Sound Guidance For The Wardrobe And Production Department

Getting good quality production sound is not alway possible with boom microphones and it is often more practical to hide Lavalier radio mics in the performers clothing. One of the downsides to this is that the microphones often pick up clothing rustle or that the clothing rubs against the microphone itself. In order to minimise these problems it is helpful if the actors concerned, and the wardrobe/production department observe the following list of "dos and don'ts" where practicably possible.

  

DOs:   Cotton is by far the best material to wear as it has the least chance of creating rustling sound on its own.

For men, polo shirts are a good choice for casual wear and can be used in most environments. Thin T-shirts can be a problem as they often show the mic placement, thicker ones are better. Dress shirts can be good as long as they are not starched. Again, cotton is preferred over polyester, and plain rather than embroidered. Men with chest hair would help by shaving,

Heavy jumpers and sweaters can be a problem as the fabric blocks high frequencies. 

For women most cotton blouses are good if they allow a mic to be placed on the skin usually on the sternum. Optimum mic placement is in the cleavage or pinned to the bra where the cups join. Avoid lace bras if possible as the coarse material will be heard rubbing against the neighbouring layer of clothing.

If the actors can bring a cotton undershirt or vest along this can sometimes help with placement. 

DON'Ts:   Silks, nylon, and heavy wool garments can be a real problem. They create a rubbing sound that can even be picked up by boom mics at close quarters, let alone on a Lav mic a few inches away. Similarly, embossed t-shirts, or t-shirts with plastic iron-on designs can be a problem. T-shirts with high necklines can be difficult as the mic needs to be placed low down on the chest and will probably be visible under the shirt. Starched shirts and other garments can also generate noise. Extremely thin material can show mic cables unless the cable can be hidden by taping along the seams. Jewelry such as heavy pendant necklaces and wrist bangles can be a source of noise problems as well.

The radio transmitter will be placed out of sight, in a pocket, on the belt or waistband, or on the bra strap of the actor. Alternatively a pouch on a velcro belt can be used around the waist or thigh, where there are no suitable places on the actors clothing. This is usually the case with long evening dresses and saris.
Soft fabric ties are better than synthetics such as polyester, which can prove to be a source of noise problems.

Where tape is used to secure the mic cable to skin, such as when routing the cable under a bra, Micropore or Transpore medical tape is used that is designed to be used on skin and has hypo-allergenic properties.

Period costume pose many additional problems which need careful consideration and discussions with the sound department ahead of production could prove beneficial.

For scenes that involve the actors performing dynamic movements such as action/fight scenes, scuffles, embraces, crawling, running, rolling on the floor, or carrying shoulder bags or rucksacks, there may be no alternative other than to use a boom mic. Meetings with the sound department ahead of production can help highlight any mic placement issues that may occur in advance of the shoot. It takes up precious production time hiding microphones on set and in actors clothing so plan your shoot to allow for this prep time.