any other camcorder that does not have a mic-in jack, there is no way to connect the base station.

I cannot recommend Nady or Samson... Shure, and Audio Technica make good ones.

Answer 2

Most lapel mics are universal, however, there are some that proprietary to the camera.  You will likely need to check with your camera manufacturer to be sure.