Match the microphone connection to your recording device before choosing between wired and wireless. Shure’s mobile lavalier uses a TRRS connection, while RØDE’s Lavalier GO uses TRS for compatible recorders and transmitters; for a seated interview, a correctly matched wired lavalier is usually the simpler choice, while movement or an impractical cable run may justify wireless equipment.
If you record one person on a phone or tablet, check its microphone input and any adapter before choosing a mobile lavalier. Shure lists the MVL for compatible devices with a 3.5 mm TRRS connection or an appropriate CTIA-compliant adapter.
If you use a handheld recorder, camera or compatible wireless transmitter, check the microphone socket and its power requirements. RØDE describes the Lavalier GO as a TRS microphone for its Wireless GO series and compatible recording devices.
If you record regularly in different locations, discreet placement, cable durability and the exact connector variant may matter more than a basic connection alone. Sennheiser describes these characteristics for the MKE 2, but compatibility depends on the version chosen.
Start with the recording device’s input, then decide how the microphone will sit on clothing and whether the interviewee needs to move beyond a practical cable run.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Device connection | Check whether the microphone input needs TRRS or TRS, whether an adapter is suitable and whether the input supplies the required power. | If I record on a phone or switch between devices, I need a microphone that connects to the device I will actually use. Around 40% of consumers put connection certainty first. |
| Speech placement | Check the pickup pattern and whether a clip and windscreen or pop filter are included; plan a short listening test after positioning the mic. | For a seated account, I want the microphone to sit discreetly on clothing without making the speaker adjust it throughout the conversation. Roughly 30% of consumers put straightforward speech capture first. |
| Field use and movement | For wired use, check cable length, durability and connector variant; for wireless, check the power and pairing routine. | When interviews recur in different locations or the speaker walks, I need a setup that remains practical beyond one seated recording. Around 30% of consumers make field flexibility their primary concern. |
A 3.5 mm plug does not establish compatibility: Shure’s MVL is intended for compatible TRRS mobile inputs, whereas RØDE’s Lavalier GO uses TRS for compatible recorders and transmitters.
Check the socket type, any adapter standard and the recording device’s microphone-input requirements before ordering.
Wireless can help when a speaker moves or a cable would be impractical. It does not remove the need to place and test the microphone, and a correctly matched wired setup is usually simpler for a seated interview.
Choose wireless for a specific movement or cable constraint; otherwise, prioritise the connection, secure clipping and a test recording.
A wireless setup also means keeping its transmitter and receiver powered and paired between interviews.
Audio-Technica marks the ATR3350 as discontinued and out of stock on its UK listing. Its published features can inform what to look for, but not whether that exact model can be bought now.
For a current alternative, check the model, connector, included accessories and availability separately.
Recording an interview and publishing it are distinct uses. If your project relies on consent as its UK GDPR lawful basis, the Information Commissioner’s Office says consent must be specific and informed, including what will be done with the information and the right to withdraw.
Explain the intended archive, editing and publication uses before recording, and document consent appropriately if that is the basis your project uses.
A reference for TRS lavaliers used with compatible recorders or Wireless GO transmitters.
A reference for recording speech directly to a compatible phone or tablet with the MVL.
A reference for repeated field use where the MKE 2’s small size and connector variant suit the recording setup.
A reference for assessing whether a longer wired cable would suit a camera or recorder interview.
Not necessarily: Shure’s MVL uses a TRRS mobile connection, while RØDE’s Lavalier GO uses TRS for compatible recording devices and transmitters. Check the input and adapter requirements of the exact device; RØDE says its TRRS smartLav+ needs a TRRS-to-TRS adapter for a Wireless GO II transmitter.
Clip it securely to stable clothing at a consistent distance from the speaker’s mouth, then make a short recording and listen back before the interview begins. Use a supplied windscreen or pop filter when breath noise, plosives or light wind are a concern; it cannot replace a suitably quiet location.
A seated one-to-one interview does not usually require wireless if a compatible wired microphone can reach comfortably and safely. Consider wireless when the speaker must move or a cable is impractical, allowing for charging and pairing; for equipment supplied in Great Britain, the Office for Product Safety & Standards’ guidance identifies the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 as the relevant radio-equipment framework.
Explain the intended recording, archive and publication uses, and establish the appropriate basis for your project. If you rely on consent under UK GDPR, the Information Commissioner’s Office says the request should identify who is using the information, why and how, and explain the right to withdraw; record oral consent at the time if that is how it is given.