Audio Gear

Interview Lavalier Microphone Setup: Single vs Dual-Channel

Interview audio has one requirement most other filmmaking audio doesn't: two people talking, often at different volumes and distances from camera, both needing clean, separate audio. A single lavalier mic setup, built for one speaker, is the wrong tool here. What you actually need is either a dual-channel wireless system or two single-channel transmitters run together.

Dual-channel wireless systems

A dual-channel system, like the two-transmitter kits from Rode's Wireless GO line, DJI's Mic series, or Saramonic's Blink series, pairs two separate clip-on transmitters (one per person) with a single receiver that records both to independent tracks. This means you can adjust each person's volume separately in editing, which matters when an interviewer speaks softly and a subject speaks loudly, or the reverse.

This is the standard setup for one-on-one interviews, panel discussions with two speakers, and any format where both people need clean, adjustable audio.

Single-channel systems for one-sided interviews

If only one person (typically the interview subject) needs a lav mic, and the interviewer's voice is either edited out or captured on a separate boom mic overhead, a single-channel wireless transmitter and receiver covers it. This is simpler to set up and cheaper, but only fits interviews where you don't need the second voice on its own clean track.

Wired lav mics for a fixed interview setup

For interviews shot in a fixed location, like a studio or set chair that doesn't move, a wired lavalier mic running straight into a camera or recorder works fine and skips battery management entirely. Rode's Lavalier II and similar wired options connect via TRS for camera or TRRS for phone-based interview recording. The tradeoff is the cable itself, which limits how far someone can move without unplugging.

Setting up a full interview kit, camera included? The Filmmaking Gear Starter Checklist covers audio, lighting, and camera gear together by budget.

Mounting for two people

Clip each mic 6-8 inches below the chin, centered on the chest, on both subjects. If one person wears a scarf, tie, or loose jacket, route the mic under the outer layer but above any fabric that will rustle against it when they move or gesture, which happens more than people expect during a real conversation.

Backup audio matters more in interviews than anywhere else

Because an interview usually can't be reshot (the subject may not be available again), running a backup is worth the small extra effort. Options include a second boom mic recording overhead independent of the lav mics, or a wireless system that records a local backup copy directly on the transmitter, in addition to sending the live signal to the receiver.

A mistake worth avoiding

Running two people through a single-channel system by having them share one mic, or by capturing them both on one track, makes independent volume and noise fixes in post much harder. If both voices matter individually, pay for the dual-channel setup.

Setting gain levels before the interview starts

Ask both people to speak at their normal volume during a quick sound check, not their "on-camera" voice, since people often speak louder once recording starts. Set gain so the loudest expected moment (a laugh, an emphasized point) doesn't clip, leaving headroom rather than maxing out the level for the quiet moments.

FAQ

Should the interviewer and subject use the same brand of lav mic? It helps but isn't required. What matters more is matching channel type (both wired, both wireless, or a compatible mixed setup) and making sure both mics are set to a similar gain level so neither voice sounds dramatically louder in the edit.

What if the interview moves to a second location mid-session? Wireless systems handle this better than wired, since there's no cable to reroute. If you're on a wired setup and need to move, budget extra time to unclip, move, and reclip both mics rather than assuming it's a quick change.

For the category overview, start at lavalier microphone. If your interviews happen on a phone, iphone audio recorder covers the hardware that helps there. For recorder pairing, check best audio recorder.

Wired vs. wireless for a sit-down interview

A sit-down interview where the subject doesn't move is the one situation where a wired lavalier is often the better choice over wireless, not a compromise. Wired removes any risk of a wireless dropout or interference ruining a take you can't easily re-ask, and it costs less for the same audio quality. Save wireless for interviews where the subject needs to walk, gesture freely away from a recorder, or move between locations during the same conversation.

Placement height changes the sound more than the mic choice

Where you clip the lavalier on a subject's chest matters as much as which mic you buy. Too high, near the collarbone, and the voice sounds thin; positioned correctly, roughly six to eight inches below the chin, most lavaliers sound noticeably fuller. Clothing type affects this too: a stiff collar or heavy jacket dampens high frequencies more than a soft shirt does. Spend a minute checking placement on a real subject before a shoot rather than assuming any clip position works the same.