Guide

Wireless Presenter Microphone Systems (Lavalier)

Updated

A wireless presenter microphone system is a clip-on lavalier mic wired to a small bodypack transmitter, plus a receiver that outputs the presenter's voice to a mixer, speakers or a computer. The Shure BLX14/CVL is a common example: a BLX1 bodypack, a BLX4 receiver and a CVL lavalier mic. To use one in video meetings, route the receiver into a DSP or USB audio interface so the presenter is heard both in the room and on the call.

Wireless Presenter Microphone Systems (Lavalier)
A wireless presenter system pairs a lavalier mic and bodypack with a receiver that feeds room speakers and the call. How it works and how to connect it.

What's in the box

Part What it does
Lavalier mic Clips to a shirt or lapel, 6-8 inches below the mouth
Bodypack transmitter Clips to a belt, sends audio by radio, runs on batteries
Receiver Picks up the signal and outputs XLR or 1/4-inch line or mic level audio

Some systems also offer a headset mic, which stays at a fixed distance from the mouth and gives more consistent level for active presenters.

Lavalier vs handheld vs headset

Mic Best for Notes
Lavalier Lectures, trainings, hands-free presenting Discreet; level changes when the head turns
Headset Fitness, worship, active presenters Most consistent sound and feedback resistance
Handheld Audience Q&A, panels Easy to pass around

How to connect it to a call

A wireless receiver has no echo cancellation and no USB on most entry-level models. Two common setups:

Simple (one presenter, small training room):

  1. Connect the receiver's output to a USB audio interface.
  2. Select the interface as the microphone in Teams or Zoom on the room PC.
  3. Keep a separate speakerphone or video bar for far-end audio, and mute its mics if they cause doubled audio.

This works, but without shared echo cancellation, remote participants may hear themselves when the room speakers are loud.

Proper (rooms used regularly):

  1. Connect all wireless receivers to a DSP with acoustic echo cancellation.
  2. Send the DSP output to the room PC over USB and to the room's speakers or PA.
  3. Feed far-end audio back into the DSP as the echo-cancellation reference.

See auditorium video conferencing for the full signal flow, and daisy-chaining conference microphones for adding mics to room systems.

Frequencies and batteries

  • In the US, wireless mic users must operate in allowed bands. Many UHF systems are sold in several frequency versions; buy the one suited to your area and check the manufacturer's US frequency guidance.
  • If several systems run in the same building, plan frequencies so they don't interfere.
  • Use fresh or rechargeable batteries before every session. Low batteries cause dropouts.

Mic placement tips

  • Clip the lavalier at the center of the chest, about a hand's width below the chin.
  • Keep it clear of jewelry, lanyards and collars that rustle.
  • Point omnidirectional lavs anywhere; aim cardioid ones toward the mouth.
  • Walk the room with the system on to find dead spots and feedback points before the session.

Pair it with a tracking camera

A presenter who walks around needs a camera that can follow. The Poly Studio E60 offers presenter tracking, and PTZ presets on AVer cameras let an operator switch shots quickly. See auto-tracking conference cameras.

When you don't need a wireless mic

For seated meetings, a ceiling or table mic covers everyone hands-free. The AVer FONE700 ceiling speakerphone with DSP hub is one option. See wireless conference room microphones and ceiling microphones.

Adding presenter audio to a training room? Tell us how the room is used and we'll plan the mics and DSP.

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