The term "lapel microphone" refers to a small, clip-on device that is used for amplifying sound. The word "lapel" is pronounced /ləˈpɛl/ or "luh-pel", and refers to the part of a jacket or shirt where the microphone is typically worn. The word "microphone" is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrəfoʊn/ or "my-kruh-fohn", and refers to the device that converts sound waves into electrical signals for amplification. Together, the spelling and pronunciation of "lapel microphone" accurately represent the technology and its placement on clothing for optimal audio capture.
A lapel microphone, also known as a lavalier microphone or clip-on microphone, is a small, lightweight microphone that is specifically designed to be clipped onto the lapel or collar of a person's clothing. It is commonly used in broadcasting, presentations, interviews, and other applications where hands-free operation and discreet positioning are required.
The lapel microphone consists of a small capsule element, which is the part that picks up sound, attached to a flexible cable. The cable, usually long enough to reach from the lapel to the transmitter or recording device, is then concealed under the wearer's clothing to maintain an unobtrusive appearance.
Due to its close proximity to the speaker's mouth, a lapel microphone is able to capture clear and focused audio, even in challenging environments with background noise or crowd disturbance. These microphones are typically omnidirectional, meaning they pick up sound equally from all directions, allowing for natural and consistent audio quality.
Lapel microphones are often wireless, connected to a small bodypack transmitter that sends the audio signal to a receiver for further processing or recording. This wireless capability provides greater freedom of movement for the speaker or performer.
In summary, a lapel microphone is a compact and easily wearable microphone designed to be discreetly clipped onto the lapel or collar of a person's clothing, offering hands-free operation and high-quality audio capture for various applications.
The term "lapel microphone" consists of two parts: "lapel" and "microphone".
1. Lapel: The word "lapel" dates back to the mid-19th century and refers to the part of a garment, typically a coat or jacket, that is turned back. It is derived from the Old French word "lapel", meaning "small flap or fold".
2. Microphone: The word "microphone" was coined in the late 19th century and combines the Greek words "mikros" (meaning small) and "phone" (meaning sound or voice), forming "mikrophone", which translates to "small sound" or "small voice". It refers to a device used to amplify and transmit sound.