In this exercise, students will simulate a live televsion talk show. The object is to learn how to mix at least three lavaliers, without excessive echo caused by keeping all the mics completely open at the same time. It is also an exercise in learning how to rig lavaliers on talent in a professionally accepted manner.
Three students will play the roles of Host and two Guests. The two Guests would be seated shoulder to shoulder in a tight arrangement. The Host would be at the end, facing them. Imagaine an L-shaped set.
Scene opens on the Host doing the welcome to the (home) viewers, and then introduces the two Guests. At first, just let the sound mixer get used to only one talent speaking at a time. Then escalate things so that there is active overlap between the three parties.
Hardwired Lavaliers, clipped to outside of clothing using tie bars
Announce earlier in the week that students need to wear (or bring) button up shirts, sports coats, or cardigan sweaters on day of class.Tie bars do not work on T-shirts!
Stress the importance of using a proper newsmans loop when using a tiebar for mounting the lavs. Cables must NOT be visible on camera, but tucked discreetly behind clothing. Power supplies and XLR connections should be secured on talent, so that they can just be plugged in to waiting XLR mic cables, or disconnected so that talent can leave the set area.
Never allow the students to use the thin, fragile lavalier wires as "extension cords"; teach them to contain the whole lavalier power supply on talent and to use a sturdy XLR cable attached to the ankle or back of Talent to connect them to the mixer.
Hardwired Lavaliers, hidden under clothing
Depending on the maturity of the students, this part of the exercise is optional. To begin with, announce that no students will be forced to be wired under clothing -- it is strictly volunteer! Only students of the same sex should rig each other. Coeds should be offered a private area to work in, away from the gaze of the whole class.
The students have the opportunity to rig each other using the sticky triangle technique and the Moleskin-safety pin methods. Pay attention to the proper use of the tied off loop under the mic head, and the use of the strain relief strips of tape. Listen for clothing noise and cable noise.