Microphone Types for Events: Handheld, Lavalier, Headset and Lectern

Most people only think about the microphone when the toast starts. Then the best man holds it at his chest, the officiant's lavalier rubs on a lapel and the panelists share one mic that no one wants to pass. The right type for each role avoids most of that. This guide compares the four common types and explains how to pick for weddings, galas and corporate events.

The four types

Each has a pickup pattern, which describes which directions it hears. Most speech mics are directional. They favor sound in front, which helps reduce feedback and room noise.

Choosing by event role

Weddings

• Officiant: a lavalier or headset. Hands-free lets them hold a book.
• Couple: a lavalier on one of the pair, or a mic stand pickup at the altar. Their vows are quiet, so the mic needs to be near.
• Toasts: one handheld, passed. Brief each speaker.
• Readers: a gooseneck or stand mic at the lectern.

Corporate and nonprofit

• Keynote speaker: a headset or lavalier, so they can walk.
• Panels: one handheld per panelist, or lavaliers, with an assigned mic runner for the audience.
• Awards and galas: a lectern mic plus a handheld for the emcee. See corporate stage lighting for matching light.

Wired or wireless?

Wired mics are the most reliable. They never run out of batteries or suffer radio interference. Wireless mics are free to move but add battery and frequency risks. Professional wireless systems pick channels carefully to avoid interference, and in the United States wireless microphone rules are regulated by the FCC, which has changed the bands wireless mics may use over the years. Ask your AV vendor to confirm their equipment is legal and current, and avoid cheap unlicensed systems for a big event.

Dressing for a lavalier

A clip-on mic needs somewhere to clip and somewhere to hide the transmitter pack. Tell the people who will wear one a few days ahead. A suit jacket, a shirt placket or a lapel works well. A strapless gown or a sleeveless dress is harder, since there is nothing to clip to and no pocket for the pack. In that case the sound tech may use tape on skin or a thigh strap, or switch to a handheld or a stand mic. Ask the person to wear a belt or waistband, and let the tech place the mic about 6 to 8 inches below the chin, centered on the chest.

Common mistakes

• Holding a handheld mic like an ice cream cone. Hold it near the mouth, below the lips, pointed at the mouth.
• Wearing a lavalier under a scarf, necklace or collar. The rustle is picked up. Clip it to a lapel or placket, away from jewelry.
• No gain check. Test with the actual speaker and voice.
• No spares. Bring spare mics and batteries.
• Mic in front of a speaker. This causes feedback; see sound systems for speeches.

Power and batteries

Wireless mics run on batteries, most commonly AA. Start each event with new ones, and keep spares at the sound table. Receivers need power, so put them on their own outlet. Review the power needs checklist.

Chicago notes

Chicago has many churches, lofts and hotel ballrooms with hard surfaces that cause echo. A headset or lavalier keeps the mic close to the mouth and helps in echoing rooms. Some venues restrict wireless frequencies or require their own AV crew, so ask.

Get every voice heard

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will plan audio alongside seating and layout, or request a quote.