Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Build Miniature Lavalier Microphones

Although the first device to amplify sound was invented in 1827 by Sir Charles Wheatstone, the first electronic microphone was invented in E.E. Went in the 1920's. As technology advanced, the size of the microphone gradually decreased. Lavalier microphones are used in television by news anchors, hosts and guests. The miniature lavalier microphones are worn on the lapels of shirts or upper garments, because the microphones are easily hidden from view.

Things You'll Need

Condenser microphone element
1/8-inch audio jack
Wire stripper
Electrical tape
Super glue
Alligator clip

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the back of the microphone. The side with solder across the metal casing is the negative charge side. The side without solder is the positive charge side.
- 2
  Strip the 1/4-inch from the ends of the audio jack wires, using a wire stripper. Squeeze the rubber coating and pull the coating from the wires. The audio jack has two external wires. Inside each of the external wires are two internal wires.
- 3
  Examine the internal wires. The exposed internal wire is the positive charge wire. The covered internal wire is the negative.
- 4
  Connect the two positive charge wires of the audio jack to the positive charge wire on the back of the microphone. Twist the exposed ends of the wires together and wrap them with electrical tape. Connect the two negative charge wires of the audio jack to the negative charge wire on the back of the microphone. Twist the exposed ends of the wires together and wrap them with electrical tape.
- 5
  Glue one side of an alligator clip to the side of the microphone's metal casing, using super glue. Let the glue dry for 10 seconds.
- 6
  Insert the audio jack into your recording device. Clip the alligator clip and microphone to your lapel.

Other Hobbies