Classification of microphones is complex. They are distinguished by the type of conversion to dynamic and capacitor. Condenser microphones are widely or narrowly membrane. They are also classified according to the direction and the field of application (orientation). On this basis, distinguish manual, petty, desktop, remote, "guns" and many other highly specialized types. A hand-held microphone is the most familiar, which is directly associated with the word "microphone". They are widely used on television, in recording studios, etc.
The lapel microphone is used mainly on television. With his help they interview the guests of the studio, they are transmitting. It can be seen in theatrical productions, on television and presentations. Often in various sports (and not only) shows use mikros for petty ones - run around with a microphone in their hands, it is often impossible to perform various tasks, head microphones are not always securely attached, then the buttonholes come to their aid. They provide a sufficiently high quality of voice transmission and deliver a minimum of inconvenience. Characteristic features: small head and attachment in the form of clothespins. The specific way of fastening provides freedom of movement, but also has certain technical requirements.
The microphone attached to the clothing can not be positioned so that the axis of greatest sensitivity is directed to the speaker's mouth (the principle of the action of the directional microphones). Therefore, lapel microphones are not directional and "catch" all extraneous sounds. Manufacturers to cut out extraneous noise built in low-pass filters, which partially corrects the situation. A lapel microphone can be condenser or electret. Both these types provide high-quality speech signal transmission.
One of the main tasks of such devices is the elimination of extraneous noise. Due to the fact that the lapel microphone is attached to clothing, it catches the sounds that create friction clothing. Another problem: the natural resonance of the chest. This significantly reduces the intelligibility of speech, and it is necessary to combat this with a sound engineer on an equalizer.
A quality lapel microphone can transmit speech well, but it can not be recorded at a sufficient level with a song or the instrument does not sound - the characteristics are not the same. Its main task is to transfer the voice with which it copes, and the main advantage is its small size. The smallest device weighs only one gram. It is almost impossible to notice on clothes from a distance of several meters. Such a microphone should be as inconspicuous as possible, therefore it has mostly soft colors. The most common - black, flesh and gray.
By way of signal transmission, the lapel microphone can be wired or radio transmitting. Wired microphones are used if there is no need for movement. To provide mobility, use a buttonhole with a radio transmitter. The transmitter looks like a small box and is usually attached to the back, at the waist level.