EQ Basics for Your On-Ear Lavalier
4 Tips to Get Started
The sound quality of an EMBRACE on-ear lavalier can be remarkably transparent. While the mic appears far from the mouth, it is often closer to the mouth than a lapel-worn microphone. Every audio system is unique, with its sound performance influenced by the speaker’s voice, room acoustics, and loudspeaker placement—all playing a critical role.
1. Acoustic Characteristics
Acoustic characteristics, such as echo or reflections can impact audio clarity in negative ways. If your space has reverberation and echoes that are not suitable for your specific performance criteria, acoustic absorption treatment can help mitigate these negative effects.
2. Speaker Setup
Proper loudspeaker placement is essential to avoid feedback. Keeping the loudspeaker’s coverage areas focused on the listeners and avoiding the presenter will help mitigate feedback.
3. Sound System Adjustments
Microphone Sensitivity For speech applications, our higher sensitivity EO-8WLh omnidirectional on-ear lavalier is recommended. For stronger vocals the EO-8WL offers a lower sensitivity, but higher max SPL. And for the widest dynamic range in professional applications select the EO-9WL.
Transmitter Sensitivity Adjusting the sensitivity settings on your transmitter is key to ensuring your signal to noise ratio is acceptable as well as having the microphone capture audio without distortion.
Receiver Output Confirm the output level of the wireless receiver is matched to the Input level of your sound system. This can also provide you with a good signal-to-noise ratio as well as linear gain control.
Console Adjustments With any new tool or microphone placement, it is generally good practice to start with your input channel equalization flat. After you get your gain settings set, then you can adjust the EQ to fit your spectral preferences.
Microphone Placement The Embrace on-ear lavalier has several wearing styles. Extending the mic from the front of the Embrace mount in the over-the-ear brings the mic closer to the mouth. Alternatively, wearing the under-the-ear can get the mic even closer to the source and aide in achieving a better gain before feedback ratio.
4. Initial EQ Settings
As with all microphones and audio system setups, EQ adjustments are key to tailor them to the mic user and the space. Here are some settings to get you started:
- LOWER the sensitivity on the body-pack transmitter
- RAISE the wireless receiver's output slightly
- LOWER the preamp level on the console
You'll likely need to tweak all three levels to achieve optimal sound quality, but this process ensures that the mic performs well in your unique environment. If the acoustics or loudspeaker configuration in your space still present gain before feedback challenges, consider using a traditional boom headset mic like our omni GO-9WD headset mic, CO-8WD headset mic or the cardioid CR-8D headset mic.