Who each setup suits

Recording directly to a phone or tablet

If you want to make the greeting on a portable device, start with its microphone input. A TRRS lavalier needs a compatible headset socket or an appropriate adapter.

Recording on a computer or USB-C device

A wired USB-C lavalier offers a direct connection when the computer or mobile device accepts USB-C audio input. Check that your recording app produces a file the telephone system will accept.

Using a recorder or existing wireless system

A TRS lavalier may suit a compatible recorder or wireless transmitter. If you need to move away from the recording device, also plan for wireless-system power and operating conditions.

What matters when choosing

Identify the recording device’s input before comparing microphones. Then decide whether you can record beside that device or need the freedom of a wireless system.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Device connection Confirm whether the recording device accepts USB-C audio, a 3.5 mm TRRS headset mic, or a 3.5 mm TRS mic. Check any required adapter against the exact device. If I am making the greeting on my own phone or recorder, I need a microphone that connects to it, not merely a plug that fits its socket. Around 45% of consumers put device compatibility first.
Wired or wireless use Decide whether the speaker must move away from the recorder. For wireless, check the receiver connection, stated battery runtime and operating band. When I need to move while delivering takes, I want to know how the wireless system will fit into the session. Mobility and reliable operation come first for around 33% of consumers.
Speech in the room Check for a secure clip and a suitable windscreen or pop filter. Make a test recording while the rehearsal room is quiet. If instruments or other people may be audible, I need a workable moment to record and a take I can listen back to before uploading. Clear spoken delivery is the primary concern for around 22% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming any 3.5 mm plug will work

    TRS and TRRS plugs can look similar but use different connections. RØDE’s connection guidance identifies this difference as a common cause of microphone connection problems.

    Check the recording device’s exact microphone input, then choose the matching lavalier or a compatible adapter.

    An adapter or audio interface may be needed for the connection you choose.

  • Choosing wireless for a stationary take

    Wireless lets the speaker move away from the recording device, but adds a transmitter, receiver and radio operating conditions. It does not, on its own, make an active rehearsal room quiet.

    If you can stand beside the device for the greeting, consider a compatible wired connection before adding a wireless system.

    Allow time to charge and check the wireless equipment before recording.

  • Expecting the lavalier to remove room sound

    A wearable microphone does not guarantee that instruments, other people or clothing movement will be absent from the recording.

    Record during a quiet interval, secure the clip and listen to a short test take before approving the greeting.

  • Overlooking wireless operating conditions

    The rules relevant to a wireless microphone in the UK depend on its operating band and intended use; a suitable connection to the recorder is not the only consideration.

    Check the system’s frequency and planned use against current Ofcom guidance on licence-exempt operation and programme-making and special events before transmitting.

Relevant brands for reference

RØDE

A reference point for a 3.5 mm TRS recorder connection or a compatible Wireless GO transmitter.

  • RØDE specifies Lavalier GO for compatible TRS microphone inputs that provide plug-in power. Lavalier II has a locking TRS connector and an accessory kit that includes a pop filter.
  • Do not assume either TRS model connects directly to a phone’s TRRS headset input; check the complete connection first.

Shure

The MVL is a phone- or tablet-led option where the portable device has a compatible 3.5 mm TRRS input or an appropriate adapter.

  • Shure describes the MVL as an omnidirectional lavalier for portable devices and includes a windscreen.
  • Confirm the device’s headset connection or the adapter’s CTIA compatibility before choosing it.

Sennheiser

Offers a direct wired USB-C lavalier route as well as the XSW-D wireless lavalier set for setups that call for movement.

  • Sennheiser specifies a 2 m cable for the XS Lav USB-C. For the XSW-D set, it states up to 5 hours of battery life on a single charge.
  • Check USB-C audio compatibility for the wired model. The wireless set adds charging and requires the receiver output to suit the recording device.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose TRS, TRRS or USB-C for the greeting?

Choose the connection that matches the device making the recording. A compatible computer or mobile device can use a USB-C lavalier; a compatible phone headset input calls for TRRS; and a suitable recorder or wireless transmitter may use TRS. Check the exact input or adapter before buying, because a physically fitting TRS or TRRS plug may still be wired incorrectly for the device.

Will a lavalier remove rehearsal-room echo and instrument noise?

Do not rely on the lavalier alone to remove room sound. Clip it securely, record during a quiet interval and listen to a test take in the room before settling on the final greeting.

Do I need a UK licence for a wireless lavalier?

The answer depends on the system’s operating band and how it will be used. Ofcom provides guidance on licence-exempt wireless-microphone operation and on programme-making and special events; check the current conditions against your equipment and planned use before transmitting.

Does making a telephone greeting raise data-protection questions?

A greeting recording and the handling of callers’ personal data are different questions. If the business also records, stores or processes callers’ voices, phone numbers or other personal data, Business.gov.uk says it must comply with data-protection law for that handling.

What should I test before uploading the greeting?

Record a short sample with the intended microphone, device and room, then listen for background activity, clothing rustle, breath pops and distortion. Ask the telephone-system provider or administrator which audio-file format and upload process the system requires before making the final file.