Certain recording situations call for the use of a lavalier microphone. This is especially true if you’re recording and filming simultaneously and prefer to keep your hands free but still want to create great audio.
There is no shortage of lav mics to choose from, and a quick search online will pull up thousands of them. But, amongst the best, you’ll find the Movo LV4 & LV8 Lavalier Microphones.
Below, I’ve taken an in-depth look at each model.
Table of Contents
What is a Lavalier Microphone?
Lavalier microphones are small and designed to be discreetly pinned to an item of clothing or a stationary object throughout a recording. However, their size is deceptive, and they can still record high-quality sound despite being so small.
They are also a lot easier to transport between recording sessions, making them an excellent choice for anybody wanting to record from a remote location.
Many people find recording with a lavalier microphone a lot more comfortable too.
Movo LV4 Lavalier Microphone
The Movo LV4 Microphone is a small, powerful, lavalier microphone. One thing that separates it from the crowd is that it is available in two different polar pickup patterns. This allows you to get the best sound for your personal recording needs.
Polar Patterns
The first model of the Movo LV4 Lavalier Microphone to take a look into is the LV4-O. This records an omnidirectional polar pattern, picking up sound from all directions.
The LV4-O would be the best choice for anybody wanting a microphone that focuses on their voice and others, and it’s excellent for interview podcasts or mic-sharing.
The second model is LV4-C. This lavalier microphone records with a cardioid pickup pattern, focusing on sound coming directly in front of the mic. By doing this, it completely blocks out any ambient noise.
This makes it the best choice for any solo podcaster who wants their audience to hear every word they say clearly. It’s also an excellent choice for interviews or group podcasts and will help to prevent any other voices in the room from being recorded.
The two polar pickup patterns are the only differences between the Movo LV4-O & LV4-C.
Frequency Response
Both of the Movo LV4 models have a frequency response of 35Hz-18KHz. This is fairly wide and allows the microphone to record a variety of vocal tones, which it can then produce into smooth, conversational sound.
Again, this makes it an excellent choice for interviewing as you’ll be able to record different voices week after week without worrying about your audio quality being compromised.
Design
We know that lavalier microphones are small on purpose and the Movo LV4 is no exception to this rule. However, one thing that makes it stand out is its durability. The all-metal construction means this lavalier microphone is rugged and can withstand bumps and knocks without getting easily damaged, unlike some plastic counterparts.
It also features a removable lapel clip. This can be used to securely hold the microphone throughout the recording, no matter where you decide to place it.
Cord Length
Each of the Movo LV4 models comes with a generous 6-foot-long cable. This allows you to set yourself up at a reasonable distance from your recording equipment and dramatically reduces any restrictive feeling.
Power
The Movo LV4 lavalier microphone requires 48V Phantom power to function. This is easily achieved by connecting to your recording device through the conveniently located 3-pin XLR port on the mic’s underside.
User experience
According to many positive reviews, the device is of remarkable value for its price. Even users who tend not to use lav microphones were pleasantly surprised by the MOVO LV4-O.
Many users praised this mic’s sound quality, and one person stated it worked perfectly for his video interview.
One user stated that this mic might not be suited for highly professional use, but it can come in handy for most recording purposes. Also, some reviewers said the microphone snapped fairly quickly, so handle it cautiously.
Price & Warranty
This affordable lavalier microphone would be a great choice for anybody on a budget. It’s also a good option for anybody new to sound recording, as it will allow you to find out what works best for you without spending a fortune.
A 12-month warranty backs the durability and performance of the Movo LV4. This also gives you that extra bit of value for money.
Movo LV8 Lavalier Microphone
Let’s move on to the Movo LV8. As with the LV-4, you’ve also got the choice of two different models depending on the polar pattern best suited for your recording needs.
Polar Pattern
The first of these is the Movo LV8-C. This uses a cardioid polar pattern to pick up sound from a 180º arc directly in front of the microphone while ensuring no ambient noise appears on your recording.
So, if you’re looking for a lavalier microphone that will isolate you or your guest’s vocals and ensures that every word is picked up clearly, the LV8-C would be a great choice.
Your second available option is the Movo LV8-D. This mic records with an omnidirectional polar pattern, picking up sounds from all directions. It’s ideal for mic-sharing during an interview or for any recording where you’d like to pick up ambient noise alongside your vocals.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of the Movo LV8 is the same as the LV4. You might be wondering why this hasn’t been upgraded. Well, the simple fact is that it didn’t need to be!
A 35Hz-18KHz frequency response is wide enough to produce smooth sound across various vocal tones. Lavalier microphones are, first and foremost, designed for speaking into, after all, so you wouldn’t need anything wider than this frequency response to get great results.
Design
The Movo LV8 has been designed with an all-brass construction. This makes it super durable and capable of withstanding life on the road without getting damaged easily.
It also features a lapel clip to keep the microphone in place throughout your recording. This lapel clip also gives you more versatility over your setup, allowing you to place the microphone in various locations and positions for optimal performance.
Cord Length
You get an extra 0.5 feet of cable length with the Movo LV8, giving you a total of 6.5 feet. This gives you even more of an opportunity to set your microphone up at a fair distance from your recording device and move freely as you speak.
Power
Like the LV4, the Movo LV8 needs to be connected to 48V Phantom power. This can be achieved by connecting to your recording device through the XLR port and, with the extra 0.5 feet of cable, is easier than ever before.
User experience
The Movo LV8 microphone has received mostly positive reviews on Amazon. One user stated it was the perfect alternative to a boom mic and one of the best streaming mics for the price.
Another user used this microphone for filming, and he described the audio quality as “clear and balanced with a warmth to it.”
However, some users complained that this mic picks up more background noise than intended, which can be a dealbreaker for some people.
Additional Accessories
So you might have noticed that the Movo LV4 and the Movo LV8 are relatively similar. However, one thing that separates them is the additional accessories that the LV8 comes with.
The first of these is a foam windscreen. This can be placed over the mic’s head, and when worn outside, it will help reduce the wind noise on your recording.
There is also a super handy carrying pouch included with the Movo LV8. This gives you somewhere safe to store the microphone and its accessories when it’s not in use. It also helps to protect it further when you’re transporting it between locations.
Price & Warranty
The Movo LV8 is marginally more expensive than the LV4, but it is still affordable and would suit a more experienced podcaster or sound engineer working on a budget.
It also includes a 12-month warranty, so you’ll be able to rest assured that, in the unlikely event of something going wrong, you’ll be covered for repair or replacement.
Final Word
Having broken down these great microphones and examined each of their features, there isn’t anything too dissimilar between them.
Both are available with different polar patterns, but the LV8 comes with some accessories that might be better suited for somebody with a little more experience with sound recording. The inclusion of a foam windscreen definitely makes it a better choice for anybody looking to record outdoors.
Both are powerful and affordable lavalier microphones that would be valuable to any podcaster’s arsenal.
