Who this setup suits

Two-host desk podcasters

Two presenters recording an introduction together may want a microphone for each voice and separate channels for adjusting levels afterwards.

Phone-first solo presenters

A solo presenter can clip on a lavalier and record directly to a phone or tablet, provided the microphone connection suits that device.

Recorder or wireless-system users

Presenters using recording gear or a bodypack transmitter need to match the lavalier’s connector, wiring and power requirements to the exact input.

What matters when choosing

Start with the device that will record the introduction and the number of voices you need to keep separate. The connection routes below involve different equipment and setup demands.

Wired phone lavalier

Choose when: One presenter records to a phone or tablet with a compatible 3.5 mm TRRS input or confirmed adapter.

Trade-off: A phone-oriented TRRS microphone cannot be assumed to work directly with a TRS wireless transmitter.

Wired lavalier for recording gear

Choose when: The recorder, audio interface, camera or bodypack accepts the particular lavalier and supplies the power it needs.

Trade-off: A 3.5 mm TRS plug alone does not establish compatibility with every transmitter or recording input.

Dual-channel wireless system

Choose when: Two presenters need individual microphones and a recording workflow that preserves separate channels.

Trade-off: Transmitters add charging and pairing, while wireless operation requires attention to interference and UK radio-use conditions.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Speech at a shared desk Check the pickup pattern and make a short recording with both speakers seated in place; listen for nearby speech and desk noise. With a co-host close by, I want my introduction to remain clear without assuming their voice or the room will disappear. Around 40% of consumers put shared-space clarity first.
Input compatibility Identify the device’s microphone input and confirm its connector, wiring and any adapter or plug-in-power requirement. If I already record on a phone or other device, I need a microphone that works with that input rather than one that merely has a similar-looking plug. Roughly 30% of consumers make connection compatibility their primary concern.
Separate voices Check the number of microphones and transmitters, plus whether the receiving device preserves two discrete channels. When we introduce an episode together, I want to adjust our voices individually afterwards. Around 20% of consumers place separate-channel recording first.
Clothing and cable placement Check the supplied clip, cable length and, for a bodypack, the exact locking-connector fit. For a brief filmed introduction, I want the microphone out of the way without a cable catching on clothing or the desk. About 10% of consumers prioritise discreet, reliable placement.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming all 3.5 mm lavaliers are interchangeable

    Phone-oriented TRRS and microphone-input TRS connections serve different purposes. RØDE specifies a TRRS-to-TRS adapter for connecting its smartLav+ to a Wireless GO II transmitter.

    Identify the recording input first, then confirm the connection path for the exact microphone and device.

    That combination requires an additional adapter.

  • Expecting an omnidirectional mic to isolate one speaker

    Shure explains that an omnidirectional microphone hears in all directions. Clipping one near a presenter does not ensure that a nearby co-host or desk noise will be absent from the recording.

    Record a brief introduction with both speakers in position and change placement or the recording arrangement if unwanted sound remains prominent.

  • Buying one microphone for two independently adjustable voices

    Separate control of two voices calls for a recording path that captures each presenter on an individual channel. RØDE specifies Wireless PRO as a dual-channel system supplied with two Lavalier II microphones.

    Count the presenters and check the system’s channel routing through to the recording device before choosing equipment.

  • Overlooking wireless-frequency conditions

    Ofcom distinguishes licence-exempt wireless-microphone operation from use that can require a licence. Licence-exempt bands may also be shared with other low-power equipment.

    Check the system’s exact UK frequency operation against current Ofcom guidance and the applicable conditions before use.

Brands to consider for these connections

RØDE

Its lavalier and wireless ranges cover different recording connections, from phone input to compatible wireless transmitters.

  • RØDE specifies smartLav+ for TRRS smartphone connections, Lavalier GO for compatible TRS inputs, and Wireless PRO as a dual-channel system supplied with two Lavalier II microphones.
  • These connections are not interchangeable by default; a wireless system also adds charging and configuration.

Shure

The MVL is a phone-oriented lavalier for a compatible mobile-device recording setup.

  • Shure specifies a 3.5 mm TRRS connection and supplies a clothing clip and windscreen with the MVL.
  • Check the actual phone socket or adapter: Shure describes compatibility with most devices using a suitable TRRS jack or CTIA-compliant adapter, not every mobile device.

Sennheiser

The ME 2 is a lavalier intended for compatible Sennheiser wireless bodypack systems.

  • Sennheiser specifies the ME 2 as an omnidirectional speech lavalier for compatible bodypack transmitters.
  • Its 3.5 mm connector does not establish compatibility with an unrelated transmitter or a direct phone input.

Deity Microphones

The W.Lav Pro 3.5 mm is a bodypack-oriented option for a setup requiring its particular locking connection.

  • Deity Microphones specifies a 1.8 m cable and locking 3.5 mm connector for this model.
  • Match the lock and wiring to the exact transmitter rather than relying on connector diameter alone.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Will a lavalier remove room noise and my co-host’s voice?

No. Shure explains that an omnidirectional microphone hears in all directions, so close clipping does not guarantee rejection of nearby speech or room sound. Test the introduction with both presenters seated as they will be when recording.

Can a phone lavalier plug straight into a TRS wireless transmitter?

Not necessarily: the connector wiring must match. For example, RØDE specifies a TRRS-to-TRS adapter for using its phone-oriented smartLav+ with a Wireless GO II transmitter. Check the documentation for your exact microphone and transmitter.

How can two presenters record separate channels?

Give each presenter a microphone and use a system whose routing preserves two channels through to the recording device. RØDE describes Wireless PRO as a dual-channel system supplied with two Lavalier II microphones; check its routing mode and the receiving device before recording.

Does a wireless lavalier need a licence in the UK?

Not every wireless lavalier does, but the answer depends on its frequency and operating conditions. Ofcom distinguishes licence-exempt operation from wireless-microphone use that can require a licence. Check the exact system against current Ofcom guidance before using it.