Who is recording?

Phone-first interview recorder

You want to record an introduction directly on a smartphone or tablet. Check the phone’s input and any adapter before choosing a lavalier; Shure specifies its MVL for compatible mobile connections.

Camera or recorder user

You are filming with a camera or dedicated recorder and need the lavalier plug to match its microphone input, or the input on an existing wireless transmitter. RØDE and Deity describe different wired connection options.

Mobile interview creator

The speaker needs to move without a cable, or you may record through a phone, camera or computer. Check the connections and recording features of the exact wireless system; RØDE lists these device types for Wireless ME.

What matters when choosing?

For a short interview introduction, start with the recording device, then decide whether a cable will restrict the speaker. These routes differ in how they connect and what they require during recording.

Phone-oriented wired lavalier

Choose when: You record directly into a phone or tablet with a compatible TRRS input or confirmed microphone adapter.

Trade-off: The speaker remains tethered to the device. Shure specifies these connection requirements for its MVL.

Wired lavalier for a camera or recorder

Choose when: The recording input matches the lavalier plug and the cable can reach the speaker.

Trade-off: Cable routing limits movement. RØDE specifies the Lavalier GO’s 3.5 mm TRS plug for matching recording inputs and compatible Wireless GO transmitters.

Compact wireless system

Choose when: The speaker needs cable-free movement and the system connects to your recording device.

Trade-off: Transmitters need charging and a dependable radio link. Onboard recording is available only on models that specify it.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Device connection Match the plug to the device’s microphone input. If using an adapter, confirm that it carries microphone audio. If I record on a phone, camera or recorder, I need a plug that works with that device; around 37% of consumers put connection certainty first.
Simple close-mic setup Check cable reach and the supplied clip or windscreen, then make a short recording to check placement and clothing noise. For a seated introduction, I want the microphone close to the speaker without pairing a transmitter; roughly 36% of consumers prioritise a straightforward wired setup.
Movement and backup Check device cables, battery duration and whether the exact wireless model supports an external lavalier or onboard recording. When the speaker moves, I do not want a cable restricting them; about 27% of consumers make mobility or a model-specific recording backup their primary need.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every 3.5 mm lavalier fits every device

    TRS and TRRS plugs serve different connection paths. RØDE specifies a TRS plug for the Lavalier GO, while Shure specifies a TRRS plug for the MVL.

    Note your recording device’s exact model and input, then check the lavalier plug and whether any required adapter accepts microphone audio.

  • Assuming wireless is automatically more dependable

    A wireless kit removes the cable between speaker and recorder but adds charging, pairing and a radio link. Ofcom lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and wireless microphones among users of the 2.4 GHz band.

    For a stationary introduction, consider whether a cable is manageable. If choosing wireless, charge and test the kit at the recording location.

  • Treating a quoted wireless range as an indoor guarantee

    RØDE quotes a range of over 100 m for Wireless ME, but that figure does not establish how the link will perform around obstacles or other equipment at your location.

    Test the system at the intended speaker-to-recorder distance before the interview.

  • Choosing a lavalier range without checking the variant

    The cited Sennheiser MKE 2 is a specific Black EW variant. The range name alone does not establish which connector will fit your recorder or wireless transmitter.

    Match the full model and connector version to the intended input before ordering.

Brands to consider for this setup

RØDE

Wired lavaliers and compact wireless systems offer different routes for an interview introduction.

  • The Lavalier GO has a 3.5 mm TRS plug for matching inputs; RØDE specifies 2.4 GHz wireless operation and up to seven hours of battery life for Wireless ME.
  • Check the recording-device connection for the exact product. A TRS lavalier should not be assumed to plug directly into a phone’s TRRS input.

Shure

The MVL provides a wired, phone-oriented lavalier option.

  • Shure specifies a 3.5 mm TRRS connector, clothing clip and windscreen for the MVL.
  • It is intended for compatible mobile TRRS inputs or an appropriate CTIA-compliant adapter; check the adapter path for a phone without a 3.5 mm socket.

Deity

The V.Lav is a wired option for users considering several types of 3.5 mm microphone input.

  • Deity says its V.Lav configures its TRRS connector for most 3.5 mm microphone jacks and specifies a 5 m cable.
  • Check compatibility with your particular device, allow for cable routing and note the model’s LR41/AG3 battery requirement.

Sennheiser

The MKE 2 range includes small wired lavaliers for production use.

  • Sennheiser specifies an omnidirectional capsule and moisture-resistant diaphragm for the cited MKE 2.
  • Check the complete connector variant against the intended recorder or transmitter; the cited product is the MKE 2 Black EW.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Should I choose a TRS or TRRS lavalier for an interview introduction?

Choose the plug to match your recording input. Shure’s MVL uses 3.5 mm TRRS for compatible mobile devices, while RØDE’s Lavalier GO uses 3.5 mm TRS for matching recording inputs and compatible Wireless GO transmitters. For a phone without a 3.5 mm socket, confirm that the required adapter accepts microphone audio.

Can I use a wired lavalier with a camera on a tripod?

Yes, if the camera has a compatible microphone input and the cable reaches the speaker safely. Deity specifies a 5 m cable for its V.Lav; route it where nobody will snag it, then make a short test recording with the speaker in position.

Do all wireless systems record a backup inside the transmitter?

No; onboard recording depends on the model. RØDE specifies 32-bit-float onboard recording for Wireless GO (Gen 3), but that feature should not be assumed for Wireless ME or another wireless kit.

Does a 2.4 GHz wireless lavalier need a UK radio licence?

Not necessarily. Ofcom’s licence-exempt guidance, dated 16 March 2023, lists 2400–2483.5 MHz and includes wireless microphones among users of that band. Check the exact system’s frequency and applicable licence-exempt conditions rather than assuming every wireless microphone uses the same rules; the band is also shared with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.